Heart and Hound Privacy Policy

Last upadted 15/12/2025

1. Introduction

Heart and Hound Psychology ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. We are bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information, both in our clinic and via our website.

2. Collection of Personal Information

We collect different types of information depending on how you interact with us.

A. Client Clinical Data If you become a client, we collect sensitive health information necessary to provide psychological services, including:

  • Identity details (Name, DOB).

  • Contact details (Address, Phone, Email).

  • Medical history, referral letters, and Medicare details.

B. Website Visitor Data When you visit our website, we may collect technical data that does not personally identify you but is necessary for the site to function. This includes:

  • Your IP address.

  • Browser type and version.

  • Time zone setting.

  • Operating system and platform.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website is hosted on Squarespace. Like most websites, we use "cookies" (small text files stored on your device) to help the site run effectively.

Functional and Required Cookies: Squarespace uses these cookies to allow you to navigate and use key features on our site. For example, they prevent you from being logged out unexpectedly or help the site load quickly.

Analytics and Performance Cookies: We may use these cookies to collect information on how you interact with our site (e.g. which pages you visit most). This data is anonymised and helps us improve our website structure and content. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though this may affect how our website functions for you.

4. Embedded Content from Other Websites

Articles or pages on this site may include embedded content (e.g. Google Maps for our location, or videos from YouTube/Vimeo).

Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if you had visited the other website directly. These websites may:

  • Collect data about you.

  • Use cookies.

  • Embed additional third-party tracking.

  • Monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction if you have an account and are logged in to that website.

5. Website Security and Storage

We take the security of your data seriously.

Website Security: Our website uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption. You can verify this by looking for the "padlock" icon in your browser's address bar. This ensures that any data you submit via our contact forms is encrypted during transmission.

Data Storage:

  • Website Data: Information submitted via our website (e.g. contact forms) is processed through Squarespace servers. We advise against sending detailed clinical information or sensitive health history via standard web forms.

  • Clinical Records: Once you become a client, your file is stored separately from this website in a secure, encrypted practice management system that meets Australian health data standards.

While we implement high-standard security measures, please be aware that no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

6. Use and Disclosure of Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide psychological services and respond to your enquiries.

  • Process payments and Medicare rebates.

  • Comply with legal obligations.

We do not sell your data to third parties. We may disclose your information only when:

  • Required by law (e.g. a subpoena).

  • Necessary to prevent a serious threat to life or health.

  • You have given us written consent (e.g. to speak to your GP).

7. Access and Corrections

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you. If you believe any information is inaccurate, out of date, or incomplete, please contact us to have it corrected.