Privacy
Privacy Policy - Owl Pod Mental Health Clinics
Effective Date: April 30, 2026
Overview
Owl Pod Mental Health Clinics ("Owl Pod," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and health information. We collect, use, and safeguard your information in accordance with applicable Alberta privacy legislation, including the Health Information Act (HIA) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).
1. Information We Collect
We collect personal and health information necessary to provide care and operate our clinic, including:
- Name, date of birth, and contact information (email, phone number)
- Alberta Health Care information
- Medical history and health concerns
- Appointment and billing information
We collect only the information required to provide safe and appropriate care.
2. How We Use Your Information
Your information is used for patient care and to support the safe and effective operation of our clinic.
This includes:
- Providing medical care and treatment
- Scheduling and managing appointments
- Communicating with you regarding your care
- Maintaining medical records as required by law
- Supporting necessary clinic administration related to your care
Your information is used only for purposes directly related to your care and is handled in accordance with Alberta privacy laws.
3. Consent
By providing your personal information to Owl Pod for the purpose of receiving care, booking appointments, or communicating with our clinic, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as outlined in this Privacy Policy.
Your information is used only for purposes related to your care and clinic operations.
4. SMS Messaging
Owl Pod Mental Health Clinics does not routinely use SMS (text messaging) to communicate with patients.
If SMS functionality is used, it is strictly limited to internal communication between authorized team members (employees and contractors) for operational purposes only.
All patient communication is conducted through secure and appropriate channels to protect your privacy.
5. Disclosure of Information
We do not sell or share your personal information for marketing purposes.
Your information may be shared only:
- With authorized healthcare providers involved in your care
- When required or permitted by law
- With secure service providers who support clinic operations under confidentiality agreements
SMS Consent:
SMS consent is not shared with third parties under any circumstances. Owl Pod Mental Health Clinics does not use SMS messaging to communicate with patients, and no consent related to SMS communication is collected, used, or disclosed. SMS functionality, if enabled, is strictly for internal team use among employees and contractors only.
6. Protection of Your Information
We take reasonable steps to protect your information, including:
- Limiting access to authorized personnel only
- Using secure systems for storing health records
- Following strict confidentiality practices
Your health information is handled in accordance with the Health Information Act (HIA).
7. Data Retention
We retain your information only as long as required by law and professional regulations. Health records are stored securely and disposed of appropriately when no longer required.
8. Contact Information
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact:
9. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date.
10. SMS Terms & Conditions
SMS Consent Communication
Phone numbers and SMS consent obtained as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.
Types of SMS Communications
Owl Pod Mental Health Clinics does not routinely use SMS to communicate with patients. If SMS functionality is used, messages are limited to conversational and operational communications among authorized employees and contractors. Owl Pod does not use SMS for marketing purposes.
Message Frequency
Message frequency may vary depending on operational needs. SMS use is limited and is not intended for routine patient communication.
Potential Fees for SMS Messaging
Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan. These fees may vary if messages are sent domestically or internationally.
Opt-In Method
Authorized employees and contractors may opt in to SMS communications verbally during a conversation or through internal onboarding or operational processes.
Opt-Out Method
You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any SMS message you receive. You may also contact Owl Pod directly to request removal from SMS communications.
Help
If you are experiencing any issues, reply HELP or contact Owl Pod at info@owlpod.ca.
Additional Options
Owl Pod Mental Health Clinics does not request or obtain patient consent for SMS communication. If you do not wish to receive SMS messages, do not opt in or contact Owl Pod directly to request removal from SMS communications.
Standard Messaging Disclosures
- Message and data rates may apply.
- Message frequency may vary.
- Reply STOP to opt out.
- Reply HELP for assistance.
For more information, visit our Privacy Policy at https://www.owlpod.ca/privacy.
Important:
Owl Pod Mental Health Clinics does not routinely use SMS messaging to communicate with patients. If SMS functionality is ever used, it will be limited, optional, and strictly for internal team communication among employees and contractors.
SMS Communication Notice
Owl Pod Mental Health Clinics does not request or obtain patient consent for SMS communication. SMS services, if enabled, are used only for internal team communication among employees and contractors.
