Welcome to Lantern Counselling Hub. Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy

explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, www.lanterncounselling.com.au, book an appointment or use our counselling services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information directly from you when you:

Book an appointment through our website.

Contact us via Email, Phone, or online forms.

Subscribe to newsletters or request information.

Engage in counselling sessions (including intake forms and consent documents).

Personal information we may collect includes:

✅ Full name

✅ Contact details (Email, phone number, address)

✅ Date of birth

✅ Emergency contact information

✅ Relevant medical history (if provided voluntarily)

✅ Payment details (processed securely through third-party providers)

1.2 Non-Personal Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect non-personal data, such as:

IP address

Browser type

Pages visited and browsing behaviour

Device information

This data helps us improve user experience and website functionality.

2. How We Use Your Information

We collect your information for the following purposes:

To provide and manage counselling services.

To schedule and confirm appointments.

To communicate important updates (such as session reminders).

To process payments securely.

To ensure compliance with legal and ethical obligations.

To improve our services and website functionality.

We do not use your information for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

3. How We Protect Your Information

We take reasonable steps to ensure the security of your data by:

🔒 Using encrypted data storage and transmission.

🔒 Restricting access to authorized personnel only.

🔒 Ensuring third-party service providers (e.g., payment gateways, Cliniko booking system) comply with data protection laws.

However, no online system is 100% secure, and we encourage you to take necessary precautions when sharing sensitive information online.

4. Disclosure of Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. However, we may share it in the following circumstances:

✅ With your consent – If referrals or collaboration with other professionals are required for your well-being.

✅ Legal obligations – If required by law (e.g., court orders, child protection concerns).

✅ Emergency situations – If we believe you or someone else is at risk of harm.

✅ Third-party service providers – For secure payment processing or appointment scheduling (e.g., Cliniko, Stripe).

All third parties comply with Australian Privacy Laws and GDPR (if applicable).

5. Your Rights & Choices

Under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the right to:

✔️ Request access to your personal data.

✔️ Request corrections to any inaccurate information.

✔️ Withdraw consent for data collection (subject to legal and ethical obligations).

✔️ Lodge a complaint if you believe we have mishandled your information.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected]

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to:

Provide counseling services.

Comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

Maintain necessary clinical records.

After the required retention period, we securely delete or anonymize your data.

7. Cookies & Website Tracking

We may use cookies to improve website functionality. You can manage your cookie preferences via your browser settings.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on our website, and significant changes will be communicated via Email where necessary.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

📧 Email: [email protected]

📍 Address: 152 Freeman Road, Durack QLD 4077

📞 Phone: (07) 3879 6833