Windsor Counselling Services
Lindsay Laing, MA, RSW, RP, ICCAC, TITC-CT
Copyright @ Lindsay Laing| Professional Counselling Services. Mental Health & Addiction Therapist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is online counselling?
Online counselling is the delivery of counselling services through a secure Internet connection. Counselling can be provided through video chat and/or audio conferencing. Online counselling can be as effective as face-to-face counselling. This service is only available in Canada.
Is online counselling a suitable option?
While there are many benefits to online counselling, there may be situations where online counselling may not be the best option for you.
These situations include:
You do not have access to a private area that has internet access.
If you are under the age of 16.
You do not reside in Canada.
You are currently at risk of suicide or homicide. If you are currently in crisis please call your local crisis hotline or 911.
You sometimes lose touch of what is real and/or have severe post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Is online counselling private?
Online counselling is conducted through a very secure website. Encryption will be applied to data transferred via the internet, videoconferencing, and documents stored on a computer. Encryption transforms Personal Health Information so that those who do not have the required access key cannot read content – even if they hack into the system. Although measures have been taken to protect the privacy and confidentiality of online counselling communication it cannot be guaranteed. It is essential to have access to an area that is private and free from interruption during the length of the online counselling session.
What is the confidentiality policy?
What is discussed during an online therapy session is confidential. That means that the counsellor cannot share any information about you without your consent. You must give written permission in order to release information about you to anyone else.
There are exceptions to confidentiality required by law, where information may be given out without your consent.
These exceptions include:
Situations where a child is considered at risk. In such cases, the counsellor is legally obligated to report any concerns to the Children’s Aid Society.
An indication that you are intending to harm yourself or someone else.
A subpoena or summons is served by the courts, requiring the counsellor to surrender information concerning you.