Privacy Policy & Disclaimers
Safer Spaces: An Intersectional Therapy Collective, together with the clinicians who provide Client Services (the “Therapists”), is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal health information entrusted to us by clients. In this Privacy Policy, “you,” “your,” and “client” or “clients” refer to individuals who use Safer Spaces’ services.
Each Therapist who provides care to clients registered through Safer Spaces is considered a Health Information Custodian under Ontario’s health privacy legislation, the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (“PHIPA”). In this Policy, “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the Therapists, as well as Safer Spaces acting as their authorized agent.
To support the Therapists in fulfilling their obligations under PHIPA, Safer Spaces has entered into a legal agreement with the Therapists to act as their agent. In this role, Safer Spaces carries out certain administrative and operational functions on behalf of the Therapists, including acting as the Privacy Officer and overseeing the privacy program that governs the collection, use, disclosure, and safeguarding of personal health information.
Safer Spaces may also collect certain personal information that does not relate directly to the provision of Client Services. In those circumstances, Safer Spaces acts as its own custodian of that information and is subject to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”).
Safer Spaces, on behalf of the Therapists, has also contracted with a third-party vendor, Jane Software Inc. (the “Jane App”), as an electronic medical record (“EMR”) and virtual care platform service provider to support the Therapists and house client information. To be clear, the Jane App is an agent and electronic services provider to each Therapist and each Therapist has appointed Safer Spaces as its PHIPA agent. For more information on the Jane App’s privacy practices, please see the Jane App’s Privacy Policy. Safer Spaces assumes a central role in privacy training for Therapists and their agents in relation to the work done through Safer Spaces.
The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as psychological, medical, or mental health advice. Viewing this website, reading its content, or contacting the practice through this site does not establish a therapist–client relationship. A therapeutic relationship is only established after an initial consultation has occurred and appropriate intake and consent documentation have been completed.
Confidentiality and Electronic Communication
Please be aware that email and website contact forms may not be fully secure methods of communication. Sensitive personal or health information should not be transmitted through this website. If you choose to communicate via email or online forms, you acknowledge the potential risks to confidentiality associated with electronic communication.
Emergency Situations
This website and this practice’s communication channels are not monitored continuously and should not be used for emergency or crisis situations. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or require immediate assistance, please contact 911, visit your nearest emergency department, or contact a local crisis service.
Jurisdiction of Practice
Services are provided to individuals located in Ontario, Canada. Clinicians providing services through this practice are regulated health professionals and are registered with one of the following Ontario regulatory colleges: the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), or the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). Services are provided in accordance with the standards and professional guidelines established by these regulatory bodies. If services are rendered to folks outside of Ontario, explicit permission to practice care has been sought out by Safer Spaces, involving relevant colleges and professional bodies.
External Links
This website may contain links to external websites for informational purposes. Safer Spaces is not responsible for the privacy practices, policies, or content of third-party websites.
Accuracy of Information
While efforts are made to ensure the information on this website is accurate and current, content may change over time and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice, assessment, or treatment.
Limits of Confidentiality
Psychotherapy services provided through Safer Spaces are confidential. Information shared in therapy will not be disclosed to others without your knowledge and consent, except in certain circumstances where disclosure is required or permitted by law or professional standards.
In Ontario, limits to confidentiality may include the following situations:
Risk of Serious Harm.
If a therapist has reasonable grounds to believe there is a significant risk of serious harm to you or to another person, steps may be taken to protect safety. This may include contacting emergency services, a potential victim, or other appropriate supports.
Child Protection Concerns
Under Ontario’s Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), regulated health professionals have a legal duty to report if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a child (under 18) may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or is otherwise in need of protection. Reports must be made directly to a Children’s Aid Society.
Court Orders or Legal Requirements
Client records or information may be required to be disclosed if ordered by a court, subpoena, or other legal authority.
Professional Consultation and Supervision
Therapists may consult with clinical supervisors or professional colleagues to ensure high-quality care. In these situations, identifying information is limited to what is necessary and confidentiality is maintained.
Regulatory Requirements
As regulated health professionals, therapists may be required to disclose information to their professional regulatory college (such as the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, or the College of Psychologists of Ontario) in the context of investigations, complaints, or quality assurance processes.
These limits are discussed in greater detail during the informed consent process prior to beginning therapy.