Privacy and Confidentiality

As a registered Social Worker in Ontario, I have strict confidentiality laws that need to be adhered to. Details can be accessed through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers website, http://www.ocswssw.org/. You and your child’s privacy are of utmost importance, and we recognize that therapy and counselling services will be far more beneficial if you as the participant feel safe to speak freely without judgement and without concern that your story will be shared without your knowledge and consent. It is important to understand that we are required to keep records safely, but also required to let authorities know if there is risk of harm to either you or those around you.

It is the Client’s responsibility to choose a private place for online sessions without others present and devoid of distractions and ensure that they are using secure equipment and a secure location.

Exceptions to confidentiality:

Confidentiality on the part of Angela Geddes may be waived (under certain circumstances) wherein the Provider is bound by law to report to legal authorities under the following circumstances:

Angela Geddes is required by law to report when;

• The therapist assesses by law that there is a risk of harm to the Client or others;

• The therapist assesses that a child may have been harmed in the past, or that a child is at risk of harm in the present or future. In all cases, the therapist has a legal duty to report this;

• The therapist assesses that there is a risk to the country or threat of terrorism;

• The therapist is bound to report a colleague to their College for professional misconduct; and/or

• The therapist is required to defend themselves against a complaint filed with their College.

• The therapist is required by a court order (subpoena), issued by a judge, this may require the therapist to release information contained in records and/or require a therapist to testify in a court hearing.

  Sharing of Information

  If it is decided between the Client and the Provider to share information for reason of referral or consultation, a formal consent form will be completed and signed in advance by the Client. The Client has the right at any time to withhold or revoke consent. The Provider does not provide completion of forms or letters for employers or for court purposes. Advance notice is required for letters of attendance.

  Circle of Care

  According to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, information may be released to health care providers (“Circle of Care”) who are directly involved in provision of the Client’s healthcare unless the Client directs the Provider in writing not to release such information. In all other instances, written, informed consent is required for information to be released.

  Contact Information

  The Client shall ensure at all times that the Provider has current contact information. It is the Client’s responsibility to let the Provider know if there is any reason that the Provider should not leave a message when contacting the Client by phone.

  Electronic Communications

  Angela Geddes will use reasonable means to protect the security and confidentiality of electronic information sent and received, such as emails.

  However, because of the risks outlined below, the Provider cannot guarantee the security and confidentiality of electronic communications and will not be liable for improper disclosure of confidential information that is not the direct result of intentional misconduct of the Provider. Thus, Clients must consent to the use of electronic communication that may include Client information. When the Client electronically accepts the Terms of Service, consent to the use of electronic communication is included and the Client agrees with the following conditions:

  • Use of electronic communications to discuss sensitive information can increase the risk of such information being disclosed to third parties.

  • Despite reasonable efforts to protect the privacy and security of electronic communication, it is not possible to completely secure the information.

  • Online services may have a legal right to inspect and keep electronic communications that pass through their system

  • Electronic communications can introduce malware into a computer system, and potentially damage or disrupt the computer, networks, and security settings.

  • Electronic communications can be forwarded, intercepted, circulated, stored or even changed without the knowledge or permission of Angela Geddes or the Client.

  • Even after the sender and recipient have deleted copies of electronic communications, back-up copies may exist on a computer system.

  • Electronic communications may be disclosed in accordance with a duty to report or a court order.

  • Videoconferencing may be open to interception due to lack of user end security and use of Wi-Fi.

  • If email or text is used as an e-communication tool, the following are additional risks: Email, text messages, and instant messages can more easily be misdirected, resulting in increased risk of being received by unintended and unknown recipients; Email, text messages, and instant messages can be easier to falsify than handwritten or signed, hard copies. It is not feasible to verify the true identity of the sender, or to ensure that only the recipient can read the message once it has been sent.

  • While Angela Geddes will attempt to review and respond in a timely fashion to the Client’s electronic communication, the Provider cannot guarantee that all electronic communications will be reviewed and responded to within any specific period of time. The Services will not be used for medical emergencies or other time-sensitive matters.

  • If the Client’s electronic communication requires or invites a response from the Provider and the Client has not received a response within a reasonable time period, it is the Client’s responsibility to follow up to determine whether the intended recipient received the electronic communication and when the recipient will respond.

  • The Client is responsible for following up on the Provider’s electronic communication and for scheduling appointments where warranted.

  • The Provider may forward electronic communications to staff and those involved in the delivery and administration of the Client’s care in the Circle of Care. The Provider might use one or more services to communicate with those involved in the Client’s care. The Provider will not forward electronic communications to third parties, including family members, without the Client’s prior written consent, except as authorized or required by law.

  • Some Services might not be used for therapeutic purposes or to communicate clinical information. Where applicable, the use of these Services will be limited to education, information and administrative purposes.

  • The Client agrees to inform the Provider in writing of any types of information the Client does not want sent via the Services, in addition to those set out above.

  • The Provider is not responsible for information loss due to technical failures associated with the Client’s software or internet service provider.

