Privacy Policy

Effective: April 2025

At Building Resilience Counselling Services, your privacy is treated with the utmost respect and care. This policy outlines how personal information is collected, used, stored, and protected in accordance with Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

What is Personal Information?

“Personal information” refers to any information about an identifiable individual, including but not limited to: name, contact details, health history, and personal circumstances shared during counselling or through this website.

Collection and Use of Personal Information

Your personal information is collected for the primary purpose of providing psychotherapy and counselling services. This may include:

  • Assessing your needs and goals

  • Providing appropriate treatment and referrals

  • Communicating about appointments or services

  • Meeting legal and professional obligations (e.g., documentation, supervision)

You may also choose to submit personal information via email or contact forms. This is used only to respond to your inquiry or request.

Storage and Protection of Information

All personal information is securely stored and handled in accordance with professional and legal standards:

  • Paper files are kept in locked, restricted areas

  • Digital records are stored on password-protected, encrypted systems

  • Personal information is accessed only by your therapist or required regulatory bodies

Information is retained for at least ten years following the last date of service, as required by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Disclosure of Information

Your information is strictly confidential. It will only be disclosed with your consent, except when:

  • Required by law (e.g., risk of harm to self/others, court orders, child protection)

  • Required by a regulatory body for supervision, audit, or complaints processes

Third-Party Services

This website may use third-party platforms (such as contact or booking forms). These services may collect limited personal data and are required to follow secure data handling practices. No data is sold or shared for marketing purposes.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal records

  • Request corrections to inaccurate information

  • Withdraw consent for certain uses, where possible under law

To make a request, please contact the practice directly using the information below.

Questions or Complaints

For any questions or concerns about this policy or your personal information, contact:

Patricia Marchand, MSW, RSW
Building Resilience Counselling Services
📍 4 Cataraqui Street, Suite 101, Kingston, ON K7L
📧 Patricia.MarchandBRCS@gmail.com
📞 (613) 704-2748

If you are not satisfied with the response, you may contact:
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
📍 250 Bloor Street East, Toronto, ON M4W 1E6
📞 416-972-9882 | ✉️ info@ocswssw.org

Policy Updates

This privacy policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in practices, laws, or regulations. The latest version will always be available on this website.