1. Purpose and Scope

This policy outlines the rights and responsibilities of clients engaging in psychotherapy, counselling, coaching, or group services with RALII Psychotherapy, Coaching & Wellness (“RALII”).
It ensures transparency, fairness, and ethical practice in accordance with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA, 2004), and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

The goal is to promote mutual respect, collaboration, and safety within the therapeutic relationship.

2. Guiding Principles

RALII believes that every client deserves:

• Respect and Dignity– Each person’s lived experience and identity are valued.
• Autonomy and Choice– Clients direct their therapeutic goals and decisions.
• Equity and Access– Services are inclusive, culturally responsive, and barrier-free.
• Transparency and Accountability– Clients understand their rights and how to exercise them.
• Confidentiality and Safety– Information is protected in accordance with law and ethics.

3. Client Rights

3.1 Right to Respectful and Non-Discriminatory Care

Clients have the right to receive services free from discrimination, harassment, or bias related to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, or socioeconomic status.

3.2 Right to Informed Consent

Clients will be fully informed of the nature, purpose, risks, and limits of therapy before agreeing to participate. Consent is voluntary, ongoing, and can be withdrawn at any time.

3.3 Right to Confidentiality

All personal health information is kept confidential in accordance with PHIPA.
Exceptions are clearly explained (e.g., risk of harm, child abuse, court order).

3.4 Right to Access Information

Clients may review or request copies of their records by written request.
Corrections or clarifications can be added through an addendum process.

3.5 Right to Quality and Competent Care

Clients can expect professional, ethical, evidence-based services delivered within the clinician’s scope of practice. RALII therapists engage in ongoing supervision and training.

3.6 Right to Participation and Collaboration

Clients are encouraged to participate actively in goal setting, feedback, and evaluation of progress.

3.7 Right to Complain or Provide Feedback

Clients can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
Complaints can be directed to the Practice Lead or to the CRPO.
The full complaint procedure is detailed in the Client Complaint and Feedback Policy Manual.

3.8 Right to Accessibility and Accommodation

RALII complies with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and provides reasonable accommodations (e.g., virtual sessions, accessible materials, interpreters) upon request.

3.9 Right to Refuse or Withdraw Consent

Clients may decline any intervention, referral, or assessment, or end therapy at any time. The therapist will respect this decision and provide referral options when appropriate.

3.10 Right to Safe and Professional Boundaries

Clients can expect a therapeutic environment free from exploitation, dual relationships, or inappropriate conduct.

4. Client Responsibilities

4.1 Active Engagement

Clients are encouraged to attend sessions regularly, participate openly, and take an active role in their own growth process.

4.2 Timely Communication

Clients should notify RALII of cancellations or schedule changes at least 24 hours in advance (see Cancellation & Payment Policy).

4.3 Payment of Fees

Clients are responsible for paying agreed-upon fees at the time of service and managing reimbursement with their insurance provider.

4.4 Honesty and Transparency

Clients are asked to share accurate information regarding their history, health, and goals to support effective treatment planning.

4.5 Respectful Conduct

Clients are expected to engage respectfully with all staff and other clients.
Abusive, threatening, or discriminatory behaviour may lead to service suspension.

4.6 Confidential Use of Information

Clients agree not to record sessions or share therapist communications without written consent.

4.7 Safety and Crisis Communication

Clients must inform their therapist if they experience suicidal thoughts, self-harm urges, or unsafe situations so that appropriate supports can be provided.

4.8 Technology and Privacy for Virtual Sessions

When engaging in online sessions, clients ensure they are in a private, distraction-free setting and use secure devices.
(Refer to Virtual Therapy & Email Consent Policy.)

4.9 Compliance with Legal and Ethical Boundaries

Clients understand that therapists must comply with mandatory reporting laws and may need to disclose information to protect safety.

5. Therapist Responsibilities

RALII therapists and staff commit to:

• Maintaining competence, professional registration, and supervision.
• Protecting client confidentiality and data security.
• Providing transparent information about fees, policies, and risks.
• Using evidence-informed and culturally sensitive approaches.
• Managing conflicts of interest ethically.
• Ensuring accessibility and accommodations for all clients.

6. Cultural and Equity Commitment

RALII values diversity as strength and pledges to:

• Honour cultural identity and expression.
• Integrate anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practices.
• Seek continuous education in equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Partner with diverse communities to ensure representation in care.

7. Client Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Clients are encouraged to share feedback verbally or through surveys at any point in their therapeutic journey.
Feedback is reviewed quarterly to enhance service quality and responsiveness.

8. Review and Policy Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or when legislation, professional standards, or organizational needs change.
Clients will be notified of updates via the website or onboarding materials.

Effective Date: 9^th November 2025
Next Review Date: 8^th November 2026

Acknowledgement

By engaging with RALII Psychotherapy, Coaching & Wellness, clients confirm they have read and understood their rights and responsibilities.