Introduction
At OPC College (“OPCC”, “we”, “our”, “us”), we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled responsibly and with care.

This Privacy Policy outlines our practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information in compliance with applicable Ontario privacy laws and regulations.

This Policy applies when you:

  • access our website: https://ontario.psychotherapyandcounseling.ca/
  • engage with our Referral Directory
  • contact us through email, forms, or social media
  • make inquiries as a prospective or current student
  • apply for employment with OPCC

It explains how and for what purposes we collect, use, and disclose your personal information, and how we safeguard its confidentiality.

What Is Considered “Personal Information”?
“Personal information” generally means any information that can be used, either alone or in combination with other information, to identify an individual.

This may include:

  • your name and contact details
  • demographic or background information
  • information you provide in forms or communications

In the context of our Referral Directory, this may also include information about your needs, preferences, or reasons for seeking therapy.

Technical information (such as IP address or browser data) may also be considered personal information where it can reasonably be linked to you.

Information that is irreversibly anonymized and cannot be linked to an identifiable individual is not considered personal information.

Business contact information (e.g., a professional email address) is generally not considered personal information when used in a professional context.

When Do We Collect Personal Information?
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:

  • inquire about our programs or services
  • register for courses or programs
  • subscribe to newsletters or mailing lists
  • complete forms on our website (including referral requests)
  • participate in surveys or feedback processes
  • contact us for support or information
  • access our online platforms
  • apply for employment

What Personal Information Do We Collect?
The types of personal information we may collect include:

  • name, address, and contact details
  • date of birth and gender
  • educational and employment history
  • payment and billing information
  • login credentials for online platforms

For Referral Directory users, we may also collect:

  • preferences for therapy (e.g., modality, availability)
  • general information about the reasons you are seeking support

We only collect information that is reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Policy.

How Do We Use Your Personal Information?
We use your personal information to:

  • provide and manage our educational programs and services
  • process registrations and payments
  • communicate with you regarding services, updates, and opportunities
  • improve our programs and user experience
  • meet legal and regulatory obligations
  • evaluate employment applications

For Referral Directory services, we use your information to:

  • review your request and assess potential therapist matches
  • facilitate a connection between you and a therapist

How Does OPCC Share Information for Referrals?
With your consent, OPCC may share limited personal information with a therapist for the purpose of facilitating a referral connection.

This typically includes:

  • your name
  • a brief summary of what you are seeking support for
  • relevant preferences (e.g., availability, virtual/in-person)

We follow a “minimum necessary” approach, meaning:

  • only the information required to facilitate the introduction is shared
  • detailed personal history or sensitive information is not broadly disclosed

In most cases, OPCC will introduce you and the therapist directly by email so that you may connect and determine fit.
You may choose whether or not to proceed with the therapist after the introduction.

Important Distinction: Role of OPCC
OPCC’s role in the Referral Directory is limited to facilitating connections.

  • OPCC does not provide clinical services through the referral platform
  • OPCC does not supervise or direct the care provided by therapists listed in the directory

All therapists in our directory operate as independent practitioners and are responsible for the services they provide. Some therapists are students or qualifying professionals who practice under clinical supervision in accordance with their training and regulatory requirements.

When Might We Disclose Your Personal Information?
We may share your personal information:

  • with service providers who support our operations (e.g., IT services, payment processors)
  • with regulatory or accreditation bodies where required
  • where required by law (e.g., court order, legal obligation)
  • to protect the safety, rights, or property of OPCC or others

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

How Do We Protect Your Information?
We use a combination of administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, including:

  • encrypted data transmission
  • secure storage systems
  • restricted access to personal information
  • role-based access controls

For Referral Directory submissions:

  • sensitive form data is encrypted and accessed only through secure systems
  • access is limited to designated personnel

While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, no system can guarantee absolute security.

Use of Email and Electronic Communication
As part of our services, including referral coordination, we may communicate with you or introduce you to a therapist via email.
While we use secure systems, email communication carries some level of risk.
By engaging with our services, you acknowledge and accept this risk.

Your Responsibilities When Providing Third-Party Information
If you provide us with personal information about another individual, you are responsible for ensuring that you have the appropriate consent to do so.

Your Right of Access and Correction
You have the right to request access to or correction of your personal information.
To do so, please contact our Privacy Officer using the information below.

Cookies and Online Tracking
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience and understand how our site is used.
You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, though some features of the site may not function properly.

Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
The most current version will always be posted on our website with the updated effective date.
Your continued use of our services indicates your acceptance of any changes.

Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:

Amy McGrath
OPC College
43 Madison Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M5R-2S2

Email: amymcgrath@opccollege.ca
Tel: 416-920-9355

Last Updated: March 25, 2026