Legal

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: May 2026

  1. Our Commitment to Privacy: I, Mary Anne Bedington, am a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario. This policy describes how I manage personal information in compliance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) and the standards of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

  2. No Collection of Tracking Data (Cookies): This website is a digital business card designed for transparency, not tracking.

    1. Cookies: I have disabled non-essential analytics and performance cookies. The host (Squarespace) may process limited technical data (such as IP addresses) strictly necessary for site security and delivery.

    2. No Third-Party Advertising: I do not utilize pixel tags, web beacons, or interest-based advertising trackers on this website.

  3. Social Media & Public Interaction: To maintain professional boundaries and protect client confidentiality:

    1. Social Networking: I do not accept "friend" or contact requests from current or former clients on any personal or professional social media platforms.

    2. Public Reviews: To protect your privacy and adhere to professional ethics, I do not respond to public reviews (e.g., Google Reviews). A response could unintentionally verify a therapeutic relationship, which is a breach of confidentiality.

    3. Messaging: Please do not use social media messaging for clinical or scheduling matters; these platforms are not secure.

  4. Clinical Confidentiality & PHIPA: All personal health information (PHI) is kept strictly confidential and stored securely. Disclosure of information without your consent only occurs in specific legal circumstances, such as a risk of imminent harm to self or others, suspicion of child abuse (under 16), or if records are subpoenaed by a court of law.

  5. Communication Security: Please be aware that standard email is not a secure, encrypted form of communication. Please limit email content to scheduling and general inquiries. For virtual care, I use a PHIPA compliant video platform which meets encryption standards for healthcare in Ontario. While my practice is in Ontario, data may be processed on secure servers located in the United States by my service providers (Squarespace).

  6. Contact & Complaints: For questions regarding these privacy practices, please contact me at maryanne4673@gmail.com. You also have the right to contact the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario at ipc.on.ca.

Terms of Use

Effective Date: May 2026

  1. No Professional Relationship: Accessing this website or contacting Mary Anne Bedington via email or phone does not create a therapist-client relationship. A formal professional relationship is only established after an initial consultation and the signing of a formal "Informed Consent to Treatment" agreement.

  2. Emergency Disclaimer: This website and its associated contact methods are not for crisis or emergency use. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

  3. Medical Advice Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any mental health concerns.

  4. Age of Users: This website is intended for users who are at least 18 years of age. If you are under 18, please use this website only with the involvement of a parent or guardian.

  5. Intellectual Property & Online Postings: All text, design, and branding on this website are the property of Mary Anne Bedington. You may not reproduce or redistribute this content without express written permission. If you interact with any public blog or posting on this site, be aware that your comments may be viewable by the public.

  6. Jurisdiction: I am a Registered Psychotherapist licensed to practice in the Province of Ontario, Canada. This website is intended for residents of Ontario, and these terms are governed by the laws of Ontario.

  7. Limitation of Liability: Use of this website is at your own risk. While I strive to keep the information on this site accurate and up-to-date, I make no guarantees regarding the completeness or timeliness of the information provided.