  Provider-Client Electronic Communication Agreement

  To communicate with the Provider providing the Service, the Client must:

  • Reasonably limit or avoid using an employer’s or other third party’s computer. Inform the Provider of any changes in the Client’s email address, mobile phone number or other account information necessary to communicate via the Services.

  • If the Services include email, the following applies: Include in the message’s subject line an appropriate description of the nature of the communication and the Client’s full name in the body of the message. Review all electronic communications to ensure they are clear and that all relevant information is provided before sending to the Provider. Ensure the Provider is aware that you have received an electronic communication from the Provider, such as by a reply message or allowing “read receipts” to be sent. Take precautions to preserve the confidentiality of electronic communications, such as using screen savers and safeguarding computer passwords. Withdraw consent only by email or written communication to the Provider.

  • If the Client requires immediate assistance, or if the Client’s condition appears serious or rapidly worsens, the Client should not rely on the Services. Rather, the Client should call the Client’s doctor’s office or take other measures as appropriate, such as going to the nearest Emergency Department. (See ‘Crisis and Emergencies’)

Crisis and Emergencies

The Service is not to be used for crisis or emergencies. When in crisis, contact these services or call the Canadian Mental Health Association (“CMHA”) or crisis agencies in the Client’s province:

• http://suicideprevention.ca/need-help/">Canadian Crisis Centres

• http://www.cmha.ca/get-involved/find-your-cmha/ Find your local CMHA

THIS SERVICE IS NOT FOR CRISIS OR EMERGENCIES.

IF THE CLIENT IS EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY OR IF THE CLIENT IS PLANNING OR CONSIDERING SUICIDE OR FEEL HE/SHE/THEY IS A DANGER TO THEMSELVES OR OTHERS, THE CLIENT MUST IMMEDIATELY  CALL 911 OR GO TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM THE PROVIDER MAY DETERMINE THAT THIS SERVICE IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR THE CLIENT'S CURRENT NEEDS.

Appointments and Payments

Payments

Cost for services vary depending on type, location, and reporting requirements.
Please contact directly to discuss service investment details. Payment arrangements and a sliding scale is available when required.

For those who are paying direct, I accept payment at each session by cash, cheque, credit, or e-transfer.

The Client represents and warrants that (i) the Client has the legal right to use any credit card(s) or other payment method(s) in connection with any Purchase; and that (ii) the information the Client supplies is true, correct and complete.

Angela Geddes reserves the right to refuse or cancel the Client’s order at any time including but not limited to product or service availability; errors in the description or price of the product or service; error in the Client’s order; or if fraud or an unauthorized or illegal transaction is suspected. Angela Geddes will not be held responsible, or liable for, any failure for the Purchase to be complete, or any resulting loss or damages to the Client.

Payment for services is expected prior to the Client’s Session.

Cancellation Policy

I will ask for 48 hour notice for any cancellations as I have limited space with others who will benefit from openings that arise. If you are unable to cancel before 48 hours of the scheduled appointment, I will ask for $60.00 fee for that time that had been prearranged for you.

Insurance Coverage

The fee may not be covered under the Client’s employer’s group benefits package and the Client needs to discuss the issue with the Client’s employer or union and is not the responsibility of the Provider. The Client is responsible for any fees not covered by the Client’s insurer.

Treatment, Discharge and Termination

Treatment

The Provider will create a treatment plan and together with the Client, will determine the length of Service. (See ‘Discharge/ Termination’)

Angela Geddes does not guarantee any kind of outcome but exists create sustainable impact by supporting you and the systems within in your journey towards balance, stability, and mental wellness.

Discharge/ Termination

Discharge of the Client and termination of the Services will occur when goals are met or the Client expresses a desire to no longer use the Service. When possible, the discharge plan will involve the Client to determine needs going forward.

Termination or suspension of access to the Service may be immediate, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including, without limitation, if the Client breaches the Terms.  All provisions of the Terms shall survive termination, including, without limitation, ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnity and limitations of liability. Upon termination, the Client’s right to use the Service will immediately cease. If the Client wishes to terminate the account, the Client shall inform the Provider and discontinue using the Service.

Discharge and termination of Service will occur if there are two (2) consecutive ‘no shows’ or three (3) consecutive cancellations for scheduled appointments. 

Copyright

The content, organization, gathering, compilation, magnetic translation, digital conversion and other matters related to this site are protected under applicable copyrights, trademarks and other proprietary (including but not limited to) intellectual property rights. The copying, redistribution, use or publication by the Client of any such content or any part of this site is strictly prohibited. The Client does not acquire ownership rights to any content or document obtained through this site. The posting of information or materials on this site does not constitute a waiver of any right in such information and materials.

Questions or Concerns

It is important to the healing process for you to always feel that you can ask for clarification at any time, and for you to discuss concerns openly and honestly. It is also important for you to know that you can contact the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers at any time if there are questions andconcerns that I cannot adequately clarify for you. Please refer to Frequently Asked Questions here.