Privacy Policy

Julie Bolton Counselling (ABN 48943735177) is committed to providing quality services to you and this policy outlines our ongoing obligations to you in respect of how we manage the information we collect.

 

The counselling services provided by Julie Bolton Counselling are governed by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) which direct the way in which we 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 (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au

 

Information We 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 health information or any other personal details you provide during the counselling process.

• Financial information - any payment details you provide Julie Bolton Counselling.

 

Collection

The information we 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.julieboltoncounselling.com; or from third party referrers. Information is only recorded in your client notes if it is beneficial for the provision of counselling services.

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With your consent, your counsellor 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

We 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 Zanda. Zanda is a leading practice management software system built by healthcare practitioners and trusted by healthcare practitioners worldwide. Zanda goes beyond regulatory standards with advanced security and privacy measures for data storage, back-up and protection backed by ISO 27001 certification.

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Your financial details are securely processed via Stripe.com, a global online payment platform. Your financial information is governed by Stripe’s strict data management, security, and privacy policies.

 

While website links or policy of authorised third parties cannot be guaranteed, Julie Bolton Counselling has chosen to align with industry-leading, third-party services such as Zanda and Stripe, to securely facilitate practice management, bookings and payments. 

 

Any complaints you may have regarding the collection and storage of your information may be submitted via email to julieboltoncounselling@outlook.com

 

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

 

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

 

Disclosure

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

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However, if you are a client who is accessing counselling services through an Aged Care Provider, such as Just Better Care or Suncare, your counsellor is required to share a brief summary or progress note with the Care Coordinator who is overseeing your care following each session, and is required to report any concerns about your welfare or wellbeing - as per your Informed Consent Form.

 

Consent

By engaging our counselling services, whether via email, phone, in person, or by registering your details on www.julieboltoncounselling.com, you consent to Julie Bolton Counselling 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 Julie Bolton Counselling. We may occasionally update this Privacy Policy, a current copy of which will be available at all times on our website www.julieboltoncounselling.com or upon request. By continuing to use Julie Bolton Counselling’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 Julie Bolton Counselling.

 

Contact

If you have any queries about this Privacy Policy, please contact Julie at julieboltoncounselling@outlook.com ​​​