Privacy policy

Effective Date: 23/03/2024

Welcome to quietspace, a platform dedicated to providing a safe and confidential space for therapists and clients to connect. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your data. Please read this Privacy Policy carefully to understand how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our platform. By using or accessing the quietspace website, you are agreeing to abide by our privacy policy.

In this privacy policy, the term "data" encompasses various types of information, including, but not limited to, visitor data, account data, transactional data, therapy data, and health data.

Visitor data pertains to information collected during website visits.

Account data comprises all details linked to your account, including personal information, user credentials, and onboarding information.

Transactional data encompasses information collected for payment transactions and legal compliance. We utilize Stripe to facilitate secure payment processing. Stripe aids in disbursing payments to therapists and thus we may disclose therapists' email addresses to Stripe, along with other requisite data such as their names as necessary.

Therapy data includes details from all the steps from the therapist's availability listing to the conclusion of therapy sessions, ensuring service quality.

Health data refers to clinical health records used to document services provided to users.

Please be aware that if you make any information publicly available on the Platform, such as through a public post, it may be visible to and utilized by anyone.

QuietSpace serves solely as a platform to connect clients and therapists. We do not provide any therapeutic services or guidance. All therapy services are provided directly by the therapists, and QuietSpace is not responsible for any outcomes or actions taken by the therapists.

 

Collection & Use of Data:

quietspace collects user data when voluntarily provided by users. This may occur when accessing the platform, utilizing its features, creating an account, booking or hosting appointments, participating in surveys, or using our anonymous therapy option. Data includes, but is not limited to, names, email addresses, home addresses, and other details necessary for the platform's functionality. This includes but is not limited to facilitating communication between therapists and clients, processing payments, providing personalized therapy sessions, and ensuring the security and integrity of user accounts. quietspace processes and securely stores the data collected from users to the best of our ability. 

Data collected by quietspace is used solely for the purpose stated at the time of collection. This information will not be shared with non-affiliated third parties without your consent, except as required by law. We prioritize the confidentiality of your data, restricting access to authorized staff only.

QuietSpace works with third-party vendors, including payment processors, analytics services, and communication tools. These third parties may collect, process, and store certain personal data as part of providing their services. We encourage users to review the privacy policies of these third parties to understand how their data may be handled. QuietSpace only shares personal data necessary for these third-party services to function.

Location Data:

We process IP address information to approximate your location, ensuring compliance with local laws and providing our users with the best possible experience. We do not use nor request your exact location.

Please note that we also process the address information you provide when creating an account to comply with therapy regulations. This information remains hidden from therapists but can be accessed during a therapy session through a designated "reveal information" button. This button allows therapists to access address and contact details necessary for sharing with emergency responders in crisis situations.

As QuietSpace operates internationally, your data may be transferred and stored in countries outside your own jurisdiction. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your data to countries that may have different data protection laws than those in your country of residence. We take steps to ensure your data is securely handled in compliance with international standards 

Complying with the Law:

When mandated by law, we collaborate with governmental entities. This practice is not exclusive to quietspace and applies similarly to in-person therapy. For instance, we may need to comply with a court-issued subpoena to provide specific information upon request. We encourage you to address any concerns regarding disclosure obligations with your therapist early in your sessions. Additionally, it's important to note that therapists may have obligations to divulge information to authorities as part of their professional and legal duties.

Therapists agree to comply with the data protection and privacy laws in the jurisdictions where they practice, including those of Lebanon, Canada, and other applicable regions. This includes adhering to the privacy policies set forth by quietspace and ensuring that client data is collected, stored, and handled securely and confidentially in accordance with legal and ethical obligations.

Therapists practicing in Lebanon are required to comply with the provisions of Law No. 81 of 2018 (Electronic Transactions and Personal Data Law), and therapists in other Middle Eastern countries must comply with relevant local data protection regulations. It is the responsibility of each therapist to ensure compliance with such laws as they pertain to data collection, storage, and processing.

 

Anonymous Therapy:

quietspace offers an anonymous therapy option where clients can participate in sessions with the camera off under a chosen nickname. The client's identity is protected, and information is disclosed to therapists only in emergency situations such as if your therapist believes that you or someone else is in immediate danger. Such cases include but are not limited to a client’s demonstration of intent to harm oneself, another individual, or a minor. quietspace respects the importance of anonymity in therapy sessions and provides users with the option to maintain anonymity during their sessions. When utilizing the anonymity feature, clients will be prompted to use a nickname of their choice, which will be displayed across the platform to maintain their privacy.

However, it is essential to note that in certain situations deemed by the therapist as emergencies or necessary for the well-being of the client, the therapist may require access to the client's information. This access allows the therapist to provide appropriate support and intervention when warranted.

The therapist is granted full autonomy in determining what situations constitute an emergency or require access to the client's information. These situations may include, but are not limited to, instances where the client expresses thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, experiences a medical emergency, or requires immediate intervention to ensure their safety.

In such cases, the client's emergency information will be securely and anonymously stored in a protected database. This ensures that the client's privacy and anonymity are preserved while allowing the therapist to access vital information when necessary to provide timely and appropriate support.

By utilizing quietspace's anonymity feature, clients can feel confident that their privacy is respected while still having access to the support and intervention they may need in times of crisis or emergency.While our endeavor is to offer an anonymous therapy experience, it is imperative to acknowledge the inherent challenges posed by legalities and internet utilization in achieving complete anonymity.

