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Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

hese Terms and Conditions (“Agreement”) outline the professional relationship between BlossomEd Counselling, the Registered Psychotherapist (“Therapist,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) and the client (“Client,” “you,” or “your”). By engaging in psychotherapy services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

This Agreement is intended to comply with applicable laws and professional standards in Ontario, including the standards and guidelines established by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (“CRPO”), the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (“PHIPA”), and other applicable legislation.

2. Nature of Psychotherapy Services

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process intended to support mental health, emotional well-being, personal growth, and behavioural change. Services may include assessment, treatment planning, counselling, psychotherapy interventions, psychoeducation, and related mental health support.

Psychotherapy outcomes vary by individual, and no guarantees can be made regarding specific results.

Psychotherapy services are not a substitute for emergency medical care, psychiatric services, legal advice, or crisis intervention.

3. Eligibility for Services

Clients must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age, unless parental or legal guardian consent is provided where required;

  • Provide accurate and complete information relevant to treatment;

  • Be capable of providing informed consent;

  • Participate voluntarily in therapy.

Where services are provided to minors, additional consent and confidentiality limitations may apply.

4. Informed Consent

By participating in psychotherapy services, you consent to:

  • Engage in psychotherapy voluntarily;

  • Discuss personal, emotional, and psychological matters;

  • Participate in treatment planning and therapeutic interventions;

  • Understand the potential benefits and risks associated with psychotherapy.

 

Potential risks may include emotional discomfort, distress, or temporary worsening of symptoms during the therapeutic process.

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You may withdraw consent for services at any time, subject to legal, ethical, or contractual obligations.

5. Appointments and Scheduling

Appointments are scheduled by mutual agreement.

Clients are responsible for:

  • Attending appointments on time;

  • Providing accurate contact information;

  • Informing the Therapist of any changes affecting scheduling or communication.

Late arrivals may result in shortened sessions while the full session fee may still apply.

6. Fees and Payment

6.1 Service Fees

Fees for psychotherapy services are as follows:

  • Individual Therapy Session (Qualifying): $90 per hour

  • Couples Therapy Session (Qualifying): $160 per hour

  • Family Therapy Session: to be determined

  • Consultation or Report Writing: to be determined

  • Other Services: to be determined

Fees are subject to change upon reasonable notice.

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6.2 Payment Terms

Payment is due at the time services are rendered unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Accepted forms of payment may include:

  • Credit card;

  • Debit card;

  • E-transfer;

  • Other approved payment methods.

Outstanding balances will result in immediate suspension services.

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6.3 Insurance and Benefits

Clients are responsible for verifying coverage under their extended health benefits or insurance plans.

Receipts may be provided for reimbursement purposes; however, reimbursement is not guaranteed.

7. Cancellation and Missed Appointment Policy

  • Clients must provide at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

  • Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to the full session fee.

  • Exceptions may be made at the Therapist’s discretion in cases of emergency or unforeseen circumstances.

8. Confidentiality

All personal information and psychotherapy records are kept confidential in accordance with applicable Ontario privacy laws and professional standards.

Confidential information may only be disclosed with:

  • Your informed consent;

  • Legal authorization or legal obligation;

  • Circumstances permitted or required by law.

 

8.1 Limits to Confidentiality

Confidentiality may be limited in circumstances including but not limited to:

  • Risk of serious harm to yourself or others;

  • Suspected abuse or neglect of a child;

  • Suspected abuse of a vulnerable person where reporting obligations apply;

  • Court orders, subpoenas, or other legal requirements;

  • Professional regulatory investigations or audits.Where possible and appropriate, you will be informed prior to disclosure.

9. Collection, Use, and Storage of Personal Health Information

The Therapist collects personal and health information necessary for the provision of psychotherapy services.

Information may include:

  • Contact information;

  • Medical and mental health history;

  • Session notes;

  • Billing information;

  • Emergency contact details.

Information is stored securely using physical, administrative, and technological safeguards.

Records may be stored electronically through secure practice management systems and communication platforms.

Records are retained in accordance with applicable legal and professional retention requirements in Ontario.

10. Virtual Therapy and Electronic Communication

Services may be offered through telephone, video conferencing, email, or other electronic means.

While reasonable measures are taken to protect privacy and confidentiality, electronic communication carries inherent security risks.

By participating in virtual therapy, you acknowledge and accept:

  • Potential risks related to technology failures or security breaches;

  • Limitations associated with remote communication;

  • The importance of participating from a private and secure location.

Clients are responsible for maintaining appropriate privacy on their own devices and networks.

Electronic communication such as email or text messaging should not be used for emergencies or urgent mental health concerns.

11. Emergency and Crisis Situations

The Therapist does not provide 24-hour crisis services.

If you are experiencing an emergency, crisis, or immediate risk of harm, contact:

  • 911;

  • Your local hospital emergency department;

  • A crisis hotline;

  • Other emergency services.

Clients should not rely on email, voicemail, or text messages for urgent matters.

12. Professional Boundaries

The therapeutic relationship is professional in nature.

To maintain ethical and professional boundaries:

  • Personal or social relationships outside therapy are discouraged;

  • Communication should remain professional and related to treatment;

  • Social media interactions, including friend requests or public engagement, may not be accepted.

13. Communication Policy

Routine administrative communication may occur by phone, email, or secure messaging.

The Therapist aims to respond within a reasonable timeframe during regular business hours.

Electronic communications are not guaranteed to be secure or immediate.

Clients should avoid transmitting highly sensitive information electronically unless secure systems are used.

14. Record Access and Requests

Clients may request access to their records in accordance with applicable laws.

Requests must be made in writing.

Access may be limited where permitted or required by law.

Reasonable administrative fees may apply for copies, summaries, reports, or extensive record preparation.

15. Reports, Letters, and Third-Party Documentation

Preparation of reports, letters, forms, or court-related documentation is not included in standard session fees unless otherwise agreed.

Additional fees may apply for:

  • Insurance forms;

  • Disability documentation;

  • Legal or court-related reports;

  • Consultation with third parties;

  • Attendance at legal proceedings.

The Therapist reserves the right to decline requests that fall outside the scope of practice or professional competence.

16. Termination of Services

Clients may discontinue therapy at any time.

The Therapist may suspend or terminate services where:

  • Therapy is no longer clinically appropriate;

  • Required fees remain unpaid;

  • There are repeated missed appointments;

  • The therapeutic relationship is compromised;

  • Safety concerns arise;

  • The Therapist is unable to continue providing services.

Where appropriate, referrals or alternative resources may be provided.

17. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Therapist shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from psychotherapy services, except where liability cannot legally be excluded.

The Therapist’s total liability shall be limited to the amount paid for services directly related to the claim.

Nothing in this Agreement limits rights or protections that cannot legally be waived under Ontario or Canadian law.

18. No Guarantee of Outcomes

Psychotherapy outcomes depend on numerous factors, including client participation, personal circumstances, and external influences.

No representations or guarantees are made regarding specific therapeutic results.

19. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

Any disputes arising from this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.

20. Changes to Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions may be updated from time to time.

Updated versions will be made available to clients and will become effective upon posting or distribution unless otherwise stated.

Continued participation in services following updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms and Conditions.

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