Effective: June 9th, 2025

Privacy Policy

Courtney Cribb, RCT – Virtual Counselling Services

Courtney Cribb, RCT ("I", "me", or "my practice") is committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This policy explains how your personal health information (PHI) is collected, used, stored, and safeguarded when you access my counselling services, in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and Nova Scotia's Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).

1. Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to clients receiving virtual counselling services from me, including residents of Nova Scotia and other Canadian provinces.

2. What Information I Collect

I collect only the information necessary to provide counselling services, ensure continuity of care, and meet professional and legal obligations. This may include:

• Your full name, date of birth, and contact information (email, phone, address)
• Emergency contact information
• Health history or relevant background you choose to share
• Session notes (taken occasionally or as needed)
• Billing and payment information
• Technical details like IP addresses or email headers (incidentally, when using email or other relevant platforms)

3. How I Collect Your Information

Your personal information is collected directly from you via:

• Online intake forms
• Email or phone communication
• Virtual counselling sessions (video or audio)
• Billing correspondence

4. Purpose of Collection

I collect your information for the following purposes:

• To provide and manage counselling services
• To communicate with you regarding scheduling, billing, or service updates
• To maintain clinical records in accordance with professional regulations
• To comply with legal or regulatory requirements
• To ensure your safety and continuity of care in emergencies

5. Storage and Safeguarding

Your information is stored using secure, encrypted systems that meet or exceed Canadian privacy requirements. This includes:

• Secure cloud-based storage (e.g., encrypted client management platforms and email services)
• Password-protected devices and software
• Secure video conferencing platforms compliant with PHIA and PIPEDA

I take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of your information.

6. Third-Party Service Providers

I may use third-party services for:

• Video conferencing
• Cloud-based document storage
• Email communications
• Electronic payments or invoicing

All providers used are either based in Canada or are contractually obligated to meet PIPEDA-compliant standards. A list of current third-party services is available upon request.

7. Consent

By engaging my services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as outlined in this policy. You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal and professional limitations.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information or records
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdraw consent to the collection or use of information (except where required by law)
• File a privacy complaint

9. Retention and Destruction

Records are retained in accordance with the regulatory requirements set by the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. Typically, records are kept for at least 7 years from the date of last contact, or longer if required. Secure destruction methods are used when records are no longer needed.

10. Complaints and Concerns

If you have questions or concerns about your privacy or this policy, please contact:

Courtney Cribb, RCT
Email: [email protected]

You may also contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for Nova Scotia:
https://oipc.novascotia.ca

11. Policy Updates

This policy may be updated to reflect changes in law, technology, or my practices. It may be updated without notice to you. The most current version will always be available on my website or upon request.