Last Updated: 13th September 2026

1. Introduction & Compliance

This Privacy Policy outlines how Sam Schneider Counselling collects, uses, protects, and discloses personal information. As a Master Practioner of Clinical Counselling (MPCC) with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA), my practice strictly adheres to the CPCA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, alongside the British Columbia Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). [1, 2]

This policy applies to all visitors to this website, prospective clients, and active youth clients. [1]

2. Information Collected Electronically

When using this website, personal data may be collected in the following ways:

• Contact Forms: Information you choose to submit (such as your name, phone number, email address, and message) is used solely to respond to your inquiry. [1]

• Online Booking: If you schedule a session online, you will interact with Zanda Health. This third-party tool is encrypted and fully compliant with Canadian healthcare privacy legislation. [1]

• Website Analytics: This website uses cookies to collect anonymous technical data (such as browser type or page visit durations) to optimize your user experience. You can disable cookies directly via your browser settings. [1]

3. Clinical Confidentiality & The Mature Minor Doctrine

In accordance with CPCA ethical guidelines, all data originating from a therapeutic relationship is treated with the highest degree of confidentiality. [1]

Because my practice focuses on youth counselling, I recognize the Mature Minor doctrine under British Columbia law. If a youth client demonstrates the capacity to understand the nature, risks, and benefits of counselling, they retain the right to confidential care. In these instances:

• Information shared in therapy will not be disclosed to parents or legal guardians without the youth client’s explicit written consent.

• Collaborative family involvement is highly encouraged but remains subject to the youth's confidentiality rights. [1]

4. Legal & Ethical Exceptions to Confidentiality

Under CPCA standards and provincial law, confidentiality must be breached if there is a legal obligation or a pressing safety concern. I am required to disclose information to appropriate authorities without consent if: [1]

• There is a clear and imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else.

• There is a reason to suspect that a youth or child under the age of 19 is experiencing abuse, neglect, or is otherwise at risk of harm.

• Clinical records are explicitly subpoenaed by a court of law. [1, 2]

5. Data Security & Storage

Your data security is prioritized. All physical and digital intake forms, clinical case notes, and communication logs are stored on secure, encrypted systems located on Canadian servers to comply with provincial guidelines. No personal information is ever sold, traded, or shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

6. Access and Corrections

Under PIPA, you (or your authorized representative) have the right to request access to the personal information held within this practice, or to request corrections if you identify inaccuracies.

7. Privacy Officer Contact Information

For any inquiries, requests to access records, or concerns regarding your privacy, please contact the designated Privacy Officer for this practice: [1, 2]

• Privacy Officer: Sam Schneider, MPCC

• Credentials: Master Practioner of Clinical Counselling (MPCC) #3989

• Location: North Vancouver, BC

• Email: samschneidercounselling@gmail.com

• Phone: +1 604-700-7671