Terms of Service

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Online Counselling Platform ("Platform"), including any content, functionality, and services offered through the Platform. By using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. Definitions

"Platform" refers to the Online Counselling Platform and its associated services

"User" refers to clients, counsellors, and any other authorized parties accessing the Platform

"Services" refers to online counselling sessions and related administrative services

"Counsellor" refers to qualified professionals registered with relevant Australian governing bodies

"Client" refers to individuals seeking counselling services through the Platform

3. Eligibility and Registration

3.1 Counsellor Eligibility

✔ Must be registered with appropriate Australian governing bodies (e.g., AASW)

✔ Must maintain current professional registration and insurance

✔ Must complete Platform's verification process

✔ Must pass working from home safety assessment

✔ Must maintain adequate internet connectivity for video sessions

3.2 Client Eligibility

✔ Must be an Australian resident

✔ Must be eligible for relevant funding program services

✔ Must provide accurate information during registration

✔ Must have adequate internet connectivity for video sessions

4. Platform Services

4.1 Service Delivery

✔ Counselling services delivered via Zoom or Microsoft Teams

✔ Session duration: 50 minutes unless otherwise specified

✔ Sessions recorded only with explicit consent from all parties

✔ AI-assisted administrative tools used for documentation

4.2 Booking and Cancellation

✔ 24-hour minimum notice required for cancellations

✔ Late cancellations may affect funding body allowances

✔ Repeated no-shows may result in service restriction

5. Privacy and Confidentiality

5.1 Data Protection

✔ All data stored in accordance with Australian privacy laws

✔ Information encrypted during transmission and storage

✔ AI processing compliant with privacy regulations

✔ Session recordings stored securely and accessible only to authorised parties

5.2 Confidentiality Limits

✔ Mandatory reporting obligations apply as per Australian law

✔ Duty of care exceptions to confidentiality

✔ Information sharing with funding bodies as required

✔ De-identified data used for service improvement

6. User Responsibilities

6.1 Counsellor Responsibilities

✔ Maintain professional standards and registration

✔ Ensure private, secure environment for sessions

✔ Complete required documentation promptly

✔ Participate in quality assurance processes

✔ Maintain technological requirements

6.2 Client Responsibilities

✔ Provide accurate information

✔ Ensure private space for sessions

✔ Attend scheduled appointments

✔ Engage appropriately with services

✔ Maintain technological requirements

7. Payment and Billing

7.1 Funding Body Arrangements

✔ Services billed directly to approved funding bodies

✔ Client gaps payable where applicable

✔ Payment terms as per funding body agreements

7.2 Private Payment

✔ Payment required prior to service delivery

✔ Cancellation fees may apply

✔ Refund policy as per Australian Consumer Law

8. Intellectual Property

✔ Platform content and technology remain property of the Platform

✔ Session notes and recordings handled as per privacy policy

✔ AI-generated content ownership specified per use case

9. Platform Rules

9.1 Prohibited Conduct

✔ No harassment or abuse

✔ No fraudulent activity

✔ No misuse of Platform technology

✔ No unauthorized recording of sessions

✔ No sharing of access credentials

9.2 Technology Requirements

✔ Minimum internet speed requirements

✔ Supported devices and browsers

✔ Required software installations

✔ Regular technology updates

10. Liability and Disclaimers

10.1 Service Limitations

✔ Platform not suitable for crisis services

✔ No guarantee of specific outcomes

✔ Technology-related service interruptions possible

✔ Right to refuse service

10.2 Indemnification

✔ Users indemnify Platform against misuse

✔ Platform not liable for user-generated content

✔ Force majeure provisions

11. Termination

11.1 Platform Rights

✔ Right to suspend or terminate services

✔ Right to modify or discontinue features