CONFIDENTIALITY & CONSENT

Confidentiality & Informed Consent

At I Work Upstairs, your privacy is very important to us. Everything you share in counselling sessions is treated with the highest level of confidentiality, in line with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the standards of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

What Confidentiality Means

• Your personal and health information will not be shared with anyone without your written consent.

• Your records are stored securely and kept private.

• We use encrypted and secure technology for online sessions.
  
  

When Confidentiality Has Limits

By law, your therapist must break confidentiality in specific situations:

1. If there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others.

2. If a child under 16 is at risk of harm, neglect, or abuse.

3. If your records are required by a court order or legal authority.

4. If a regulated health professional has sexually abused a client.
   
   

Your Rights

As a client, you have the right to:

• Ask questions about your privacy and care.

• Access and request a copy of your records.

• Request corrections to your information.

• File a privacy complaint with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario if needed.
  
  

Telehealth / Online Sessions

For virtual therapy, we use secure, encrypted platforms. You are responsible for choosing a private and safe space for your session.

Communication

Email, text, and other electronic communications may not always be 100% secure. By using these methods, you accept some risk of privacy limits.

Acknowledgement
I have read and understood the Confidentiality & Informed Consent Policy for I Work Upstairs. I know my rights, the limits of confidentiality, and agree to receive counselling under these conditions.

Client Name: ________________________ Date: ___________
Signature: ___________________________

NEXT STEP: (You will receive a copy of this form from your counsellor, please sign and return it.) THANK YOU.