Anne Dowling Counselling & Psychotherapy
www.annedowlingtherapy.com.au

Effective Date: 8/9/25

1. Overview

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information. Anne Dowling Counselling & Psychotherapy respects your right to privacy and complies with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) as outlined in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

By using our website or engaging in our services, you consent to the terms outlined in this policy.

2. What Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Address and contact details (email, phone number, etc.)

• Medicare details (for rebate claims)

• Mental Health Treatment Plans or referral letters

• Medical and mental health history

• Session notes and therapeutic information

• Payment and billing information

• Website usage data (via cookies or analytics tools)

3. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information in several ways:

• Directly from you when you contact us, complete intake forms, or attend sessions

• Through your GP or referring healthcare provider (with your consent)

• Via our website, email, or phone communication

• From third-party booking or payment systems (if applicable)

We only collect information that is necessary for providing counselling services and meeting legal, ethical, and professional obligations.

4. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect your personal information to:

• Deliver professional psychological and counselling services

• Manage bookings, session notes, and clinical documentation

• Process payments and Medicare claims

• Communicate with you regarding your care

• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements

• Improve our website and services

5. How We Store and Protect Your Information

Your information is stored securely in accordance with professional and legal requirements. We use physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards to protect your privacy, including:

• Password-protected devices

• Secure practice management systems

• Confidentiality protocols for storing and sharing clinical notes

• Restricted access to sensitive data

All staff are bound by confidentiality and privacy obligations.

6. Disclosure of Personal Information

We will not disclose your personal information to any third party without your consent, except in the following situations:

• When required or authorised by law

• When there is a serious risk to your safety or the safety of others

• To comply with a court order or subpoena

• To process Medicare or insurance claims (where applicable and with your consent)

We do not sell, trade, or rent personal information to any third parties.

7. Access to and Correction of Information

You have the right to request access to your personal information or ask for corrections if you believe it is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date.

To request access or amendment, please contact us directly. We may ask for proof of identity before processing your request.

8. Website Analytics and Cookies

We may use cookies or analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to monitor website traffic and improve user experience. This may collect anonymised data such as your IP address, device type, and browsing behaviour.

You can choose to disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer not to share this information.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites.

10. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. The updated version will be posted on our website with a revised “Effective Date.”

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to make a privacy complaint, please contact:

Anne Dowling Counselling & Psychotherapy
📍 Kallangur & West End, QLD
📧 Annedowling88@gmail.com

We take privacy concerns seriously and will respond as soon as possible.