Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Freedom Counselling Pty LtdEffective Date: September 2022
1. Introduction
Freedom Counselling Pty Ltd ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand) and the Health Information Privacy Code. This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect your personal and health information.
2. What Information We Collect
We collect personal and sensitive information that is necessary to provide you with safe, effective, and ethical counselling services. This may include:
Your full name, date of birth, address, contact details
Emergency contact information
Medical and mental health history
Current concerns and issues
Session notes and treatment plans
Correspondence (emails, texts, etc.)
Payment and billing information (if applicable)
3. How We Collect Your Information
Information is primarily collected:
Directly from you during intake and counselling sessions
Through any communications (emails, phone calls, online forms)
From third parties with your consent (e.g., GP, other health providers)
Via our website (only with your consent, for example, when using contact forms or booking systems)
4. Purpose of Collection
We collect your information to:
Provide professional counselling services
Monitor and support your therapeutic progress
Comply with legal and professional obligations
Communicate with you and/or your authorised representatives
Arrange appointments and manage payments
5. Storage and Security of Information
All personal and health information is securely stored in password-protected electronic systems or locked filing systems. We take all reasonable steps to protect your information from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access, including:
Secure digital practice management software (if used)
Encrypted communication (where applicable)
Regular review of data protection policies and procedures
Records are retained for at least 7 years after your last session (or longer if required by law or professional standards), after which they will be securely destroyed.
6. Disclosure of Information
Your information is confidential and will not be shared without your informed consent, except where:
Disclosure is required or permitted by law (e.g., to prevent serious harm)
There is an immediate risk to your safety or that of others
We are legally compelled by a court or tribunal
For supervision purposes (in a de-identified manner)
You have provided written consent for disclosure to a third party (e.g., a GP, family member)
7. Your Rights
Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:
Access your personal information
Request corrections to your information
Withdraw your consent (where applicable)
Ask how your information is being used or disclosed
Requests can be made in writing to the Privacy Officer (contact details below).
8. Third-Party Services and Online Interactions
If you use our website or third-party platforms (e.g., online booking systems, telehealth software), be aware that these services may collect information subject to their own privacy policies. We take care to use only reputable and secure providers.
9. Telehealth and Online Counselling
When using telehealth (video or phone counselling), we ensure that:
All sessions are conducted using secure, encrypted platforms
Notes and communications are handled as securely as in-person sessions
Clients are advised to ensure privacy on their end (e.g., quiet, secure location)
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in legislation or practice. The most current version will always be available upon request or on our website.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your privacy, please contact:
Privacy OfficerFreedom Counselling Pty Ltd34 McDougall Street, Wānaka 9305Email: freedomcounselling500@gmail.comPhone: 0211409225
By engaging with Freedom Counselling Pty Ltd, you acknowledge and accept the terms of this Privacy Policy.
1. Introduction
Freedom Counselling Pty Ltd ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand) and the Health Information Privacy Code. This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect your personal and health information.
2. What Information We Collect
We collect personal and sensitive information that is necessary to provide you with safe, effective, and ethical counselling services. This may include:
Your full name, date of birth, address, contact details
Emergency contact information
Medical and mental health history
Current concerns and issues
Session notes and treatment plans
Correspondence (emails, texts, etc.)
Payment and billing information (if applicable)
3. How We Collect Your Information
Information is primarily collected:
Directly from you during intake and counselling sessions
Through any communications (emails, phone calls, online forms)
From third parties with your consent (e.g., GP, other health providers)
Via our website (only with your consent, for example, when using contact forms or booking systems)
4. Purpose of Collection
We collect your information to:
Provide professional counselling services
Monitor and support your therapeutic progress
Comply with legal and professional obligations
Communicate with you and/or your authorised representatives
Arrange appointments and manage payments
5. Storage and Security of Information
All personal and health information is securely stored in password-protected electronic systems or locked filing systems. We take all reasonable steps to protect your information from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access, including:
Secure digital practice management software (if used)
Encrypted communication (where applicable)
Regular review of data protection policies and procedures
Records are retained for at least 7 years after your last session (or longer if required by law or professional standards), after which they will be securely destroyed.
6. Disclosure of Information
Your information is confidential and will not be shared without your informed consent, except where:
Disclosure is required or permitted by law (e.g., to prevent serious harm)
There is an immediate risk to your safety or that of others
We are legally compelled by a court or tribunal
For supervision purposes (in a de-identified manner)
You have provided written consent for disclosure to a third party (e.g., a GP, family member)
7. Your Rights
Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:
Access your personal information
Request corrections to your information
Withdraw your consent (where applicable)
Ask how your information is being used or disclosed
Requests can be made in writing to the Privacy Officer (contact details below).
8. Third-Party Services and Online Interactions
If you use our website or third-party platforms (e.g., online booking systems, telehealth software), be aware that these services may collect information subject to their own privacy policies. We take care to use only reputable and secure providers.
9. Telehealth and Online Counselling
When using telehealth (video or phone counselling), we ensure that:
All sessions are conducted using secure, encrypted platforms
Notes and communications are handled as securely as in-person sessions
Clients are advised to ensure privacy on their end (e.g., quiet, secure location)
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in legislation or practice. The most current version will always be available upon request or on our website.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your privacy, please contact:
Privacy OfficerFreedom Counselling Pty Ltd34 McDougall Street, Wānaka 9305Email: freedomcounselling500@gmail.comPhone: 0211409225
By engaging with Freedom Counselling Pty Ltd, you acknowledge and accept the terms of this Privacy Policy.