Informed Consent Agreement

By accepting therapy services from Couples Counselling Toronto, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Services:

Couples Counselling Toronto offers a variety of therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. These services are provided exclusively through virtual platforms. This means that all sessions will be conducted online using video conferencing or phone calls.

2. Confidentiality:

  • General Confidentiality: We hold all information shared during therapy sessions in the strictest confidence. This information will not be disclosed to third parties without your written consent, except as required or permitted by law.

  • Limits to Confidentiality: Exceptions to confidentiality include:

    • Duty to Warn: If a therapist believes there is an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, they are legally obligated to take steps to prevent that harm. This may include contacting the appropriate authorities.

    • Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect: Therapists are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Children's Aid Society.

    • Court Orders: A therapist may be required to disclose information if ordered by a court of law.

    • Sexual Misconduct: Any sexual activity between a healthcare professional and a patient is a serious ethical violation and illegal. Therapists are required to report such activity to the respective regulatory body and potentially to law enforcement.

    • Internal and External Consultation: To ensure the best possible care, your therapist may consult with other professionals within Couples Counselling Toronto or, when necessary, with qualified clinical supervisors outside the agency. In these consultations, your identity and personal information will be kept confidential. Only pertinent information about your case will be discussed to ensure anonymity.

3. Record Keeping:

  • We maintain confidential records of your therapy sessions.

  • Individual Therapy: You have the right to access your records upon request.

  • Couples Therapy: In the case of confidential records from couples sessions, you also have the right to access the records, but only if your partner also consents. If one partner declines consent, the records will be redacted to remove any identifying information or individual disclosures of the non-consenting partner before being released to the requesting partner.

4. Consent to Treatment:

  • By engaging in therapy services with Couples Counselling Toronto, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Informed Consent Agreement and consent to receive treatment.

  • You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.

5. Virtual Therapy Considerations:

  • Understanding Virtual Health: You understand that virtual health involves the delivery of clinical services via technology, with the client and therapist located in different locations.

  • Risks and Benefits: You acknowledge the risks and benefits of virtual therapy, including potential disruptions due to technology failures, interruptions to confidentiality, and limitations in responding to emergencies.

  • No Recording: You agree that you will not record any part of the online sessions. Any recording by the therapist will only be done with the express verbal consent of all participants.

  • Confidentiality: You understand that confidentiality laws apply to virtual health, with the same exceptions as in-person therapy.

  • Technical Difficulties: You understand that technical difficulties may occur, and procedures will be in place to address these issues.

  • Emergency Contact and Location: You agree to provide your therapist with your location at the beginning of each session and designate an emergency contact person who can be contacted in a life-threatening emergency.

6. Fees and Payment:

  • Fees: Our fees are as follows:

    • Couples Intake Session (20 minutes): $100

    • Individual and Couples Therapy Sessions (50 minutes): $190

  • Cancellation Policy: You must provide 24 hours' notice to cancel a booked appointment. Failure to provide adequate notice will result in being charged the full price for the session.

  • Refund Policy: Any purchased sessions that are canceled within the appropriate time frame (24 hours before the scheduled appointment) may be refunded.

7. Contact Information: