Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 2026 · Ontario Therapy | 1000864264 Ontario Inc.
Ontario Therapy is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all personal and health information collected in the course of providing psychotherapy services. This policy outlines how information is collected, used, protected, and disclosed, in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
Who We Are
Ontario Therapy is operated by Naomi Barnes, Registered Psychotherapist (RP), CRPO #004481. Our practice address is 306–171 Main Street South, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 3Y9. You can reach us at info@ontariotherapy.org or (647) 855-0530.
Information We Collect
We collect personal and health information necessary to provide psychotherapy services, including:
- Contact information (name, address, phone number, email)
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Health history, presenting concerns, and session notes
- Insurance or third-party billing information (where applicable)
- Emergency contact information
Information is collected directly from you, with your knowledge and consent, at the start of and throughout your time in therapy.
How We Use Your Information
Your personal health information is used to:
- Provide psychotherapy services and monitor your care
- Communicate with you about appointments and treatment
- Process payment and submit insurance claims (with your authorization)
- Meet our legal and professional regulatory obligations
We do not use your information for marketing, research, or any purpose beyond providing your care without your explicit written consent.
Confidentiality and Its Limits
Everything shared in therapy is confidential. We will not disclose your information without your written consent, except where required or permitted by law. Exceptions include:
- Risk of serious harm — if there is reasonable concern that you or another person is at serious risk of harm, we are legally required to take protective action.
- Child or vulnerable person protection — if there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect, we are required to report to the appropriate authorities.
- Court orders or legal proceedings — records may be disclosed if required by law.
- Insurance and third-party payers — limited information (dates of service, receipts, diagnosis if required) may be shared with your insurer when you have authorized direct billing.
- Professional consultation — your therapist may consult with supervisors or colleagues for clinical and ethical guidance. Identifying information is not shared in these consultations.
- Regulated health professional misconduct — if you disclose harm caused by another regulated health professional, we may be required to report this to their regulatory college.
Before your first session, you will receive our full informed consent documentation, which includes a detailed explanation of confidentiality, its limits, your rights as a client, and the complaints process. You are encouraged to ask questions about any of this before signing.
Records and Retention
Clinical records are maintained securely in accordance with CRPO standards and PHIPA. Records are retained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of last service (or until a minor client reaches the age of 28, whichever is later).
You have the right to request access to your clinical record, subject to legal and ethical limitations. To make a request, contact us in writing at info@ontariotherapy.org.
Digital Services and Telehealth
Appointment booking, billing, and telehealth services are managed through Jane App, a PIPEDA-compliant practice management platform used by regulated health professionals across Canada. Jane App maintains its own privacy policy, available at jane.app/privacy.
Telehealth sessions are conducted over Jane App's secure video platform. While reasonable safeguards are in place, absolute security cannot be guaranteed with any electronic communication. Sessions are not recorded without explicit written consent from both client and therapist.
Website and Contact Forms
This website does not collect personal health information. If you contact us by email or through a contact form, the information you provide will be used only to respond to your inquiry. We do not use cookies for tracking or advertising purposes.
Social Media
Ontario Therapy maintains a public presence on social media (@OntarioTherapy) for educational content and community engagement. We do not follow, acknowledge, or engage with current or former clients on social media platforms. Client status is never disclosed publicly. Social media is not monitored for therapeutic communication — please use email or phone for anything related to your care.
Your Rights
Under PHIPA, you have the right to:
- Access your personal health information
- Request corrections to your record
- Withdraw consent to the collection or use of your information (with some limitations)
- File a complaint with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
After-Hours Contact
Clients are welcome to contact their therapist by phone, text, or email outside of scheduled session hours. We make every effort to respond within 24 business hours. Please note that Ontario Therapy is not a crisis service, and after-hours messages may not be seen immediately.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in crisis, please reach out to one of the following:
- 911 — for immediate emergencies
- 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline — call or text 988 (available 24/7 across Canada)
- York Region Distress Centre — 1-888-259-0112 (24/7)
- Crisis Services Canada — 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)
- Kids Help Phone — call or text 686868 (for youth under 20)
You can also visit your nearest emergency department at any time.
Therapeutic Communication via Text or Email
While we encourage clients to share updates, check in between sessions, or reach out when something comes up, please be aware that therapy cannot ethically be conducted via text or email. Messages will be acknowledged, and their content may be noted, but therapeutic work — assessment, treatment, clinical guidance — takes place within scheduled sessions. If something important comes up between sessions, it is most appropriately addressed at your next appointment.
If you have questions about this policy or how your information is handled, please contact us directly. If your concern cannot be resolved through us, you may also contact: