Privacy Policy

Heidi Gee Counselling
Effective Date: 19/4/25

At Heidi Gee Counselling, your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

  1. What Personal Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address
  • Information about your health, including medical history, mental health, or other sensitive information relevant to the counselling service
  • Payment details and billing information
  • Any information you provide during appointments, phone calls, online forms, or email correspondence
  1. How We Collect Your Information

We collect personal information in several ways, including:

  • Directly from you when you make an appointment, fill out a form, or communicate with us
  • During counselling sessions or consultations
  • Through our website, emails, or social media communication (only if you provide it voluntarily)
  1. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect your information to:

  • Provide counselling and mental health services
  • Manage appointments and communicate with you
  • Maintain accurate health records as required by law
  • Process payments and issue invoices
  • Comply with our legal and professional obligations
  • Improve the quality of our services
  1. Disclosure of Your Information

We respect your privacy and do not share your personal information without your consent unless:

  • Required by law (e.g., if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others)
  • It is necessary for your treatment, and you have consented (e.g., referral to another health provider)
  • Required for administrative or legal purposes, such as with Medicare or health insurance companies
  1. Storage and Security of Your Information

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access, including:

  • Secure electronic records and data encryption
  • Password-protected systems and devices
  • Confidentiality agreements with any staff or service providers

Client records are retained securely for at least 7 years after the last contact, or longer if required by law.

  1. Access and Correction

You have the right to access and request correction of your personal information. To do so, please get in touch with us in writing. We may ask for proof of identity to protect your privacy.

  1. Website and Online Communication

Our website may use cookies to enhance the user experience. Any personal information submitted via online forms or email is treated with the same confidentiality as face-to-face consultations.

Please note that while we take steps to secure online communications, the internet is not entirely secure. Avoid sharing sensitive personal or health information via email where possible.

  1. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.

  1. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about your privacy, or wish to access or correct your information, please contact:

Heidi Gee Counselling
Email: heidigeecounselling@gmail.com
Website: www.heidigeecounselling.com

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992

Have questions? Feel free to contact me. All enquiries are confidential.
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