At Online Therapy Counselling, your privacy is of utmost importance to us. We are committed to protecting the confidentiality and security of your personal information, whether you attend sessions in person at our Gold Coast clinic or engage with us through virtual counselling.
This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your information under the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
1. Collection of Personal Information
We collect personal information that is necessary to provide you with high-quality counselling services. This may include:
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Full name, date of birth, and contact details
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Medical and psychological history relevant to your care
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Information shared during therapy sessions
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Payment and billing information
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Information collected through our website, such as enquiry forms or bookings
This information may be collected via our website, over the phone, in person, or during online consultations.
2. Use of Personal Information
Your information is used for the following purposes:
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To provide professional counselling services
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To manage bookings, payments, and administrative tasks
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To assess, diagnose, and treat psychological or emotional concerns
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To communicate with you regarding appointments or follow-up care
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To meet legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations
We do not use your information for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.
3. Storage and Security
We take all reasonable steps to ensure your information is stored securely, whether in physical records or electronic systems. This includes password protection, encryption, secure servers, and regular backups. Only authorised personnel have access to your records.
All virtual sessions are conducted using secure, encrypted platforms that comply with Australian privacy and telehealth standards.
4. Disclosure of Personal Information
We will never disclose your personal information to a third party unless:
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You have given consent
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It is required or authorised by law
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There is a serious threat to your life, health, or safety (or that of another person)
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It is necessary for professional supervision or consultation (anonymously or with identifying details removed, where appropriate)
5. Access and Correction
You have the right to request access to your personal information and request corrections if the information is inaccurate or incomplete. To do so, please get in touch with us at [insert contact email or phone number]. We may require identity verification before releasing any information.
6. Website and Cookies
Our website may use cookies or tracking tools to enhance the user experience. These do not collect personally identifiable information unless voluntarily provided (e.g., via enquiry forms). By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies unless you disable them in your browser settings.
7. Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. The most recent version will always be available on our website.
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We are committed to addressing your concerns promptly and by applicable laws.
Please let me know if you’d like this tailored further with your business name, specific platforms used (e.g., Zoom, Halaxy), or any other additions, such as GDPR compliance.
