Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy - the basics

Horus House Holistic Counselling Service

(ABN/Business Registration details to be inserted by you)

Effective Date: [10/09/2025]

1. Introduction

Horus House Holistic Counselling Service (“we,” “our,” “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, store, use, and disclose your information in line with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and relevant health record legislation.

By engaging our counselling services or accessing our website (horushouseholistic.com), you consent to the practices described in this Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and store the following information:

Personal details: Name, contact information, date of birth, emergency contact.
Health information: Medical history, mental health history, GP/psychiatrist details (if relevant), and information disclosed in sessions.
Session notes: Counsellor’s professional notes about your presentation, progress, and treatment.
Administrative details: Appointment history, payment records, Medicare/DVA claim details (if applicable).

3. Why We Collect Information

We collect personal and health information to:

Provide counselling and related support services.
Maintain accurate client records.
Comply with legal and professional obligations.
Process payments, rebates, and administrative tasks.
Communicate with you about appointments, resources, or changes to services.

4. Note-Taking and Records

Counsellors will take clinical notes during or after sessions to document relevant information.
Notes are for professional use only and are stored securely in accordance with ethical and legal standards.
Clients may request access to their notes; however, access may be limited if disclosure could cause harm or breach the privacy of others.

5. Confidentiality and Exceptions

All information shared in counselling sessions is treated as confidential. However, confidentiality may be breached in the following circumstances, as required by law or professional duty:

Risk of harm – if you are at imminent risk of harming yourself or others.
Child protection or for legally mandated reporting – for example: if there is suspicion of abuse, neglect, or risk of harm to a child or vulnerable person.
Welfare checks – if emergency services are required to ensure your safety.
Legal obligations – if case notes are subpoenaed by a court, tribunal, or legally authorised body.
Duty to protect – where disclosure is necessary to prevent a serious threat to life, health, or safety.

In these circumstances, disclosure will be limited to what is necessary and reasonable.

6. Storage and Security

Records are stored securely in locked files and/or password-protected electronic systems.
Access is restricted to authorised staff only.
Records are retained for the minimum period required by law (generally 7 years after the last session or until a minor turns 25) and then securely destroyed.

7. Telehealth Sessions

During Telehealth sessions, clients are responsible for ensuring they are in a private and secure environment.
Session notes are recorded in the same secure manner as in-person sessions.

8. Access and Correction

You may request access to, or correction of, your personal information by contacting us in writing.
Requests will be handled in line with applicable health records legislation and professional standards.

9. Website and Digital Data

Our website may collect basic analytics (e.g., visitor numbers, pages viewed).
We do not share personal details collected through the website without consent.
If using online forms or email, please be aware that transmission of data over the internet carries some risk.

10. Complaints

If you believe your privacy has been breached, you may contact us directly. If unresolved, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): www.oaic.gov.au.