Privacy, Policies & Client Rights
The Mental Health Studio
The Mental Health Studio is committed to providing ethical, trauma-informed, and evidence-based mental health and addiction treatment while safeguarding the privacy, dignity, and rights of all clients. Our policies are aligned with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the professional standards of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
Privacy and Confidentiality in Mental Health Treatment
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of effective psychotherapy and addiction treatment. All personal and personal health information collected by The Mental Health Studio is handled with the highest standard of care, discretion, and security.
Personal Health Information We Collect
We collect only information that is necessary to provide safe, effective, and coordinated care, which may include:
Identifying and contact information
Health history and psychosocial information
Treatment plans, clinical notes, and assessments
Program attendance and administrative records
Emergency contact information
Information is collected through intake forms, clinical sessions, program participation, and authorized communications.
Use of Personal Health Information
Personal health information is used exclusively for purposes related to:
Assessment, treatment, and therapeutic support
Program planning and continuity of care
Risk management and client safety
Legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations
Billing and administrative functions
Information is never sold or used for marketing purposes without explicit consent.
Circle of Care and Information Sharing
With client consent, The Mental Health Studio operates within a Circle of Care, which may include:
Psychotherapists and counsellors within our clinic
Physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, or allied health professionals
Other treatment programs or healthcare providers involved in care
This consent supports coordinated, ethical, and effective treatment and may be withdrawn at any time, subject to legal or safety obligations.
Limits of Confidentiality
Confidentiality may be breached without consent only when legally required or ethically necessary, including but not limited to:
Imminent risk of harm to self or others
Suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person
Court orders or subpoenas
Regulatory or professional audits
When possible, clients are informed prior to any required disclosure.
Record Keeping and Data Security
All clinical records are maintained in accordance with PHIPA and CRPO record-keeping standards.
Safeguards Include:
Secure electronic record systems with restricted access
Password-protected and encrypted digital storage
Locked physical storage for any paper records
Access limited to authorized personnel only
Records are retained for the legally required period and then securely destroyed.
Client Rights and Access to Information
Clients have the right to:
Access their personal health information
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete records
Ask how their information is used or disclosed
Withdraw consent for information sharing (where applicable)
Requests for access or correction should be submitted in writing and will be addressed within legislated timelines.
Informed Consent
All services provided by The Mental Health Studio require informed consent. Consent includes:
Understanding the nature, risks, and benefits of treatment
Awareness of confidentiality and its limits
Agreement to participate in individual or group services
Consent is an ongoing process and may be revisited or withdrawn at any time.
Electronic Communication and Technology Use
While reasonable safeguards are used, electronic communication (email, virtual platforms) carries inherent privacy risks. Clients are encouraged to use secure communication methods and understand the limitations of digital confidentiality.
Website Use and Educational Content
Information on this website is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional assessment or treatment. Viewing this website does not establish a therapeutic relationship.
A therapeutic relationship is formed only through formal intake, consent, and engagement in services.
Policy Updates and Revisions
Policies and procedures may be updated to reflect changes in legislation, professional standards, or clinic operations. The most current version will always be posted on our website.
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions regarding privacy, confidentiality, or clinic policies, please contact:
info@thementalhealthstudio.ca
The Mental Health Studio