Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy for Krystal Bryant, Operating as Attuned Psychological Services
Effective Date: November 28, 2024
At Attuned Psychological Services, we take your privacy and confidentiality seriously. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in compliance with privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) of Alberta, Canada. This policy applies to all in-person and Telehealth services provided by our practice.
By engaging with our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
1. Collection of Personal Information
We collect personal information to provide psychological services and to ensure that we offer the best care possible. The information we may collect includes, but is not limited to:
- Personal Identifiers: Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth.
- Health Information: Personal health history, treatment history, mental health assessments, therapy session notes.
- Telehealth Information: For Telehealth services, we collect and store information relevant to the telemedicine platform, such as session date and time, video and audio data, and any correspondence related to the telehealth visit.
- Payment Information: Payment details, insurance information, or billing address if applicable.
We will only collect information that is necessary for providing the care you require and may ask for additional details during your assessment or treatment. Information may be shared verbally or in writing.
2. Use of Personal Information
Your personal and health information will be used for the following purposes:
- Providing Psychological Services: To assess, diagnose, and treat you in accordance with your therapeutic goals.
- Administrative Purposes: For appointment scheduling, billing, follow-ups, and record-keeping.
- Legal Obligations: To comply with legal requirements, including mandatory reporting obligations.
- Telehealth Services: To facilitate virtual sessions, including video consultations, which may involve the use of secure online platforms.
We will not use or disclose your personal information for any other purpose without your consent, unless required by law.
3. Consent
When you provide us with your personal and health information, you are consenting to our use of that information as described in this Privacy Policy. You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice.
For Telehealth services, your consent to use telemedicine platforms for virtual care will be obtained prior to your appointment.
4. Protection of Personal Information
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal and health information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or loss. This includes:
- Secure storage of paper records in locked facilities.
- Encryption and secure transmission of electronic records.
- Secure video conferencing platforms for Telehealth services that meet privacy and security standards.
- Limiting access to your information to only those who are involved in your care or have a legitimate need to know.
However, no method of electronic communication or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality. If you are concerned about the risks, please discuss alternative options with your clinician.
5. Accessing and Correcting Your Information
You have the right to access your personal and health information held by us. If you believe that any of your information is incorrect, you may request that it be corrected. Requests to access or correct your records can be made by contacting our office.
6. Disclosure of Personal Information
We will not disclose your personal information to third parties without your explicit consent, except in the following situations:
- To Other Healthcare Providers: With your consent, we may share information with other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
- Legal and Regulatory Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law, such as in cases of suspected child abuse, imminent harm to yourself or others, or as required by a court order.
- Health Insurance Providers: If your treatment is covered by health insurance, we may disclose necessary information for billing or claims purposes, with your consent.
7. Retention of Personal Information
Your personal and health information will be retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. After that time, your information will be securely destroyed.
8. Telehealth Services
Telehealth services involve the use of electronic communications for the purpose of providing healthcare. We use secure, encrypted platforms for virtual therapy sessions, and we take reasonable precautions to ensure the confidentiality of your session. However, you should be aware of the potential risks involved in online communication, such as interruptions, breaches of privacy, or technological failures.
Attuned Psychological Services utilizes the clinic management platform Jane Software Inc. for Telehealth Services, including secure, encrypted video conferencing and record keeping. You can access Jane’s privacy policy here: https://jane.app/legal/privacy-notice
By agreeing to participate in Telehealth services, you acknowledge these risks and consent to the use of these technologies for treatment.
9. Third-Party Service Providers
We may use third-party service providers to assist with administrative, technical, or billing functions. These providers are required to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information in accordance with privacy laws and our contractual agreements.
10. Your Rights Under Alberta’s PIPA
Under Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), you have the right to:
- Access your personal information.
- Request that your information be corrected or updated.
- Withdraw consent for the collection, use, or disclosure of your personal information at any time, subject to legal and contractual restrictions.
For any questions regarding your rights, or to request access or correction of your personal information, please contact us using the contact details provided below.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. The updated policy will be posted on our website and will be available upon request. Any changes to the policy will be effective as of the date of publication.
12. Contact Information
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or if you wish to access or update your personal information, please contact us:
Attuned Psychological Services
5002 55 Street, Unit 155A
Red Deer, AB T4N 7A4
Phone: 825-250-3864
Email: krystal@attunedpsychologist.ca
