Privacy Policy

Counselling Outside the Box is committed to protecting the privacy of our clients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information in compliance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

1. Information Collection

• • Types of Personal Information: We may collect personal information such as your name, contact details (email, phone, address), date of birth, health information, payment details, and other details relevant to providing counselling services.
  • Sensitive Information: Due to the nature of counselling, we may collect sensitive information relating to your mental health, relationships, and other deeply personal matters. We handle sensitive information with extra care and security.
  • Website Usage Data: We collect information about how you interact with our website, including pages visited, links clicked, and IP address. This generally does not identify you directly unless you choose to login to a client space.
  • How We Collect Information: We collect information directly from you during consultations, intake forms, website interactions, payment processing, and other communications.

2. Use of Information

• • Counselling Services: We use your information primarily to provide effective counselling services, including assessment, treatment planning, session notes, and related administrative tasks.
  • Communication: To contact you about appointments, reminders, invoices, and other essential information related to your care.
  • Improvement of Services: Anonymized data may be used to analyse trends and improve the quality of our website and services.
  • Legal and Ethical Obligations: In rare instances, we may be required to disclose information to comply with the law, court orders, or to protect the safety of yourself or others.

3. Disclosure of Information

• • Limited Sharing: We generally only share your information with our staff as necessary for providing care. Your information will not be sold or used for marketing purposes.
  • External Service Providers: We may use secure, third-party services for appointment scheduling, payment processing, or electronic health records. These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements.
  • Consent-Based Disclosure: If we wish to share your information for purposes beyond those stated, we’ll obtain your explicit written consent.

4. Security Measures

• • Protection: We implement reasonable technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, or alteration.
  • Data Breach Notification: In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will notify affected individuals and relevant authorities as required by law.

5. Access and Correction

• • Your Rights: You have the right to request access to your personal information and to request corrections if you believe it’s inaccurate. We will respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Limitations: Access may be denied in some instances, such as if disclosure could cause harm or violate another person’s privacy.

6. Data Retention

• • Counselling Records: We will retain your personal information for as long as required by law and professional guidelines, typically several years after treatment ends.
  • Website Data: Website usage data may be retained for shorter periods based on business needs and analytics.

7. Cross-Border Disclosures

• • Potential for Overseas Storage: Some third-party service providers we use may store data outside of Australia. We will take reasonable steps to ensure they comply with Australian privacy standards or equivalent protections.

8. Complaints

• • Contact Us: If you have any concerns about our handling of your personal information, please contact us: counsellingoutsidethebox@gmail.com 
  • OAIC: You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if you are unsatisfied with our response.

9. Changes to this Policy

• • Updates: We may revise this Privacy Policy. Updates will be posted on our website with the effective date indicated.

10. Contact Us

For questions or concerns, please contact: counsellingoutsidethebox@gmail.com 

Version: 27 March 2024