Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Pivotal Psychology Ltd. is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal and health information we collect from our clients. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in accordance with Alberta's Health Information Act (HIA), the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), and the standards of the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP).

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information: Your name, date of birth, contact information, and emergency contact details.

Health Information: Information about your physical and mental health, medical history, current concerns, treatment progress, and session notes.

Billing and Insurance Information: Payment details, insurance policy information, and direct billing records.

Website and Communication Data: When you visit our website or contact us by email, we may collect information such as your IP address, browser type, and the content of your communications.

3. How We Collect Your Information

We collect information directly from you through intake forms, session discussions, email correspondence, phone calls, and our online booking system. We may also receive information from other healthcare providers with your consent.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide psychological services and treatment
• Process payments and submit insurance claims on your behalf
• Schedule and manage appointments
• Communicate with you about your care
• Meet our legal and professional obligations as regulated health professionals

5. Confidentiality and Its Limits

All information you share with your psychologist is kept strictly confidential. However, there are legal and ethical exceptions where disclosure may be required without your consent:

• Where there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others
• Where there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect
• Where disclosure is required by a court order or law
• Where required by the College of Alberta Psychologists for regulatory purposes

6. How We Store Your Information

Your records are stored electronically using Jane App, a Canadian-based practice management platform that uses industry-standard encryption and security measures. We use Google Workspace for general business communication, which may involve the transmission of non-clinical information by email.

We retain your records in accordance with Alberta law and the College of Alberta Psychologists, typically a minimum of 10 years from the date of last service, or 10 years after a minor client turns 18.

7. Virtual Sessions

We offer virtual therapy sessions using secure, encrypted video platforms. While we take all reasonable steps to ensure the security of virtual sessions, we cannot guarantee complete security over the internet. By participating in virtual sessions, you acknowledge and accept these inherent limitations.

8. Disclosure of Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal or health information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With your written consent
• With insurance providers for direct billing purposes, as authorized by you
• As required by law or court order
• In cases where disclosure is permitted under the HIA without consent

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal and health information held by us
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdraw consent for the use or disclosure of your information, subject to legal and professional limitations
• File a complaint with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

10. Website and Cookies

Our website (pivotalpsychology.ca) is hosted on Squarespace and may use cookies and analytics tools such as Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site. This data is collected anonymously and is not linked to your personal health information. You may disable cookies through your browser settings.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.