Privacy and Confidentiality
Consent and Age Guidelines
In Quebec, the age of consent for mental health treatment is 14.
- Children under 14 require caregiver consent, and caregivers may access their clinical information.
- Adolescents aged 14 and older may consent to therapy independently. Caregivers cannot access information without the adolescent’s written consent.
Your Personal Information
As required by law, I maintain a confidential file for each client. This includes identifying information, session notes, and your evaluation and treatment plan. I collect only the information necessary to guide your treatment, comply with legal obligations, process payments, and communicate with you.
Your file is stored securely and accessible only to me.
Confidentiality is upheld in all situations, except when:
- You provide written consent to share information
- There is an imminent risk of serious harm or death
- A child is being abused or neglected
- A judge legally compels disclosure
Files are retained for five years following the end of treatment, after which they are securely destroyed.
To ensure the best possible care, I may consult with other professionals (e.g., supervisors, peer consultants), but I will not share your name or identifying details.
I am the designated person responsible for the protection of personal information. You can reach me at: samantha@goldwater-adler.com
Videoconferencing and Email Communication
If we choose to meet via videoconferencing or communicate by email, I will take all reasonable precautions to protect your privacy. However, no platform can guarantee absolute confidentiality.
To further protect your information, please:
- Use a secure, private internet connection (avoid public Wi-Fi)
- Ensure you are in a quiet, private space during sessions
- Keep your devices protected with strong passwords and up-to-date security software
Updated