It is sad sometimes but counselling does come to an end. While your file may be closed because you have met your counselling goals and have determined that you no longer require services, there are other reasons for file closure, as well.
Outstanding Payment
If we have not received payment for a session, we may close a client’s file and discontinue services. This file can be reopened and services can continue upon receipt of payment.
Lack of Contact
As we often have a waitlist, we want to ensure that clients are able to access services in a timely fashion. Therefore, if we have not heard from you in one (1) month, we will close your file. You are welcome to reconnect and request services again; however, we cannot guarantee availability and you may be placed on a waitlist.
Inconsistent Attendance
Counselling is a commitment to both yourself and your Social Worker/Psychotherapist. This means that consistency is important to achieving the goals that you are working towards. Therefore, if there are frequent cancellations or “no shows,” it may be an indicator that it is not the right time to pursue counselling.
Client Records
We will ensure that each client record is stored and preserved in a secure location for at least seven (7) years from the date of the last entry or, if the client was less than eighteen years of age at the date of the last entry, at least seven years from the day the client became or would have become eighteen. These regulations are in line with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and we are required by law to abide by them.