Policies

As a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario, I am a Health Information Custodian under PHIPA and am committed to protecting your privacy and confidentiality.

Confidentiality

Your personal health information is kept confidential, with limited exceptions required or permitted by law. As a client you need to provide written consent for me to talk to any person regarding your participation with Personalize Recognize Recovery.

Limits of Confidentiality

In certain circumstances, your consent may not be required or may be overridden where disclosure is permitted or required by law. Examples include:

Risk of serious harm to yourself or others
Suspected abuse or neglect of any child or vulnerable adult
Court orders or other legal requirements
Regulatory investigations

Where possible, you will be informed of such disclosures.

Privacy Policy

As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Ontario, I am a Health Information Custodian under PHIPA and am committed to protecting your privacy and confidentiality.

What We Collect

We collect personal health information necessary to provide psychotherapy services. This information is collected directly from you through intake forms, sessions, phone, online bookings, and email or from third parties with your consent (e.g., physicians, insurers)

Personal health information (PHI) includes identifying information about you that relates to your physical or mental health, including:

Contact information (name, address, phone number, email)
Date of birth
Health history and assessment information
Session notes and clinical records
Billing and payment information
Correspondence related to your care

How Your Information Is Used

Your information is used to:

Provide psychotherapy services
Communicating with you regarding your care
Maintain clinical records
Schedule appointments
Billing and payment processing
Meet legal and regulatory obligations

We do not sell or share your information for marketing purposes.

Storage and Protection

Records are stored securely using appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards, which may include:

Encrypted electronic record systems
Password-protected devices
Secure office storage

Electronic service providers used in my\our practice are required to meet privacy and security standards consistent with PHIPA.

Access is limited to authorized individuals only.

Retention of Records

Client records are retained in accordance with professional standards set by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Adult client records are typically retained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of last contact (longer for minors).

After the retention period, records are securely destroyed.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

Request access to your record
Request corrections to inaccurate information
Withdraw consent for certain uses or disclosures (subject to legal limits)

Privacy Concerns & Complaints

If you have questions or concerns about how your personal health information is handled, you are encouraged to contact me directly:

Joey Mercer, RP(Q)
Personalize Recognize Recovery
joey@personalizerecognizerecovery
(905) 818-5872
CRPO #19972

We will respond to privacy concerns in a timely and respectful manner.

If you are not satisfied with the response, you may file a complaint with:

Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8
Phone: 1-800-387-0073
Website: www.ipc.on.ca

Privacy Breach Notification

If your personal health information is accessed, used, or disclosed without authorization, you will be notified as required by law. I will take appropriate steps to contain the breach, investigate the cause, and reduce the risk of future occurrences.

Consent & Informed Consent

Informed Consent

Psychotherapy services are provided only with your informed and voluntary consent.
This means you have the right to understand the nature of therapy, the approach being used, potential risks and benefits, fees, confidentiality, and your right to withdraw at any time before agreeing to proceed. This includes understanding that psychotherapy is distinct from psychiatry, medical care, legal advice, or crisis services and that outcomes can not be guaranteed.

You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual limitations and reasonable notice. Withdrawing consent may impact our ability to provide services.
Only information necessary for the provision of psychotherapy services is collected.

You are encouraged to ask questions at any stage of the therapeutic process.

Consent to Collect, Use, and Disclose Information

Your consent is required for the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal health information.

Implied consent may apply for the purpose of providing ongoing care.
Express (written) consent is required for disclosures outside the circle of care (e.g., insurance companies, employers, or other third parties).

Telehealth & Electronic Communication

If you participate in virtual therapy, your consent includes acknowledgment of the potential risks associated with electronic communication (e.g., technological interruptions, privacy risks). Secure platforms are used where possible, and reasonable safeguards are in place.

How Consent Is Provided

Formal consent is obtained through a written intake and consent form prior to the start of services. Consent is an ongoing process and may be revisited at any time during therapy.

Directly from you (intake forms, sessions, email, phone, etc.)
From third parties with your consent (e.g., physicians, insurers)
Through secure online booking or practice management systems

You can also hyperlink to your full informed consent agreement/intake packet for download.

Fees, Cancellation & Billing Policy

Session Fees

Individual psychotherapy sessions are billed at $120 per 50-minute session unless otherwise agreed in writing. Fees may be reviewed periodically and clients will be notified in advance of any changes.

Longer or specialized sessions (e.g., EMDR, extended sessions, reports, letters, or consultation services) are billed at a prorated or agreed-upon rate.

Payment Methods

Payment is due at the time of service unless otherwise arranged.

Accepted methods of payment include e-transfer and cash.

Receipts are issued following payment and can be submitted to insurance providers for reimbursement, where applicable.

Insurance Coverage

Psychotherapy services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist may be covered under extended health benefits plans. However:

Coverage varies by provider and policy.
Reimbursement is not guaranteed.
Clients are responsible for confirming their own benefits, coverage limits, and eligibility requirements prior to beginning services.
Clients remain responsible for full payment of fees regardless of insurance reimbursement outcomes.

Direct billing is not available.

Cancellation & Missed Appointments

A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

Appointments cancelled with less than the required notice, or missed appointments, will be charged the full session fee.

Late arrival does not guarantee extension of the session time and the full session fee will apply.

Exceptions may be considered in cases of illness or emergency at the therapist’s discretion.

Website Terms of Use

Purpose of This Website

This website is intended for informational purposes only. It provides general information about psychotherapy services, mental health resources, and the practice. It is not a substitute for professional therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice.

No Therapeutic Relationship

Visiting this website, sending an email, or submitting a contact form does not create a therapeutic relationship. A formal therapy relationship begins only after a completed intake process, informed consent, and mutual agreement to start therapy.

Content Disclaimer

While efforts are made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the content on this site is for general educational purposes only. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Third-Party Links

This website may include links to external websites for convenience or reference. These links do not constitute endorsement. The practice is not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of third-party sites.

Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is the property of Personalize Recognize Recovery unless otherwise noted. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of website content is prohibited.

Emergency & Crisis Information

This practice is not equipped for emergencies. If you are experiencing a crisis or feel at risk of harming yourself or others, please seek help immediately.

Emergency Resources:

Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or go to a local emergency department
Talk Suicide Canada (24/7): 1-833-456-4566 or text 9-8-8
24/7 First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310 hopeforwellness.ca (website for online chat)
Local Crisis Services:
Hamilton - COAST Hamilton - 905-972-8338
Toronto - Distress Centres of Greater Toronto: 416‑408‑4357 or 416‑408‑HELP
Ontario Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
These services are available 24 hours a day and can provide immediate support.