1. Introduction
I, Sarah, trading as Embrace the Journey Support Services ("I", "me", or "my practice"), am a sole practitioner providing psychological/therapy services. I am committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and relevant health privacy laws. This Privacy Policy outlines how I collect, use, store, and disclose your personal and health information, including through platforms like Zanda.

2. What Personal Information I Collect
I may collect the following types of personal and sensitive information:

Your full name, date of birth, address, email, and phone number
Medicare or private health insurance details
Emergency contact information
Referral letters or health summaries
Session notes, assessments, and treatment plans
Health history and relevant medical or psychological information
Payment details for billing purposes

3. How I Collect Your Information
I collect your information when you:

Make an enquiry or book an appointment
Fill in client intake or consent forms
Attend a session in person or via telehealth
Are referred to me by another health professional
Communicate with me via phone, email, or through the Zanda platform

I may also collect information from third parties (e.g. your GP or psychiatrist) but only with your consent or if legally required.

4. Why I Collect Your Information
Your information is collected and used to:

Provide psychological or therapy services
Maintain accurate and confidential client records
Communicate with other healthcare providers (with your consent)
Manage scheduling, billing, and communication through Zanda
Fulfil legal, professional, and ethical obligations

5. Use of Zanda
I use Zanda, a secure, Australian-based practice management platform, to:

Store client information
Manage bookings and reminders
Conduct telehealth appointments
Process payments
Keep clinical notes and case history

Zanda complies with Australian privacy and security standards. Data stored on Zanda is encrypted, hosted in Australia, and protected by multi-factor authentication and secure access controls.

6. Disclosure of Personal Information
I will only share your personal or health information:

With your informed consent
Where required or authorised by law (e.g. court subpoena, child protection reporting)
If there is a serious risk to your health and safety or that of another person
In supervision or peer consultation (shared anonymously)

7. Data Security
I take all reasonable steps to keep your personal information secure and confidential. This includes:

Secure use of Zanda and other digital tools
Password protection and device encryption
Secure storage of any physical records (if used)
Only I (and Zanda’s authorised technical support, where required) have access to your full record.

8. Access and Correction
You have the right to request access to your personal information or request corrections. Requests should be made in writing and I will respond within a reasonable time. If I cannot fulfil your request, I will provide an explanation in writing.

9. Retention and Disposal of Records
Client records are stored for a minimum of 7 years after your last contact. If you were under 18 at the time of your last session, records are retained until you turn 25, in line with legal requirements. After this time, records are securely destroyed.

10. Telehealth Services
Zanda’s telehealth platform is encrypted and compliant with Australian health data standards. While I take all reasonable steps to secure your telehealth session, you are encouraged to:

Use a private space and secure internet connection
Avoid public Wi-Fi or shared devices during appointments

11. Complaints
If you are concerned about how I have handled your information, please contact me directly. I will take your concerns seriously and aim to resolve any issues promptly. If you are not satisfied with my response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

Website: https://www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992

12. Contact Details
Embrace the Journey
Phone: 0431 946 963
Email: info@embracethejourney.com.au