Counselling and psychotherapy are intensely personal processes that involve collaborative engagement between the therapist and the client(s). It is important that each party recognizes their rights and responsibilities, as well as legal limitations to these rights, regarding the services provided. This agreement ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of the services provided, the limitations of confidentiality, and the responsibilities of each party.

 

1. Confidentiality Obligations: Your therapist is obligated to comply with the Code of Ethics (COE) and guidelines of their registered professional association. They will make the best effort to protect your privacy and confidentiality; however, they are required to release information when there is a significant risk of harm to you or others.

 

2. Non-Disclosure of Information: Your therapist will not disclose identifiable and sensitive information about their clients and will take steps to prevent unauthorized disclosure. At the same time, it is your responsibility to ensure that the chosen location for your session is a distraction-free environment.

 

3. Clinical Supervision: All therapists receive regular clinical supervision to improve their practice and provide you with the best service. During supervision, details of your case may be discussed, but no identifiable information such as your name will be released. In these instances, anonymity will be maintained, and confidentiality will not be breached.

 

4. Cybersecurity and Online Sessions: Given that services are delivered via online applications, there are limits to confidentiality concerning the cybersecurity, privacy policy, and encryption of each online application. It is your responsibility to read and be aware of such policies for your chosen application (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet). We highly recommend avoiding the use of wireless internet hotspots and public computer terminals, and we advise using private, secure internet connections to minimize risks to your confidentiality.

 

5. Limits to Confidentiality: The following are the occasions where the therapist may be required to breach confidentiality:

a) Suspicion of child abuse (any person under 18 years of age) of any kind (physical, sexual, verbal, neglect, etc.).

b) Suspicion of elder abuse (any person over 65 years of age) of any kind (physical, sexual, financial, verbal, neglect, etc.). This can also be applied to those with disabilities of any age.

c) A credible threat to harm oneself or others.

d) A credible threat to harm someone else.

e) A court order or subpoena.

 

6. Court Orders and Legal Requirements: If you are involved in a court order or subpoena, some information may be required by law to be released. It is recommended that you discuss this with your therapist fully before proceeding. In such instances, your therapist will consult with other professionals and limit the release of your information to only what is necessary by law. Should the therapist's participation be required, you will be expected to pay for the professional time required, which will be agreed upon between you and your therapist. Mission On, as a business unit, refrains from being involved in any cases.

 

7. Client Rights: Each therapist on our team is experienced in using various therapy or treatment methods. The therapy used will be the one that the therapist deems most suitable for you. You have the right to ask questions about your therapy or treatment method(s). If you do not feel comfortable or satisfied with the chosen therapy or treatment method(s), you are encouraged to discuss it with your therapist, who can adjust the therapy or treatment to better suit you. You also have the right to stop therapy if it is not working for you and to ask for a referral or alternate resources and change therapists. These changes will be made in the best interest of the client.