Confidentiality & Privacy

Confidentiality

Although there are some legal exceptions to your right to confidentiality, at Dr. Lisa Berger & Associates we are aware of the importance of you feeling safe and protected as you share the details of your personal story. We take this very seriously and actively work to ensure that information disclosed to us is kept confidential. This means that we will not share or disclose this information to anyone without your consent, except as mandated by law.

At your first appointment we will review the limits of confidentiality with you.

(1)

We are legally and ethically required to take responsible action:

(a)	If a client indicates that they may be a danger to themselves or to others.
(b)	In the case of apparent, suspected, or potential child abuse, or abuse or neglect of a resident living in a long-term care facility or retirement home.
(c)	When issued a subpoena or urgent demand for records/testimony, or audited by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario.
(d)	If a client reports an incident of sexual abuse by a regulated health professional.

(2)

Treatment planning with professional colleagues. Any discussion will be conducted in accordance with the highest standards of confidentiality and professional ethics and without the use of identifying details.

Please note that if we are required to break confidentiality, we would attempt to do so with your full understanding of the reasons why and if possible, with your full cooperation. We also disclose only information necessary to meet our legal obligations.

Privacy

We adhere to strict guidelines as mandated by the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) as well as the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). These legislations mandate the way in which we collect, use, and disclose personal health information.

Please contact our office at 905-836-4555 if you would like a copy of our privacy statement and/or privacy policy.