Privacy and Confidentiality Statement

At MindVenture Counselling Services, located in Victoria, Australia, we are committed to upholding the privacy and confidentiality of our clients in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the relevant privacy laws of Victoria. We recognize the importance of protecting your personal information and ensuring that all interactions with our practice are conducted with the utmost respect for your privacy.

  1. Collection and Use of Personal Information:

We only collect personal information that is necessary and relevant to provide you with quality counselling services. This may include your name, contact details, medical history, and other information shared during your sessions or when you visit this website. We will always obtain your consent before collecting any personal information and will only use it for the purposes specified, such as assessment, treatment, or referrals, unless required by law. We also receive and store any information you knowingly provide to us when you fill any forms on the Website. You can choose not to provide us with your Personal Information, but then you may not be able to take advantage of some of the features on the Website. Users who are uncertain about what information is mandatory are welcome to contact us.

  1. Confidentiality and Security:

We understand the sensitive nature of the information shared during counselling sessions. All client information, including personal details and session content, will be treated with the strictest confidence. Our counsellors adhere to the ACA Code of Ethics and maintain professional standards that require them to protect your privacy.

We employ reasonable security measures to safeguard your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. Our systems and processes comply with industry standards to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your data.

  1. Limits to Confidentiality:

As mandated by law and ethical obligations, there are specific circumstances in which we may be required to disclose your personal information without your consent. These situations include:

  1. Risk of Harm: If we believe there is a risk of serious harm to you or others, we may need to disclose relevant information to protect individuals’ safety or well-being.
  2. Legal Obligations: In certain legal proceedings or when required by a court order, we may be obligated to share information with relevant authorities or legal entities.
  3. Professional Consultation: Our counsellors may engage in professional consultation or supervision to ensure the quality of care. During these consultations, client information may be discussed, but identifying details will be kept confidential.’

4. Third-Party Disclosure:

We do not disclose your personal information to third parties without your explicit consent, unless required by law or for the purpose of providing you with appropriate referrals to other healthcare professionals. We will always inform you and seek your consent before making such referrals.

  1. Access and Correction:

You have the right to access and update your personal information held by our practice, subject to certain legal limitations. If you believe any of your information is inaccurate or needs to be corrected, please notify us, and we will make the necessary amendments promptly.

  1. Anonymity and Pseudonymity:

Wherever possible and lawful, we provide options for you to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym during your interactions with our practice. However, in certain circumstances, such as billing or if disclosure is required by law, the use of personal information may be necessary.

  1. Data Retention:

We retain client records for the period required by law and the ACA guidelines. After the specified retention period, all personal information will be securely destroyed in a manner that ensures your privacy is protected.

8. Our Cookie Policy

Once you agree to allow our website to use cookies, you also agree to use the data it collects regarding your online behavior (analyze web traffic, web pages you spend the most time on, and websites you visit). The data we collect by using cookies is used to customize our website to your needs. After we use the data for statistical analysis, the data is completely removed from our systems. Please note that cookies don’t allow us to gain control of your computer in any way. They are strictly used to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not so that we can provide a better experience for you. If you want to disable cookies, you can do it by accessing the settings of your internet browser. (Provide links for cookie settings for major internet browsers).

9. Links to Other Resources

The Website and Services contain links to other resources that are not owned or controlled by us. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other resources or third parties. We encourage you to be aware when you leave the Website and Services and to read the privacy statements of each and every resource that may collect Personal Information.

10. Changes and Amendments

We reserve the right to modify this Policy or its terms related to the Website and Services at any time at our discretion. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. We may also provide notice to you in other ways at our discretion, such as through the contact information you have provided.

An updated version of this Policy will be effective immediately upon the posting of the revised Policy unless otherwise specified. Your continued use of the Website and Services after the effective date of the revised Policy (or such other act specified at that time) will constitute your consent to those changes. However, we will not, without your consent, use your Personal Information in a manner materially different than what was stated at the time your Personal Information was collected.

11. Questions and Concerns:

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about our privacy practices or how your personal information is handled, please contact our Privacy Officer, at info@mindventure.com.au. We will address your concerns promptly and work towards a satisfactory resolution. By engaging in counselling services at MindVenture Counselling, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy and Confidentiality Statement and agree to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with the principles outlined herein.

This Privacy and Confidentiality Statement is subject to regular review and may be updated to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements.

This document was last updated on the 17 June, 2024.