Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy: Lantern Counselling Hub

Last Updated: February 20, 2026

Welcome to Lantern Counselling Hub (trading under A & J Weslyn Services Pty Ltd). Your privacy is a fundamental part of the therapeutic relationship. We are committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This policy explains how we handle your data across our website, www.lanterncounselling.com.au, our booking systems, and during your sessions at our Springwood office.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal & Health Information

As a provider of health services, we collect "Sensitive Information" as defined by the Privacy Act. This includes:

Identity Data: Full name, date of birth, and gender.

Contact Data: Email address, phone number, and residential address.

Clinical Data: Session notes, intake forms, medical history, mental health plans, and referrals from GPs or other specialists.

Financial Data: Payment details processed securely via Stripe or Cliniko.

Emergency Data: Contact details for a nominated next of kin.

Financial Data: Payment details processed securely via Stripe, Cliniko, or direct Bank Transfer. For bank transfers, we only retain the information necessary to identify your payment (such as your name or invoice number) and do not store your full bank account or credit card numbers on our local systems.

1.2 Non-Personal Information

We automatically collect technical data when you visit our site, such as IP addresses, browser types, and page engagement. This is used solely for website optimization and security.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to provide professional, ethical, and safe counselling services, specifically:

To conduct clinical assessments and provide ongoing therapeutic support.

To manage administrative tasks (scheduling, SMS reminders, and billing).

To fulfill our duty of care and ethical obligations as mental health professionals.

To process Medicare or insurance rebates where applicable.

Note: We do not use your clinical data for marketing. Any newsletter subscriptions for Lantern Counselling Hub are strictly "opt-in" and can be cancelled at any time.

3. Data Security & Storage

We prioritize the "Security of Personal Information" (APP 11) through the following measures:

Cliniko: We utilize Cliniko, a practice management system that uses bank-grade encryption and complies with Australian privacy standards for health records.

Access Control: Only authorized personnel involved in your care or practice administration have access to your files.

Digital Safeguards: All devices used to access your data are password-protected and utilize two-factor authentication (2FA).

4. Disclosure of Information

Your information remains confidential. However, there are specific legal and ethical exceptions where we may disclose your information:

Mandatory Reporting: If we have a reasonable belief that there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others.

Legal Compulsion: If your records are subpoenaed by a court of law.

Child Protection: Under Queensland legislation, we are required to report concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of a minor.

Professional Supervision: De-identified cases may be discussed with a clinical supervisor to ensure the highest quality of care.

Third-Party Providers: We share necessary data with Stripe (payments) and Cliniko (bookings) to facilitate our services.

5. Your Rights

Under the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the right to:

Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

Correction: Ask us to update or correct inaccurate or out-of-date information.

Anonymity: You have the option of interacting with us anonymously or using a pseudonym where it is lawful and practicable (though this may limit our ability to provide certain clinical services).

To make a request, please contact Weslyn at [email protected].

6. Data Retention

In accordance with health record legislation in Queensland, we retain clinical records for a minimum of 7 years from the date of the last client contact. For minors, records are kept until the client reaches 25 years of age. After these periods, data is securely destroyed.

7. Contact & Complaints

If you have questions or wish to lodge a complaint regarding a potential breach of privacy, please contact us directly. We take your concerns seriously and will respond within 30 days.

Lantern Counselling Hub

Principal Counsellor: Weslyn

Email: [email protected]

Office Address: 14/3460 Pacific Highway, Springwood, QLD 4127

Phone: 1800 716 736

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

Would you like me to help you draft a "Client Consent Form" that links to this updated policy for your new intake process?