Mark Gaff Counselling
ABN: 98515707026 
Effective Date: 15/01/25

At Mark Gaff Counselling, your privacy and confidentiality are treated with the utmost respect. This Privacy Policy outlines how your personal information is collected, used, stored, and disclosed in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

We may collect the following information:

• Name, address, date of birth, gender
   
• Contact details (phone number, email)
   
• Emergency contact details
   
• Health and mental health history
   
• Referral information
   
• Notes from counselling sessions
   
• Medicare/Private Health details (if applicable)
   

Information may be collected via:

• Intake forms
   
• Direct conversations (verbal or written)
   
• Email, phone, or online contact
   
• Referrals from health professionals (with your consent)
   

Your information is collected and used for the following purposes:

• To provide counselling and psychological support
   
• To assess, plan, and deliver appropriate care
   
• For administrative and billing purposes
   
• To communicate with other professionals (with your written consent)
   
• To comply with legal or ethical obligations
   

All personal information is stored securely, either:

• Digitally in encrypted practice management systems
   
• In locked filing cabinets if in paper form
   

Only authorised personnel have access to your information. We take reasonable steps to protect your data from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, or disclosure.

Your information will not be shared without your consent, except:

• When there is a serious risk of harm to you or others
   
• If required by law (e.g. court subpoena, mandatory reporting of child abuse)
   
• To another health professional with your written consent
   

You have the right to access and request corrections to your personal information. Requests can be made by contacting us directly. We may require proof of identity before releasing information.

If you engage in online counselling or telehealth:

• Sessions may be conducted via secure platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams, Messenger and Facetime)
   
• Notes are stored in accordance with the same privacy and security protocols
   
• We cannot guarantee third-party platform security but take reasonable precautions
   

Client records are kept for a minimum of 7 years from the date of the last session, or until the client reaches 25 years of age if they were under 18 at the time of service. After this, records will be securely destroyed.

If you have concerns about your privacy, please contact us first:

Mark Gaff
Email: markgaffcounselling@outlook.com
Phone: 0439000405
Website: www.markgaffcounselling.com.au

If unresolved, you can contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Phone: 1300 363 992
Website: https://www.oaic.gov.au

This Privacy Policy may be reviewed and updated as needed. The most current version will always be available on our website or upon request.