Privacy

Privacy is a fundamental value at Sound Youth Counselling Inc. We prioritize the confidentiality and security of personal information entrusted to us, and are dedicated to responsibly collecting, utilizing, and disclosing personal data only as required for our counselling services. The following information describes our privacy policies.

What is Personal Information?

Personal information includes details about an identifiable individual, including various aspects such as personal characteristics (like gender and age), health-related information (like health history and conditions), and opinions or views expressed by an individual. It is important to note that personal information differs from business-related data and is protected under privacy legislation.

Who We Are

Sound Youth Counselling Inc. comprises a team of clinical and administrative professionals committed to safeguarding the privacy of personal information. We may engage consultants and agencies, like accountants and lawyers, who may access personal information in the course of their duties; however, we ensure limited access and adherence to strict privacy principles.

Reasons We Collect Personal Information: Primary Purposes

For Clients

Our collection, use, and disclosure of personal information aim to serve our clients effectively by providing tailored treatment and support. This includes gathering details about health history, cognitive, behavioural, and psychosocial aspects, as well as ongoing monitoring to adapt services accordingly. We prioritize obtaining express consent for information collection, except in emergency situations or where practical constraints exist.

For Members of the General Public

Regarding the general public, our primary objective in collecting personal information is to inform about events, services, and offerings related to rehabilitation therapy and mental health support. While we strive to obtain consent before utilizing personal data, we respect requests to remove information from distribution lists.

Reasons We Collect Personal Information: Related and Secondary Purposes

In addition to primary purposes, we may use personal information for related or secondary objectives, such as invoicing, client notifications, and quality assurance. External audits may also involve reviewing client files, ensuring adherence to professional standards and regulatory requirements.

Protecting Personal Information

We prioritize the security of personal information through physical and technological safeguards, including restricted access to paper and electronic records. Information transmission is conducted securely, utilizing encryption and privacy clauses in communications. Staff undergo training to handle personal information responsibly, and external parties accessing data must adhere to privacy agreements.

Retention and Destruction of Personal Information

We retain personal information in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the guidelines outlined by our regulatory professional bodies.

You Can Look At Your Information

Individuals have the right to access their personal information, with exceptions under specific circumstances. We facilitate requests for access and corrections, ensuring transparency and accuracy in our records. If disputes arise, we provide avenues for resolution and rectification, prioritizing individual rights and privacy concerns.

If You Have a Concern

Our relationships with clients, agencies, and the communities at large are of the utmost importance to us. At any time, if you have a concern about the professionalism or competence of our services, we would ask you to share those concerns with us. If we cannot satisfy your concerns, you are entitled to complain to the relevant regulatory body or association.

Please contact our Clinical Director, Colleen McLean, with any questions or concerns you may have: colleen@soundyouthcounselling.ca