Privacy Policy – Carly Pickering Counselling 1. Your Privacy Matters At Carly Pickering Counselling, your privacy is a priority. I am committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). 2. Information I Collect I may collect the following types of personal information: Your name, date of birth, and contact details Mental health and medical history relevant to your care Notes and observations from sessions Billing and Private Health Insurance information (if applicable) This information is collected directly from you and is necessary for providing safe and effective counselling services. 3. How Your Information Is Used Your information is used to: Deliver therapeutic services Maintain accurate records Communicate with you about your sessions Comply with legal and ethical obligations 4. Storage and Security All personal information is securely stored in password-protected systems (e.g. Halaxy, Coviu) that meet Australian privacy and telehealth standards. 5. Disclosure of Information Your information will not be shared with any third party without your written consent, except: Where required by law (e.g. court order or risk of harm to self or others) As required for private health, insurance, or legal compliance 6. Access and Correction You may request access to your personal information at any time. If you believe your records are inaccurate or incomplete, you may request corrections. 7. Telehealth All telehealth sessions are conducted via secure, encrypted platforms (e.g. Coviu). Clients may be asked to take a photo on entry to confirm identity. 8. Questions or Complaints If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy, please contact me at carly@carlypcounselling.net. If unresolved, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). 9. Updates to This Policy This policy may be updated periodically. The most recent version will always be available upon request or via my website.