Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Human First Therapy collects, uses, and safeguards your information when you visit our website or use our services.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide to us:

• Contact form submissions: name, email address, phone number, and message content
• Appointment requests: name, contact details, and reason for inquiry
• Therapeutic records: health information shared during therapy sessions (governed separately under PHIPA)

Information collected automatically:

• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on the website
• Referring website or source
• General geographic location (city/region level)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Respond to your inquiries and contact form submissions
• Schedule and manage appointments
• Provide therapeutic services
• Improve our website and services
• Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

3. Cookies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Essential cookies required for website functionality cannot be disabled.

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Secure storage of personal health information
• Access controls limiting who can view your information
• Regular security assessments

While we take reasonable precautions, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

5. Your Rights

Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA) and Ontario health privacy law (PHIPA), you have the right to:

• Access your personal information held by us
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdraw consent for the collection and use of your information
• Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements
• File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada or the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected. Therapeutic records are retained in accordance with CRPO guidelines and PHIPA requirements, which generally require a minimum retention period of 10 years from the last date of service (or until a minor client reaches the age of 28).

7. Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

• Email: danleroy@ottawa-counselling.ca
• Phone: (613) 882-2653
• Address: 440 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, Ontario