Privacy Policy | Open Door Northern Beaches

Last updated: June 2026
 

At Open Door Northern Beaches, we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly and in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and professional standards.
 

Our Commitment

We understand that seeking counselling is a deeply personal step. Protecting your confidentiality and trust is at the heart of our service. All our counsellors are ACA members and adhere to the ACA Code of Ethics, which sets high standards for confidentiality and ethical practice.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal and health information when you interact with our website or attend our free drop-in counselling service.
 

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: Name, date of birth, emergency contact details, and basic information needed for counselling.

• Health Information (Sensitive Information): Details about your mental health, wellbeing, life circumstances, and session notes.

• Website Information: Anonymous data such as pages visited (for improving the website).
   

We only collect information that is reasonably necessary to provide counselling support.
 

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide professional counselling services

• Ensure your safety and wellbeing

• Meet legal and ethical obligations as required by ACA standards
   

Confidentiality in Counselling

All counselling sessions are strictly confidential. Information shared in sessions will not be disclosed to third parties without your explicit consent, except in limited circumstances required by law or ACA ethical guidelines, such as:

• Where there is an immediate risk of serious harm to you or others

• If we are legally required to disclose information (e.g. court order or mandatory reporting)
   

Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or share your personal information for marketing purposes. Any limited sharing (e.g. with other professionals involved in your care) only occurs with your consent or as required by law.
 

Security of Your Information

We take reasonable steps to protect your information through secure storage and professional record-keeping practices that meet ACA standards.

Access and Correction

You have the right to request access to the personal and health information we hold about you and to ask for corrections if it is inaccurate. You can make this request in person during our drop-in hours.
 

Data Retention

We retain counselling records for the minimum period required by law and ACA standards, after which they are securely disposed of.

Your Rights

You may withdraw consent (where applicable) or raise a concern about how we have handled your information. We will address any concerns promptly.

Website Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use basic cookies for functionality and anonymous analytics to improve user experience. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Our Service

Our free professional counselling is a drop-in service only.
When: Every Thursday 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: The Mind Café, Shop 3, 1350 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen NSW 2101

No appointments, email, or phone bookings are available — just come in and we will do our best to see you on the night.

Thank you for trusting Open Door Northern Beaches with your care.