Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions

Back on Track Counselling & Psychotherapy (ABN: 95376951237) is committed to providing quality services to you and this policy outlines my ongoing obligations to you in respect of how I manage the information I collect.

The counselling services provided by Back on Track Counselling & Psychotherapy are governed by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) which direct the way in which I collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your personal, sensitive and financial information. A copy of the Australian Privacy Principles may be obtained from the website of The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at www.oaic.gov.au

Information I Collect

• Personal information - data or opinions that identify an individual such as name, address, date of birth, email address, and phone numbers.
• Sensitive information - your mental health information or any other relevant personal details you provide during the counselling process.
• Financial information - any payment details you provide Back on Track Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Collection

The information I collect about clients varies depending on the circumstances. Your information may be collected verbally, electronically or through written records, audio files, and images - via consultations; correspondence by telephone, email or the website www.backontracktherapy.com.au; or from third party referrers. Information is only recorded in your client notes if it is necessary for the provision of counselling services.

With your consent, I will use an A.I. medical scribe called Heidi during your counselling sessions. Heidi is an electronic note-taking tool which transcribes conversations as they happen into clinical notes. Heidi is compliant with the Australian Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act, and their information management system is ISO 27001 accredited for data security. For information about how Heidi protects your data please go to https://www.heidihealth.com/au/safety

Data Management

I take the protection of your information seriously. Your information is stored in a manner that reasonably protects it from misuse, loss and from unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

Your information may be stored electronically via Halaxy (halaxy.com) is a leading practice management software system built for and trusted by healthcare practitioners worldwide.

Your financial details are securely processed global online payment platform. Your financial information is governed by ANZ merchant strict data management, security, and privacy policies.

While website links or policy of authorised third parties cannot be guaranteed, Back on Track Counselling & Psychotherapy has chosen to align with industry-leading, third-party services such as Halaxy to securely facilitate practice management and bookings. Where appropriate, all physical personal records will be de-identified to protect your privacy.

Any complaints you may have regarding the collection and storage of your information may be submitted via email to back-on-track@outlook.com.au

At any time, you can make a written request and be provided with information I hold about you.

It is important to us that information I hold about you is accurate and up-to-date. If you are concerned that data I hold may be inaccurate, i will endeavour to update your information on the basis of further details you provide.

Disclosure

I will only disclose personal/sensitive information to third parties (such as a caregiver or medical practitioner) with your consent, or as required and authorised to do so by law. The only exception to this would be in the event that I was concerned that you were at risk of severely harming yourself or others.

Consent

By engaging our counselling services, whether via email, phone, in person, or by registering your details on www.backontracktherapy.com.au you consent to Back on Track Counselling & Psychotherapy collecting, using and disclosing your information within the limitations specified in this Privacy Policy.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy forms part of the agreement between you as a client and Back on Track Counselling. I may occasionally update this Privacy Policy, a current copy of which will be available at all times on our website www.backontracktherapy.com.au or upon request. By continuing to use Back on Track Counselling & Psychotherapy's website or services you agree to the changes. If you do not accept these Privacy Policy changes, you may choose to discontinue counselling services provided by Back on Track Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Contact

If you have any queries about this Privacy Policy, please contact me, Deborah at www.backontracktherapy.com.au

These terms and conditions outline the agreement between you and me regarding the provision of counselling and psychotherapy services.

Service Provision

I am registered with the ACA as a practitioner and supervisor and with PACFA as a clinical counsellor. I adhere to the ACA Code of Ethics and the PACFA Code of Ethics. I provide professional counselling and psychotherapy services, including:

• Individual counselling sessions
• Specialised documents (letters, assessments, court documentation)
• Clinical supervision

Payment Terms

I require payment at the time of service. I accept various payment methods and can process health fund rebates where applicable. Cancellation fees of 50% apply for missed appointments without 24 hours' notice.

Client Responsibilities

As a client, you agree to:

• Provide accurate personal information
• Attend scheduled appointments
• Give appropriate notice for cancellations
• Engage in the therapeutic process

Limitations of Service

While I provide professional mental health support, I cannot guarantee specific outcomes. I am not a crisis service. In the case of an emergency, you should contact 000 for emergency services, or for crisis counselling call Lifeline on 13 11 14.