 

Cookies & Log Files:

quietspace utilizes cookies to enhance user experience and functionality. These small text files, stored by your browser, help us remember user preferences and maintain a "logged in" status, ensuring a smoother and more personalized browsing experience. Cookies are utilized for various purposes, including remembering preferences, optimizing website performance, and tracking user interactions with the platform. The usage of cookies is not linked to personally identifiable information. Users can manage cookie settings in their web browsers, allowing them to accept, reject, or delete cookies as desired. Disabling cookies may limit access to certain functions or features of the platform, as some functionalities rely on cookies to operate effectively. By continuing to use quietspace's services, users consent to the use of cookies as described in this Privacy Policy. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the use of cookies, please contact us for further assistance. Additionally, we employ log files and analytics tools, such as Google Analytics, to gather information on website usage. This data, including IP addresses, geographic location, browser type, and other non-identifiable information, is anonymous and aids us in improving our services and user experience.

We may use cookies or any other tracking technologies when you visit our website, including any other media form, mobile website, or mobile application related or connected to help customize the Site and improve your experience. 

 

Links to Other Sites:

quietspace may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites and encourage users to review the privacy statements of each linked website. This Privacy Policy applies solely to information collected by quietspace.

 

Security:

quietspace implements comprehensive measures to safeguard users' data. SSL and SSH encryption protocols are employed, and servers storing personally identifiable information are upheld in a secure environment. The reliability and accessibility of the Platform depends on various elements, including software, hardware, and tools owned and operated by us, our contractors, and suppliers. Our data is stored through Namecheap, renowned for its SSL certificates, two-factor authentication, DDoS protection, and other modern security tools, ensuring utmost safety for both our site and its visitors. Messages undergo HTTPS encryption and are retained as plain text.

 

Nevertheless,it is essential to acknowledge the impracticality of achieving 100% reliability and accessibility for any platform. Therefore, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted access to the Platform or assure consistent, timely, or error-free accessibility at all times.

 

Billing & Payments:

While quietspace utilizes a third-party payment processor, to securely manage your payment details, it's important to note that their handling of your data is governed by their own privacy policies. These policies may offer privacy protections that differ from those outlined in our Privacy Policy. We advise you to carefully review the privacy policies of these third-party processors. quietspace assumes no liability for any issues arising from the handling of your personal data by these third-party processors.

 

Retention of information:

quietspace will retain and utilize your data for the duration necessary to fulfill our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements, unless a longer retention period is mandated or permitted by law. Any aggregated data derived from or incorporating your data may be used after you update or delete it, but in a manner that does not personally identify you. Once the retention period lapses, your data is securely deleted. Therefore, rights such as access, erasure, rectification, and data portability cannot be exercised once the retention period expires.

Under specific data protection laws, you possess the entitlement to request the deletion of your data. To commence this procedure, kindly email us at support@quietspaceinc.ca, and we will guide you through it, contingent upon you supplying us with the requisite account details and proof of identity, as mandated by our team. Only you or your authorized representative have the authority to request the erasure of your data. Please note that under certain circumstances, legal or regulatory obligations may limit our ability to fulfill deletion requests.

Furthermore, under certain data protection laws, you also retain the right to request a copy of your data. To initiate this process, please email us at support@quietspaceinc.ca, and we will assist you, provided that you furnish us with the necessary account details and proof of identity as required by our team.

If you have any concerns or complaints regarding the handling of your personal data, please contact us at support@quietspaceinc.ca. 

 

Changes to Privacy Policy:

quietspace reserves the right to modify or update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be effective upon posting the revised policy on our platform. Users are encouraged to check this page regularly for updates.

Data from children

We don’t knowingly collect any data or information from anyone under the age of 18 or knowingly allow such persons to become our users without appropriate consent and proven legality from the respective organization. In any such scenario the user agrees to not hold us accountable for anything that may result from the usage of our platform.

YOU HEREBY RELEASE US AND AGREE TO HOLD US HARMLESS FROM ANY AND ALL CAUSES OF ACTION AND CLAIMS OF ANY NATURE RESULTING FROM THE THERAPIST SERVICES OR THE PLATFORM, INCLUDING (WITHOUT LIMITATION) ANY ACT, OMISSION, OPINION, RESPONSE, ADVICE, SUGGESTION, INFORMATION AND/OR SERVICE OF ANY THERAPIST AND/OR ANY OTHER CONTENT OR INFORMATION ACCESSIBLE THROUGH THE PLATFORM.

The Platform is not directed at and not intended to be used by children under the age of 18. If you’re aware that we have collected data from a child under age 18, please let us know by contacting us, and we’ll delete that information.

 

Acceptance of Policy:

By using quietspace's services, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Privacy Policy. You acknowledge that you have read and understood the provisions of this Policy and consent to the collection, processing, and use of your personal data as described herein. If you do not agree with any aspect of this Privacy Policy, please refrain from using quietspace's services. Your continued use of the platform following any updates or modifications to this Policy constitutes your acceptance of those changes If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal data, please contact us for clarification before proceeding to use quietspace's services .By using our services, you agree to release quietspace and hold us harmless from any and all causes of action and claims of any nature resulting from the therapist services or the platform, including (without limitation) any act, omission, opinion, response, advice, suggestion, information, and/or service of any therapist and/or any other content or information accessible through the platform.