Last updated: October 7, 2026

Root Bloom Thrive ("the Practice", "we", "us", or "our") values the privacy of our website visitors and clients. This Privacy Policy discloses the privacy practices for our website located at www.rootbloomthrive.com (the "Website").

This Policy is designed to comply with applicable Canadian privacy legislation, including the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) regarding website operations, and Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) regarding clinical communications and health records.

By using this Website, you agree to the collection and use of technical information in accordance with this Policy.

1: WEBSITE PRIVACY NOTICE (PIPEDA)

1.1 No Direct Information Collection on Website

Our Website is strictly informational. We do not host client portals, contact forms, comment sections, online store checkouts, or email subscription lists on this site. You are not required to input, upload, or submit any Personal Information or Personal Health Information (PHI) to browse this Website.

1.2 Automated Technical Data & Analytics

Our Website is hosted on Squarespace. Like most websites, Squarespace automatically collects standard, non-identifying technical data about your visit through system log files and server technology. This may include:

Log Data: Your Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type and version, operating system, referring website pages, pages viewed, and the time and date of your visit.

Purpose: This technical data is processed based on our legitimate interest in maintaining website security, diagnosing server issues, and evaluating general visitor traffic patterns. This data is not used to personally identify individual visitors.

1.3 Cookies

Our Website utilizes essential and functional cookies provided by Squarespace to ensure standard navigation and performance.

Essential Cookies: Necessary for site security and functionality.

Analytics Cookies: Used to gather aggregated, anonymous visitor statistics.

Managing Cookies: You can accept, block, or delete cookies at any time using your web browser’s settings. Disabling essential cookies may affect how certain pages render. Our Website does not respond to automated "Do Not Track" browser signals.

1.4 Third-Party External Links

Our Website may contain links to external sites (e.g., professional directories, emergency resources, or secure scheduling systems). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party site you visit.

2: PRACTICE PRIVACY & HEALTH INFORMATION (PHIPA)

2.1 Direct Inquiries & Communications

If you choose to contact us using the telephone number or email address listed on our Website, the information you provide is collected solely to respond to your inquiry, answer administrative questions, or coordinate an initial intake.

Please note that standard, unencrypted email is not completely secure. We advise against sending detailed, sensitive health information via initial website email inquiries.

2.2 Collection, Use, and Protection of PHI

When you become a client of the Practice, any Personal Health Information (PHI) collected during intake, assessment, or therapy sessions is governed strictly by PHIPA.

Purpose: We collect and use PHI strictly to deliver mental health services, maintain clinical records as required by professional regulatory bodies, and fulfill legal or administrative obligations.

Safeguards: We maintain robust physical, administrative, and technical safeguards—including password-protected and encrypted health management software—to protect client records against unauthorized access, loss, theft, or disclosure.

Service Providers: Where secure software platforms (such as Jane App for practice management and record-keeping) are used to store or transmit data, we ensure these platforms adhere to stringent privacy standards compliant with PHIPA/PIPEDA.

2.3 Virtual Care & Telehealth Privacy Considerations

While we utilize encrypted and compliant video/audio technology to conduct virtual sessions, electronic communications carry inherent security risks. To help protect your privacy during virtual interactions:

Use a private, personal device rather than a shared or employer-issued computer/phone.

Connect via a secure, private home Wi-Fi network rather than public or open Wi-Fi networks.

Ensure you are in a private, quiet setting where your conversation cannot be overheard.

2.4 Disclosure of Personal Health Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal health information under any circumstances. PHI is only disclosed outside the Practice with your express consent, or in rare circumstances where required or permitted by law (e.g., immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child abuse, or court order).

3: YOUR RIGHTS & CONTACT INFORMATION

3.1 Access and Correction of Records

Under PHIPA, you have the right to request access to your Personal Health Information and to request corrections if you believe an error or omission exists in your clinical record. Requests must be made in writing to our Privacy Officer.

3.2 Contacting Our Privacy Officer

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our Practice's information handling practices, please contact our designated Privacy Officer:

Privacy Officer: Danika Ferreira, Registered Psychotherapist & Owner

Practice Name: Root Bloom Thrive

Email: hello@rootbloomthrive.com

Mailing Address: 252 Ester St., Unit 1, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada P3E 5C3

3.3 Formal Complaints

If you feel your privacy rights have been violated, we encourage you to contact our Privacy Officer first so we can address your concern. You also have the right to file a formal complaint with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC):

Website: www.ipc.on.ca

Email: info@ipc.on.ca

Telephone: 1-800-387-0073

4: CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We reserve the right to modify or update this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect operational changes or evolving legal requirements. Updated versions will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. Continued use of our Website constitutes acceptance of the posted terms.