Privacy policy.
Privacy Policy
Overview
Georgia Wenczel Counselling and Psychotherapy ABN 45 237 616 227 is committed to complying with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles under that Act, and the privacy provisions of all applicable legislation.
This Privacy Policy covers all personal information we hold, which includes any information or opinion that identifies an individual. This includes information we collect from people through our office, over the phone, and over the internet, such as name, address, email address, and phone numbers.
Collecting Information - Types of Information We Collect, How We Collect It, and the Purposes for Which We Collect It
Types of Personal Information We Collect
When we collect personal information from you, we will do so fairly, ensuring that we explain why we are collecting the information and how we plan to use it. We will only collect information necessary for our functions or activities.
The types of personal information we may collect include (but are not limited to):
Name, address, email address, phone number
Date of birth, billing and payment details (if applicable)
Medicare and insurer details (if applicable)
Health information about you, including mental health details, in order to provide therapy and support services
As we work specifically with individuals aged 12-25, we are aware that consent and confidentiality are essential aspects of our relationship. If you are under 18, we will ensure that we work with your parent or guardian as needed and in line with the law.
Sensitive Information
Sensitive information is a subset of personal information. This includes health information, which we treat with the utmost confidentiality and security.
Sensitive information will be used by us only for:
The primary purpose for which it was obtained
A secondary purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose
With your consent or where required or authorized by law
Sensitive information we may collect includes details about your mental health, treatment history, or well-being. We will also work with any relevant health professionals if you have given consent to share information for coordinated care.
How We Collect Your Personal Information
We collect personal information in the following ways:
During client on-boarding via registration forms and treatment sessions
When you make inquiries or requests related to our services, including through our website
From correspondence (whether in writing or electronically) or when you contact us via phone, email, or other communication platforms
When applying for a job or position with us
If you attend our premises, we may collect certain contact details and, in some cases, images or voice recordings if surveillance systems are in operation
For clients aged 12-25, we are particularly aware of the need for confidentiality and parental involvement when applicable. In some cases, we may ask for consent from your parent or guardian to ensure the best care.
Our Purposes for Handling Your Personal Information
We collect, hold, use, and disclose your personal information for the following purposes:
To provide psychotherapy services to clients
To consider applicants for employment or other roles
To comply with legal and regulatory obligations, especially regarding privacy and consent with young individuals
To address any issues or complaints related to our relationship
To protect the security and safety of our premises and personnel
To contact you about our services or other relevant matters
We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for your therapy. We ensure that your rights to privacy and confidentiality are respected, but also acknowledge that in some situations, such as harm or safety concerns, we may need to involve a parent or guardian.
Disclosing Information
We may disclose your personal information to third parties for purposes related to the services we provide, such as:
Service providers, contractors, and technical support organizations
Our accountants, lawyers, insurers, auditors, and other professional advisors
Health professionals (with your consent) for coordination of care, including to your treating doctor or specialists
To insurers or compensation agencies (if necessary)
If you are a client aged 12-25, we may also share information with your parent or guardian, especially if you are under 18, in accordance with our legal obligations or with your consent.
We may also disclose your personal information in accordance with your consent or as required or permitted by law.
Overseas Transfers
In the ordinary course of our business, we do not generally disclose your personal information to overseas recipients.
Marketing and Opt-Out
We may send you information about services, products, or promotions either from us or third parties that may be of interest to you. We will provide you with a means to opt-out of marketing communications. You can contact us to unsubscribe from these communications.
Accessing and Correcting Your Personal Information
You may request access to the personal information we hold about you and/or make corrections to that information at any time. We will respond to your request within a reasonable time frame.
If we refuse access or corrections, we will provide you with written notice explaining the reasons for our decision.
Storage and Security
We hold personal information securely, either in physical records, electronically on our systems, or through cloud storage. We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, or unauthorized access.
If your personal information is no longer needed, we will destroy or de-identify it unless retention is required by law or for legitimate business purposes.
Data Quality
We aim to ensure the personal information we hold is accurate, complete, and up to date. If you notice any inaccuracies in the information we hold, please let us know so we can correct it.
Availability and Review of Policy
This Privacy Policy will be reviewed periodically. We will provide you with access to this policy upon request and ensure that it is updated as necessary.
Complaints
If you have concerns or complaints about how we handle your personal information, please contact us. We take all complaints seriously and will respond promptly.
If you are dissatisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
GPO Box 5288, Sydney NSW 2001
Phone: 1300 363 992
Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Contact Details
Georgia Wenczel Counselling and Psychotherapy
Suite 3, Level 1, 115-117 Beaumont Street, Hamilton NSW 2303, Australia
Email: gwpsychotherapy@hotmail.com
Phone: 0415 485 315
Date of Privacy Policy: 25.05.25
Acknowledgments
This Privacy Policy was created using a template provided by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which includes content from these resources:
Template Privacy Policy for Private Practitioners, Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA)
Privacy Policy Template, Business Victoria