Who we are
LM Counselling is operated by Lindsay Munyard, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) practicing in Victoria, Australia. This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in compliance with the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 and the Code of Ethics of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Cookies
Our site uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. For example:
• Temporary cookies may be set to determine your browser’s compatibility when visiting the login page.
• Login cookies and screen preferences last for varying durations, but are removed upon logout.
Embedded content from other websites
Articles on this site may include embedded content such as videos, images, or articles. This content behaves as if you visited the originating website, which may collect data, use cookies, and track your interaction with their content.
Collection and storage of personal information
We collect and store personal information as part of delivering mental health care. This includes session notes, appointment details, and any other relevant records, all of which are securely stored in Halaxy, a practice management system compliant with Australian data protection regulations. Access to your information is restricted to Lindsay Munyard and authorised administrative support, protected by password authentication.
Communication of personal information
• If you are Medicare-funded, general feedback will be sent to your referring doctor at mandated review points (e.g., 6th and 10th sessions) and upon discharge.
• Reports for the NDIS or other services will only be provided with your consent, and a copy will be made available to you upon request.
• For additional liaison with other professionals (e.g., allied health providers, GPs), verbal and/or written consent will be obtained.
Exceptions to confidentiality
While your personal information will not be shared without your consent, there are legal exceptions, including:
• If required by law or necessary to assist in locating a missing person.
• If necessary to prevent a serious threat to life, health, or public safety.
• To comply with mandatory reporting requirements (e.g., child abuse disclosures).
• For legal claims, dispute resolution, or equitable processes.
Retention of data
Comments and their metadata are retained indefinitely to improve moderation efficiency. Personal information related to therapy sessions is retained in compliance with legal and professional record-keeping obligations.
Your rights over your data
If you have an account or have left comments on our site, you may request an exported file of the personal data we hold about you. You may also request that we delete any personal data, excluding information required for legal, administrative, or security purposes.
Security of telehealth and notes
We use Microsoft Teams for telehealth services, which adheres to global security and encryption standards. Additionally, we utilise Lyrebird Health, an AI-based note-taking tool, with all session data stored securely in Halaxy. These platforms are updated regularly to maintain high standards of confidentiality and security.
Complaints and inquiries
If you believe your privacy has been breached, or if you have any questions about how we handle your data, please contact us at contact@lmunyard.com
Consent for minors
If services are provided to a minor, consent must be obtained from the legal guardian with authority over the child’s healthcare. If both parents share decision-making authority, consent is required from both parties. Services may be paused until any legal ambiguities regarding consent are resolved.
Where your data is sent
Personal health data will not be disclosed outside the scenarios outlined above without your explicit consent.
Changes to this policy
We may update this privacy policy as required to reflect changes in law, professional standards, or practice processes. Please review it regularly for updates.