Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

 

Privacy Policy

This practice is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal information and personal health information in accordance with applicable Ontario and Canadian privacy laws.

This practice may act as a Health Information Custodian as defined under Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and is committed to safeguarding personal health information using reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards.

 

What Information Is Collected

Information that may be collected includes:

• Name and contact information

• Appointment-related information

• Health information relevant to psychotherapy services

• Basic website usage data (such as browser type or pages visited)

Please do not include personal health information or other sensitive information when using the website contact form. The contact form is intended for general inquiries and appointment or consultation scheduling only and may not be a secure method of communication.

 

How Information May Be Used

Information may be used for purposes including:

• Scheduling and providing psychotherapy services (in-person or virtual)

• Responding to inquiries

• Processing payments

• Operating, maintaining, and improving services and website functionality

Personal information is not sold to third parties. Information may be disclosed with consent or where required or permitted by law.

 

Consent & Online Services

By using this website or voluntarily providing personal information, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of information as described in this policy.

Prior to the provision of psychotherapy services, informed consent will be obtained, including consent related to virtual or electronic services where applicable. Clients will be informed of the nature of services and relevant privacy or security considerations associated with electronic communication or virtual sessions.

Consent may be withdrawn at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice. Withdrawal of consent may affect the availability or continuation of services.

 

Protection of Information

Reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are used to protect personal information and personal health information, including:

• Secure systems and storage practices

• Access restricted to authorized individuals

• Use of secure website connections (e.g., HTTPS)

Clinical records are retained and securely maintained in accordance with applicable legal, regulatory, and professional recordkeeping requirements.

While reasonable efforts are made to protect confidentiality, no method of electronic transmission or storage can guarantee absolute security.

 

Electronic Communication Disclaimer

Electronic communication, including email, text messaging, and website forms, may carry inherent privacy and security risks and may not always be fully secure or confidential.

By choosing to communicate electronically, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Communication through website forms, email, text, or social media does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

 

Cookies & External Links

This website may use cookies or similar technologies to enhance user experience and collect non-identifying usage information. Cookies do not intentionally collect personal health information.

This website may contain links to third-party websites or services. This practice is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of external websites or third-party platforms.

 

Contact

If you have questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or personal information practices, please contact:

info@sepidehtherapy.com

 

Website Terms and Conditions

 

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using this website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, you should discontinue use of the website.

 

Informational Purposes Only

The content on this website is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute psychotherapy, mental health treatment, diagnosis, or professional advice.

 

No Therapeutic Relationship

Use of this website, including submitting inquiries or booking consultations or appointments, does not establish a therapist-client relationship. A therapeutic relationship is only established following an intake process, informed consent, and mutual agreement to begin services.

 

Not a Crisis Service

This website and electronic communications are not monitored for emergencies or urgent mental health concerns.

If you are experiencing a crisis or require immediate support, please contact:

• 911

• Your nearest emergency department

• A local crisis support service

 

Electronic Communication

You acknowledge that communication through email, text, website forms, or other electronic methods may carry risks to privacy and confidentiality. Sensitive personal health information should not be transmitted through unsecured electronic channels whenever possible.

 

Third-Party Services

This website may use third-party services such as online booking platforms or virtual care platforms. This practice is not responsible for the privacy practices, security, or content of third-party services.

 

Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, graphics, branding, and design, is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction or use is prohibited.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, this practice shall not be liable for damages arising from the use of, or reliance upon, this website or its content.

 

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the applicable federal laws of Canada.

 

Modifications

These Terms and Conditions may be updated periodically without notice. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of any revisions.

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Social Media & Electronic Communication Policy

Your privacy, confidentiality, and professional boundaries are important aspects of the therapeutic relationship. The following guidelines are intended to clarify the use of electronic communication, social media, and online interactions.

 

Social Media

To protect confidentiality and maintain professional boundaries, friend requests, follow requests, or social networking connections with current therapy clients are not accepted on personal or professional social media platforms, including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, or similar platforms. Social media messaging should not be used for therapeutic communication, crisis support, or sharing sensitive personal information, as confidentiality and security cannot be guaranteed through these platforms.

 

Electronic Communication

Email, phone calls, text messages, and website contact forms are intended primarily for administrative purposes such as scheduling appointments, cancellations, billing inquiries, or general service-related questions unless otherwise discussed as part of treatment.

While reasonable efforts are made to protect confidentiality, electronic communication may carry inherent privacy and security risks. Electronic communications are monitored during regular business hours only. 

 

Emergencies and Crisis Situations

Electronic communication and social media are not appropriate for emergencies or urgent mental health concerns.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, are at risk of harm to yourself or others, or require immediate support, please contact:

• 911

• Your nearest emergency department

• A local crisis support service

 

Privacy and Confidentiality

Please avoid sharing highly sensitive personal or health information through website forms, unsecured email, text messaging, or social media platforms whenever possible. Personal information collected through this website or during the provision of psychotherapy services is handled in accordance with PHIPA and applicable CRPO standards of practice.

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