Privacy Policy

We provide supportive counselling and mental wellbeing services. In this Privacy Policy, “we”, “us” or “our” refers to Joab Russo (ABN 81 209 502 450).

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and disclose personal information when you:

  • Visit our website

  • Contact us by phone, email or online form

  • Book or attend a counselling session (including online/telehealth sessions)

  • Use any associated platforms or practice management systems

What Personal Information We Collect

We only collect personal information that is reasonably necessary to provide our supportive services.

Information you may provide includes:

  • Your name

  • Contact details (email, phone number, address if required)

  • Date of birth (to confirm you are 18+)

  • Emergency contact details

  • Information you choose to share during sessions relating to your wellbeing

  • Payment and billing details

We may also collect limited website usage information (such as browser type or general location data) for website functionality and analytics.

We do not collect more information than is reasonably necessary to provide our services.

Sensitive Information

During counselling sessions, you may choose to share personal or sensitive information relating to your emotional wellbeing, life experiences, beliefs or health background.

We only collect this information:

  • With your consent

  • Where it is reasonably necessary to provide supportive counselling services

  • Or where required or authorised by law

We do not provide psychological diagnosis or clinical treatment.

Why We Collect Your Information

We collect, hold and use your information to:

  • Respond to enquiries

  • Schedule and manage appointments

  • Provide supportive counselling services

  • Maintain confidential session records

  • Process payments and manage billing

  • Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell or trade your personal information.

Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your information:

  • To third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business (e.g., practice management software, secure telehealth platforms, payment processors, IT support)

  • Where required by law

  • Where there is a serious and imminent threat to your life, health or safety, or that of another person

  • With your consent

Where reasonably practicable, we use service providers that store data in Australia.

Overseas Disclosure

Some third-party service providers (such as secure cloud-based software platforms) may store or process data outside Australia. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate privacy protections are in place.

Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. This includes:

  • Secure password-protected systems

  • Encrypted platforms where available

  • Restricted access to records

  • Secure storage of any physical documents

However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure.

Retention of Information

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

  • Provide our services

  • Meet legal or record-keeping requirements

When no longer required, information is securely destroyed or de-identified.

Access and Correction

You may request access to the personal information we hold about you, or request correction of inaccurate information, by contacting us.

We will respond within a reasonable time and in accordance with Australian privacy law.

Complaints

If you have a concern about how we handle your personal information, please contact us in writing.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at: www.oaic.gov.au

Website Links

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

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will always be available on our website.

Copyright 2026 Joab Russo.