Privacy Policy

Last updated: November 01, 2024

This Privacy Policy describes how Better Life Counselling Center Corp. collects, uses, and discloses your information when you use our services. We recognize the sensitive nature of the information you share with us and are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and health information. By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

1. Company Information

Better Life Counselling Center Corp. is located at 220 Duncan Mill Road, Suite #215, North York, ON, M3B 3J5. You can reach us by phone at 647-726-2999, by email at [email protected], or through our website at https://blcc.ca.

2. Interpretation and Definitions

Words with initial capitalization have specific meanings in this policy. “The Company,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our” refer to Better Life Counselling Center Corp. “Service” refers to our website and counselling services. “You” refers to the individual accessing or using our Service. “Personal Data” means any information relating to an identified or identifiable individual, while “Personal Health Information” refers specifically to health-related information collected during therapy.

An “Account” represents your unique profile created to access our services. “Usage Data” encompasses information automatically collected during your use of our services, including technical details about your device and interaction with our website.

3. Information Collection and Use

When you engage with our services, we collect several different types of information for various purposes to provide and improve our service to you.

3.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information necessary for providing psychological services and maintaining contact with you. This includes your contact details, insurance information, and emergency contact information. We require this information to communicate with you about your care, process payments, and ensure your safety.

3.2 Clinical Information

As a mental health service provider, we maintain comprehensive clinical records that include your treatment history, session notes, assessments, and treatment plans. We collect this information to provide effective care, track your progress, and meet our professional and legal obligations. Any recordings of sessions are only made with your explicit consent.

3.3 Website and Technical Information

Our website automatically collects certain technical information when you visit. This includes your IP address, browser details, and how you interact with our site. We use this information to improve our website’s functionality and your browsing experience. We also employ Google Analytics to better understand how visitors use our site and enhance our services.

3.4 Social Media Integration

Our website allows you to create an account and log in through various social media platforms including Google, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. If you choose to connect through these services, we may receive information already associated with your social media account, such as your name and email address.

4. Collection and Use of Mobile Contact Information

When you provide your phone number through our website forms or during registration, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and agreed to this Privacy Policy, which is clearly linked on all our contact forms. We collect your mobile phone number to:

  1. Send appointment reminders
  2. Provide service updates
  3. Contact you regarding your care
  4. Send emergency notifications

By providing your mobile phone number, you expressly consent to receive:

  • Text messages about appointments
  • Service-related notifications
  • Care-related communications

You can opt out of these communications at any time by:

  • Replying STOP to any text message
  • Contacting us at [email protected]
  • Updating your preferences in your account settings
  • Calling us at 647-726-2999

4.2 Third-Party Sharing Restrictions

We strictly prohibit the sharing or selling of your mobile phone number or contact information to third parties for marketing purposes. Your contact information will only be used for:

  • Providing our psychological services
  • Administrative communications
  • Emergency contact
  • Legal requirements

4.3 Mobile Data Protection

We protect your mobile contact information through:

  • Encrypted storage systems
  • Access restrictions
  • Regular security audits
  • Strict staff confidentiality policies

5. Tracking Technologies and Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to monitor activity and store certain information. A cookie is a small file placed on your device that enables various website functionality. We use both session cookies (deleted when you close your browser) and persistent cookies (which stay on your device until you delete them).

Our use of Google Analytics helps us understand how visitors use our website. This service collects information about your device, browsing patterns, and location data. You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by using Google’s Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

6. Data Protection and Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information. All data transmission between your device and our servers is encrypted. We maintain secure, PHIPA-compliant systems for storing clinical information and regularly audit our security procedures. Our staff receives ongoing training in privacy and security practices.

7. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We share your information only in specific circumstances with your consent or as required by law. We may share your information with other healthcare providers involved in your care, insurance companies for billing purposes, or our service providers who help us operate our practice. All third parties who receive your information are bound by strict confidentiality requirements.

8. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to access your personal information, request corrections, and receive copies of your records. You may also withdraw consent for certain types of information use, though this may affect our ability to provide services. We respond to all privacy requests in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

9. Data Retention

We retain clinical records for a minimum of 10 years from your last visit, or 10 years after a minor client turns 18. We keep account information while your account is active and maintain technical logs for 12 months. Financial records are retained as required by law.

10. Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without parental consent. For clients under 18, we require parent or guardian consent for treatment and information collection. We take additional precautions to protect children’s privacy and comply with all applicable laws regarding minors’ information.

11. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on our website and updating the “Last updated” date. We may also notify you through email or during your next visit to our office.

12. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

13. Regulatory Compliance

This Privacy Policy complies with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the College of Psychologists of Ontario guidelines, and all applicable provincial and federal privacy laws.

14. Mobile Communications Opt-Out

You have the right to opt out of any or all mobile communications. To opt-out:

  1. Text Message Communications:
    • Reply STOP to any text message
    • Update your communication preferences in your account
    • Contact our office directly
  2. Phone Calls:
    • Request removal from our calling list
    • Update your contact preferences
    • Specify preferred contact methods

Your choice to opt out of mobile communications will not affect the quality or availability of your mental health care services.