Privacy Policy

Saltwave Wellbeing

Effective Date: [February 2, 2026]

 

Introduction

Saltwave Wellbeing (“we”, “us”, “our”) is 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 your personal information, and how you may access or correct your information.

 

What Personal Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

Personal Details

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Address

• Phone number

• Email address

• Emergency contact details

Health Information (Sensitive Information)

• Medical and mental health history

• Assessment notes

• Treatment plans

• Session notes

• Referral letters

• Medicare details (if applicable)

• Private health insurance details (if applicable)

Health information is considered “sensitive information” under Australian law and is afforded a higher level of protection.

 

How We Collect Your Information

We collect personal information:

• Directly from you (intake forms, online bookings, emails, phone calls)

• During consultations and sessions

• From third parties (e.g., GPs, psychiatrists, referrers) with your consent

• Through our website (e.g., contact forms)

Where practical, we will collect information directly from you.

 

Why We Collect Your Information

We collect and use your personal information to:

• Provide counselling and wellbeing services

• Maintain clinical records

• Communicate with you regarding appointments

• Process payments

• Comply with legal and professional obligations

• Respond to enquiries

• Manage our practice operations

We will only use or disclose your information for the purpose for which it was collected, unless you consent otherwise or we are required or authorised by law.

 

Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your personal information:

• With your written consent

• To your referring GP or other healthcare providers

• To Medicare or private health insurers (where applicable)

• To professional supervisors (de-identified where possible)

• If required by law (e.g., subpoena, court order)

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

We take reasonable steps to ensure any third parties respect the confidentiality of your information.

 

Storage and Security

Saltwave Wellbeing takes reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

Information may be stored:

• Electronically in secure practice management software

• On password-protected devices

• In locked filing cabinets (if hard copy)

When personal information is no longer required, we will securely destroy or de-identify it in accordance with legal requirements.

Clinical records are retained for a minimum period as required under relevant State or Territory legislation (generally at least 7 years from the last client contact, or until a minor turns 25 years of age).

 

Overseas Disclosure

We do not routinely disclose personal information overseas.

If we use cloud-based software providers that store data outside Australia, we take reasonable steps to ensure they comply with Australian privacy standards.

 

Access and Correction

You have the right to request access to your personal information and request corrections if you believe it is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date.

Requests must be made in writing. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

In some circumstances, we may refuse access (e.g., where access would pose a serious threat to health or safety). If this occurs, we will provide written reasons.

 

Complaints

If you believe we have breached your privacy, you may lodge a complaint in writing to:

Practice Director
Saltwave Wellbeing
Saltwave.wellbeing@gmail.com
We will investigate and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992

 

Website and Cookies

Our website may use cookies to improve user experience. Cookies do not typically identify you personally but may collect general browsing information.

If you submit an enquiry form via our website, the information you provide will be used only to respond to your enquiry.

 

Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. The most current version will always be available on our website.

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