Effective from: 1 March, 2025

At NBS Therapy, your privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance. We are committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles.

1. Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal information that is necessary to provide professional counselling services to you. This may include:

• Your name, contact details, and demographic information

• Health and psychological information you provide during sessions

• Records of your sessions and progress notes

• Payment and billing information

We only collect information directly from you unless you have authorised us to collect it from a third party.

2. Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

Your personal information is used solely for the purpose of delivering counselling services, maintaining records, and managing our relationship with you. We do not share your information with third parties without your explicit consent, except where required or permitted by law, such as:

• In cases of risk of harm to yourself or others

• When legally required by a court or government authority

• When working with other health professionals involved in your care, with your consent

3. Storage and Security

We store your information securely in accordance with professional standards. We use physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards to protect your personal data from unauthorised access, misuse, or disclosure. Data submitted through our forms is stored securely and only accessed by authorised personnel.

4. Access and Correction

You have the right to access your personal information and request corrections if you believe it is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. To do so, please contact us at info@nbstherapy.com.au

5. Retention of Records

Your counselling records are retained securely for a minimum of seven years, in accordance with professional guidelines and legal requirements, after which they are destroyed securely.

6. Cookies and Website Use

Our website may use cookies to enhance user experience. These do not collect personal identifying information. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, but this may affect some website functions.

7. Telehealth Services

We offer counselling sessions via Telehealth using Zoom, with all records and client information securely stored in Halaxy, a practice management system designed specifically for healthcare providers. This ensures flexible and accessible service delivery while maintaining high standards of client confidentiality.

Please note:

• Halaxy uses encrypted communication and is compliant with Australian privacy laws and healthcare data standards.

• While we take every reasonable precaution to protect your privacy, no online platform can guarantee absolute security.

• By engaging in Telehealth services, you acknowledge and accept the inherent privacy risks associated with internet-based communication.

• We recommend using a private, secure internet connection and conducting your sessions in a quiet, confidential space.

8. Complaints

If you have any concerns about your privacy or how your information is handled, please contact us at info@nbstherapy.com.au. You also have the right to complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if you believe your privacy has been breached.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or wish to discuss your privacy or access your information, please contact: info@nbstherapy.com.au, or fill out our contact form.