Privacy Policy
Your privacy, confidentiality, and trust matter to us
At DC Psychological Services, we are dedicated to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy throughout every step of your care. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your information in compliance with Alberta privacy legislation, such as the Health Information Act and the Personal Information Protection Act.
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, our team is ready to assist you.
What Information We Collect
To provide psychological services, we collect information that helps us understand your needs and supports your treatment.
This may include:
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Contact information
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Personal and demographic details
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Health and mental health history
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Relevant educational or developmental information
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Information shared during therapy or assessment sessions
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Payment and billing information
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Emergency contact information
We collect only the information needed to deliver safe and effective psychological services.
How Your Information Is Used
Your information is used to:
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Provide therapy or psychological assessment services
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Maintain accurate clinical records
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Support treatment planning
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Process billing and insurance claims when requested
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Communicate with you about appointments
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Ensure continuity and quality of care
Your information is never sold, leased, or used for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.
How Your Information Is Stored and Protected
Your privacy is a top priority for DC Psychological Services. All records are stored securely using encrypted electronic systems that meet Alberta health information privacy standards.
Only psychologists and administrative staff directly involved in your care have access to your information. Each team member follows strict confidentiality and security procedures to protect your privacy.
Confidentiality
Everything you share in therapy is confidential with a few legal and ethical exceptions, including:
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Concerns about immediate risk of harm to yourself or someone else
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Concerns related to child protection or elder abuse
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Court orders or legal requirements to disclose information
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If records are requested by third parties with your written consent
At your first session, your psychologist will clearly explain these limits, ensuring you know what to expect regarding confidentiality.
Third-Party Disclosures
We only share your information with third parties when:
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You provide written consent
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It is required by law
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It is necessary to protect your safety or the safety of others
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Insurance or benefit providers require documentation that you have consented to share
You may withdraw your consent at any time, except when disclosure is legally required.
Electronic Communication
We may use email or phone communication to schedule appointments, manage billing, or address general questions. Please note that electronic communication involves some privacy risks. Clinical information is not discussed via email unless you specifically request it and provide written consent.
Virtual therapy is conducted through secure platforms that follow privacy and encryption standards for health information in Alberta.
Access to Your Records
You have the right to access your clinical record, request corrections, or inquire about how your information is stored or used. Requests can be submitted through your psychologist or our administrative team.
In some cases, your psychologist may review the record with you to ensure clarity and support understanding.
Document Retention
Client records are retained for the period required under Alberta regulations. After this time, records are securely destroyed to protect your privacy.
Children and Youth Privacy
DC Psychological Services respects the privacy of all clients regardless of age. Although parents or guardians may have the right to access records, therapists must balance parental and child rights. Therapists follow ethical guidelines to meet the needs of all parties while ensuring children have age-appropriate levels of privacy and parents remain appropriately informed. These guidelines are reviewed with families at the start of services.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation or professional standards. The latest version is always available on the DC Psychological Services website.
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions about privacy, confidentiality, or how your information is managed at DC Psychological Services, please contact us. We are committed to transparency and to supporting you with clarity and care.