Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Sahara Psychology Inc
Effective Date: June 1, 2025

At Sahara Psychology Inc, we believe it is important for you to understand how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we handle your information in accordance with Alberta’s Health Information Act (HIA) and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

This policy applies to your use of our website, https://saharapsychology.ca (the “Website”), our practice software (Jane), and any related platforms, content, and services, including therapy-related services (collectively, the “Services”).

Who We Are

Sahara Psychology Inc is a solo psychology practice operated by Kiran Dhaliwal, a Registered Provisional Psychologist in Alberta.

1. Collection of Personal and Health Information

We collect only the information necessary to provide you with psychological services and comply with legal obligations. This may include:

  • Personal identification details (e.g., name, contact information, date of birth)

  • Health information relevant to psychological care (e.g., history, symptoms, treatment plans)

  • Insurance and billing information

We do not collect or retain information beyond what is reasonably required for your care, our records, or legal obligations.

2. Use of Personal and Health Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

  • To provide psychological services, assessments, and treatment

  • To communicate with you about appointments and treatment plans

  • To process payments and manage billing

  • To fulfill legal and regulatory reporting obligations

  • To improve service quality and operations

  • To respond to lawful requests or legal processes

  • To protect against fraud or imminent harm

Your information will not be used for any purpose unrelated to your care without your explicit consent.

Analytics

Our website may use Google Analytics to collect non-identifiable information about how the site is used. Google Analytics may use cookies and collect data that is shared with Google. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. For more on Google’s data use, visit Google’s Privacy Policy.

3. Disclosure of Information

We take your privacy seriously and only share your information when:

  • With consent: We may share your information with other healthcare professionals, insurers, or third parties with your verbal or written permission.

  • Without consent, only when required by law, including:

    • Reporting suspected abuse or neglect

    • Preventing serious harm to self or others

    • Complying with legal investigations, subpoenas, or court orders

    • Reporting to insurers or collection agencies as needed

We will always limit disclosures to the minimum required and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation. We do not sell or rent your personal information under any circumstance.

Note on E-Transfers: If you pay via e-transfer, your full name may be visible to our accountant for bookkeeping purposes. Other payment methods may offer more anonymity. Please let us know if you have concerns.

4. Protection of Information

We take multiple steps to safeguard your data:

  • Paper records are stored securely

  • Electronic records are stored in Jane, a secure, encrypted, Canadian-based practice management platform

  • Communications are encrypted where possible

  • Only authorized personnel have access to your information

  • Privacy and security practices are reviewed regularly

For more on Jane’s privacy practices, please visit: Jane Privacy Policy

Limits to Privacy Protection

Your information may be disclosed without consent when required by:

  • Alberta Children’s Services

  • Adult protective services

  • The College of Alberta Psychologists

  • Law enforcement with valid court orders or subpoenas

5. Retention of Information

We are required to retain your records for at least 10 years from the last date of service, or longer if required by law or the College of Alberta Psychologists. After that period, records are securely destroyed.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal and health information by written request

  • Request corrections if you believe your records are inaccurate or incomplete

  • Withdraw consent for the use or disclosure of your information, where legally permissible

To exercise your rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

7. Questions or Concerns

If you have questions or concerns about how your information is handled, contact:

Kiran Dhaliwal
Sahara Psychology Inc
#104, 9618 42 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB
Email: info@saharapsychology.ca
Website: www.saharapsychology.ca

If your concern is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact:

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta
Website: www.oipc.ab.ca
Phone: 1-888-878-4044

Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Changes will be posted on our website with the “Effective Date” updated at the top. A notice of material changes will be visible on our website for 30 days. Continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of any changes.

Acknowledgment

By using our Services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us before continuing to engage with our services.