Effective Date: December 5, 2025
Last Updated: December 5, 2025

True Roots Counselling Services (“True Roots,” “we,” “our,” “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality and security of your personal information. We take our ethical, legal, and professional obligations seriously and are dedicated to transparency in how your information is collected, used, and protected.

Health Information & Legal Compliance

True Roots Counselling Services operates in full compliance with:

  • PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act – Ontario, Canada)

  • PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act – Canada)

These laws are designed to ensure a high standard of privacy, confidentiality, and protection regarding your personal and health information.

Website Privacy Policy

This privacy policy applies to the use of this website and all associated digital platforms operated by True Roots Counselling Services.

True Roots does not sell, rent, trade, or otherwise disseminate externally any personal information belonging to individuals who visit this website. We reserve the right to use anonymized information for internal tracking and statistical analysis, including but not limited to:

  • Number of visitors to the site

  • Which sections are most frequently accessed

  • Length of time spent on the site

  • Number of repeat visits

This data is used solely to improve website functionality, accessibility, and user experience.

Usage Rules

By continuing to browse this website, you agree:

  • Not to use any information obtained for any purpose that is illegal, unlawful, unethical, or prohibited by copyright or this agreement

  • That you are accessing and using this site at your own risk

True Roots Counselling Services assumes no liability for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of this website.

Links to Other Websites

As a convenience to visitors, we may provide links to websites operated by other organizations. These links:

  • Do not imply or convey endorsement

  • Are not governed by this Privacy Policy

  • Are solely the responsibility of the external organizations

True Roots Counselling Services is absolved from responsibility for any content, security, privacy, or repercussions experienced through third-party websites.

SMS Privacy & Consent Policy

This section explains how True Roots Counselling Services collects, uses, and protects your personal information for SMS (text message) communications.

1. Information We Collect for SMS Communications

When you opt in to receive text messages from True Roots, we may collect:

  • Your mobile phone number

  • Your name (if voluntarily provided)

  • Message interaction data (delivery confirmations, timestamps, replies)

  • The date and time of your consent

  • Communication preferences you choose to share

Only the minimum necessary information required to provide SMS services is collected.

2. How We Collect Your Information

Your information may be collected through:

  • Website and intake forms

  • Program or event registration

  • Direct opt-in by text message

  • Administrative or service-related consent

You are never added to SMS communications without your express consent.

3. How We Use Your Information

SMS communications may include:

  • Appointment reminders

  • Program and group session updates

  • Community event notifications

  • Registration confirmations

  • Service announcements related to True Roots offerings

True Roots does not engage in aggressive or excessive SMS marketing.

4. Consent & Your Right to Opt Out

By providing your phone number and opting in, you consent to receive SMS messages from True Roots.

You may opt out at any time by:

  • Replying STOP to any message

  • Emailing support@trueroots.org

  • Making a direct request through your therapist or administrator

Once you opt out, you will no longer receive SMS communications unless you re-enroll.

5. Message Frequency & Carrier Fees

  • Message frequency varies based on your participation in services, programs, or events

  • Standard message and data rates may apply

  • True Roots Counselling Services is not responsible for carrier charges

6. Data Protection & Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including secure systems, confidentiality agreements, and restricted access procedures.

While no system can guarantee absolute security, we maintain high standards of protection.

7. Third-Party Service Providers

True Roots may use trusted third-party platforms to facilitate SMS communication. These providers:

  • Only access data necessary to deliver messaging services

  • Are contractually required to protect your information

  • Are prohibited from using your data for their own marketing

We do not sell, rent, or trade phone numbers under any circumstances.

8. Data Retention & Deletion

SMS-related information is retained only as long as necessary to:

  • Provide services

  • Meet professional and legal obligations

  • Maintain safe communication practices

You may request data deletion at any time.

9. Children & Minors

SMS communications are intended for individuals 18 years of age or older, unless proper guardian consent has been documented.

10. Policy Updates

This policy may be updated periodically. Updates will be reflected in the effective date above. Continued participation after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact Information

For any privacy or SMS-related concerns, please contact:

True Roots Counselling Services
📧 support@trueroots.org
🌐 https://www.trueroots.org