Privacy Policy

At Freedom Counselling, your privacy is very important to us. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information, in accordance with Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

1. What Information We Collect

When you book an appointment, make an inquiry, or receive counselling services with us—whether in person or online—we collect only the information needed to provide you with effective and ethical care. This may include your name, contact details, date of birth, health history, presenting concerns, intake forms, session notes, appointment history, billing information, payment details, and any other information you choose to share with us during your care.

2. How We Collect Your Information

We collect this information directly from you through intake forms, emails, phone calls, and during counselling sessions. We also use a secure, Canadian-based booking system called Jane to manage appointments and records.

3. How We Use Your Information

Your personal information is used only for the purposes of providing counselling services. This includes scheduling and managing appointments, billing, sending reminders and updates, and maintaining secure and legally required clinical records. We collect only what is necessary for these purposes and use it with your informed consent.

4. How Your Information Is Stored and Protected

We take the security of your personal information seriously. Your records are stored securely through Jane, which uses encryption and complies with Canadian privacy standards. Any physical records (if any) are kept in locked, restricted-access spaces. We retain your information as required by legal and professional standards, after which it is securely destroyed. Access to your records is limited only to authorized personnel.

5. Telehealth Services

Freedom Counselling offers secure virtual counselling (telehealth) using Jane’s integrated video platform or other encrypted services. These sessions are not recorded. We encourage you to attend virtual appointments from a private and quiet location to protect your own confidentiality. All telehealth communications are encrypted end-to-end. By booking a virtual session, you are consenting to receive services in this format.

6. Email Communication

We may use email to confirm appointments, share resources when appropriate, and handle general administrative questions. We use a secure email provider with Canadian-based servers to help protect your information. However, email is not recommended for discussing sensitive clinical information, and we do not use it for therapy sessions. If you choose to communicate by email, please be aware there are some privacy limitations (for example, emails may be stored on your or your provider’s devices). You are free to opt out of email communication at any time.

7. Disclosure of Information

Your personal information is treated as confidential and will only be disclosed under the following circumstances: with your written consent; when required by law, such as in response to a court order or if there is a risk of serious harm; or to meet professional obligations, such as mandatory reporting requirements. We do not sell or share your information for marketing purposes.

8. Your Rights Under Alberta’s PIPA, you have the right to: Access your personal records Request corrections to your information Withdraw your consent for certain uses (where possible) Ask questions or raise concerns about our privacy practices We will respond to any such requests in a respectful and timely manner.

9. Use of the Jane App

We use Jane, a Canadian practice management platform, to securely manage bookings, health records, and billing. Jane complies with all applicable provincial privacy laws and uses encryption and secure servers to protect your information. You can read more about Jane’s privacy practices at jane.app/privacy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy, would like to access your records, or have concerns about how your information is being handled, please contact us:

Freedom Counselling

4909 50 St, Red Deer, AB, T4N 1X8

Email: info@freedom-counselling.ca

Phone: (403) 342-2555

11. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The latest version will always be available on our website.