Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 27 November 2025

The Becoming Practice is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information collected from clients, prospective clients, and website users.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

1. Collection of Personal Information

We may collect personal information including, but not limited to:

• Contact details (name, email, phone, address)
• Date of birth and demographic information
• Health information, mental health history, and medical details relevant to counselling
• Session notes and progress records
• Emergency contacts
• Billing and payment information

Information is collected directly from clients or through their authorised representatives (e.g., NDIS plan manager) when necessary.

2. Purpose of Collection

We collect personal information for the following purposes:

• To provide counselling and therapeutic services
• To maintain clinical records and comply with professional, legal, and ethical obligations
• To process payments and manage bookings
• To communicate with clients regarding services, appointments, and updates
• To comply with NDIS or other regulatory reporting requirements
• To manage complaints and feedback

3. Use and Disclosure

Your information will not be shared with third parties except in the following circumstances:

• With your explicit consent
• When required by law (e.g., mandatory reporting of child abuse, risk of harm to self or others)
• When required by court orders or subpoenas
• With external service providers (e.g., Halaxy, payment processors) to facilitate bookings, telehealth sessions, and invoicing

All external providers are bound to protect your information under confidentiality agreements.

4. Storage and Security

• Client records and notes are stored securely in Halaxy, an encrypted and password-protected system.
• No client information is stored on personal devices outside secure platforms.
• We maintain physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to prevent unauthorised access, loss, or disclosure.
• Records are kept for a minimum of 7 years, or 7 years past age 18 for minors.

5. Access and Correction

Clients may request access to their personal information or request corrections by contacting us at jo@thebecomingpractice.com.au.

Requests will be addressed within 30 days unless legally restricted.

6. Data Breaches

In the event of a suspected data breach that is likely to result in serious harm, we will:

• Assess the nature and scope of the breach
• Contain and mitigate any immediate risk
• Notify affected individuals in line with the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme
• Review security measures to prevent recurrence

7. Telehealth Considerations

• Sessions are conducted via secure video conferencing platforms.
• Clients are responsible for ensuring a private environment during telehealth sessions.
• For your safety, please provide your current location and an emergency contact at the start of each session. This helps us respond quickly in case of an emergency.

8. Third-Party Links

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

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The effective date will reflect the most recent version. Clients are encouraged to review this policy regularly.

10. Contact

For questions, access requests, or complaints regarding privacy:

The Becoming Practice
Email: jo@thebecomingpractice.com.au
Phone: 0420 669 858
Address: PO BOX 617, Castle Hill NSW 2154