Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Therapy Online Australia ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our mental health directory services.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Search for mental health professionals on our platform
• Contact therapists through our directory
• Subscribe to our newsletter or communications
• Contact us for support or inquiries

Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website, including:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website information
• Device information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide and maintain our directory services
• To connect you with appropriate mental health professionals
• To improve our website and user experience
• To send you relevant information about mental health resources
• To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• To comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties except in the following circumstances:

• With Mental Health Professionals: When you contact a therapist through our platform, we may share your contact information to facilitate the connection
• Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Emergency Situations: In cases of imminent danger or emergency situations affecting mental health and safety

5. Mental Health Specific Considerations

Confidentiality

We understand the sensitive nature of mental health information. While we are not bound by the same confidentiality requirements as licensed mental health professionals, we are committed to:

• Maintaining strict confidentiality of any mental health-related information shared with us
• Using industry-standard security measures to protect your data
• Training our staff on the importance of mental health privacy
• Following best practices for handling sensitive personal information

Professional Relationships

Please note that Therapy Online Australia is a directory service only. Any professional relationship, including therapeutic relationships, confidentiality agreements, and treatment obligations, are established directly between you and the mental health professionals you choose to contact.

Privacy, Consent, and De-Identification

This platform is designed to comply with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and to support the ethical and professional obligations of AHPRA-registered health practitioners, including psychologists practising in accordance with the Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics. Consistent with APS General Principle A: Respect for the Rights and Dignity of People, and Standards A.5 (Confidentiality), A.3 (Informed Consent), and B.1 (Competence), all referrals uploaded to the platform are processed and displayed in a de-identified format, such that no information reasonably capable of identifying an individual is collected, used, or disclosed at the triage or listing stage. Client-identifying information constitutes sensitive health information under the Privacy Act and is therefore subject to a higher standard of protection. Identifying information is securely withheld and is only collected, used, or disclosed after explicit, informed consent has been obtained from both the client and the treating clinician, and solely for the purpose of facilitating appropriate clinical care. The collection, use, disclosure, and storage of information are limited to what is reasonably necessary for that purpose, in accordance with APP 3 (collection of solicited personal information), APP 6 (use or disclosure of personal information), and APP 11 (security of personal information). The platform implements administrative and technical safeguards to prevent unauthorised access, use, or disclosure, and does not permit the release of identifying information without mutual consent from all relevant parties.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Staff training on data protection and privacy

7. Your Rights

Under Australian privacy laws, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
• Opt-out of marketing communications
• Make a complaint about our privacy practices

8. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Some features of our site may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

Email: contact@therapyonlineaustralia.com
Website: therapyonlineaustralia.com