This Privacy Policy applies to the website drrukavina.com and the online platforms used in the delivery of professional psychological services and information (the “Sites”). The Sites are hosted and supported by external service providers, such as Squarespace for website hosting and Jane App for scheduling and secure communication. The professional content and services provided through these platforms are administered by Dr. Rosemary Rukavina, a registered psychologist in British Columbia.

This Policy reflects obligations under the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) standards, and relevant Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) ethical guidelines.

By using the Sites, individuals consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information as described in this Policy. Those who do not agree with this Policy should discontinue use of the Sites.

Scope

This Policy applies only to information collected online through the Sites. It does not apply to offline interactions or to information gathered within a formal psychologist–client relationship, which is governed by CHCPBC standards, CPA ethics, and provincial legislation. Contacting Dr. Rukavina through the Sites does not in itself create a therapeutic relationship.

Information Collected

1. Personal Information

Personal information is collected only when voluntarily provided. This may include:

• Name and email address when subscribing to newsletters

• Information submitted through the contact form, which may include mental-health-related details

• Appointment and contact information submitted through Jane App

• Payment information processed securely through Jane App (credit card information is not stored by Dr. Rukavina)

• Email correspondence received through Gmail

• Contact information forwarded from third-party professional referral or marketing directories, such as the Gottman Referral Network, EMDR Canada, EMDRIA, or CounsellingBC

Sensitive or mental-health information submitted online is treated confidentially. However, this information is not considered part of a clinical record unless a person becomes a client. Sending sensitive information through the Sites does not establish a psychologist–client relationship. If an individual does not pursue services, such information will be deleted when no longer needed.

2. Non-Personal / Technical Information

Non-identifying technical information is collected automatically, such as IP address, browser or device type, pages viewed, and time spent on the Sites. This information is gathered primarily through Google Analytics.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Sites use cookies to support functionality, perform analytics, and understand user behavior. Cookies may be disabled through browser settings, though some features may not function optimally. Google Analytics may store or process information outside of Canada, including in the United States.

How Personal Information Is Used

Personal information may be used to:

• Respond to inquiries

• Manage appointments and communication through Jane App

• Provide newsletters or updates voluntarily subscribed to

• Process payments through Jane App

• Communicate administrative or service-related information

• Maintain appropriate clinical and administrative records

• Comply with professional, legal, and regulatory requirements

Mental-health-related information submitted online is used solely to respond to inquiries and becomes part of a clinical record only if an individual proceeds with therapy services.

Non-personal information is used to understand website performance and improve user experience.

Confidentiality and Limits

In accordance with CHCPBC and CPA standards, personal and health information is kept confidential except when disclosure is required by law or ethical obligations, such as:

• A serious and imminent risk of harm to the individual or others

• Suspected child abuse or neglect

• A court order, subpoena, or other legal requirement

• Concerns about the safety of a vulnerable person

• Professional consultation, during which identifying information is minimized and confidentiality is preserved

These limits apply only within a therapeutic relationship. The Sites’ contact form is not intended for emergencies or urgent mental-health concerns.

Third-Party Service Providers

Trusted third-party service providers assist in operating the Sites and providing services. These may include:

• Google Analytics for website analytics

• Gmail / Google Workspace for email

• Jane App for scheduling, secure messaging, storage of client information, and payment processing

• Website hosting providers (such as Squarespace)

• Email newsletter platforms, if used

Third-Party Referral and Marketing Directories

Individuals may contact Dr. Rukavina through external professional directories such as the Gottman Referral Network, EMDR Canada, EMDRIA, or CounsellingBC. These platforms transmit the information users choose to provide.

Cross-Border Data Storage

Some service providers may store or process information outside of Canada, including in the United States. Information stored in other jurisdictions may be subject to the laws of those regions.

Personal information is not sold or rented to third parties.

Data Storage and Security

Consistent with CHCPBC and CPA expectations, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are used to protect personal information. These include HTTPS website encryption, secure storage and encrypted communication through Jane App, restricted access to personal information, and strong passwords with multi-factor authentication where available.

Despite these safeguards, no system is completely secure. If a privacy breach occurs, affected individuals will be notified in accordance with legal and professional requirements.

Data Retention

Personal information is retained only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this Policy and in accordance with legal and professional obligations.

• Contact form submissions are kept for up to 12 months unless added to a clinical record

• Newsletter subscription information is retained until the individual unsubscribes

• Clinical records stored in Jane App are retained according to CHCPBC standards:

  • At least seven years after the last clinical interaction, or

  • For minors, until age 19 plus seven additional years

• Google Analytics data is retained according to Google’s default settings

Individuals may request deletion of personal information where legally permitted.

Individual Rights

Under PIPA, PIPEDA, and professional guidelines, individuals have the right to:

• Access their personal information

• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information

• Withdraw consent for non-essential uses

• Request deletion of information where appropriate

• Ask about storage, protection, and disclosure practices

Identity verification may be required before responding to requests.

Children’s Privacy

The Sites are intended for individuals aged 18 and older. Personal information from minors is not knowingly collected without parent or guardian consent. If information from a minor is submitted without appropriate consent, it will be deleted.

External Links

The Sites may contain links to external websites. These websites operate independently, and their privacy practices are not controlled by Dr. Rukavina. Individuals should review the privacy policies of external websites before providing personal information.

Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. The date at the top of the Policy reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the Sites indicates acceptance of any updated Policy.

Contact Information

Questions regarding this Privacy Policy, or requests to access or correct personal information, may be directed to:

Email: info@drrukavina.com
Website: drrukavina.com

Individuals who are clients and who have concerns about their care or the handling of their personal information may also contact the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) for guidance or to file a complaint.

Last updated: November 2025