1. Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 25/02/2025

At Shemesh Therapy, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union (applicable to Israeli residents), and other relevant international data protection laws.

By using our website and telehealth services, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We do not automatically collect any personal information from visitors to our website. The only personal information we collect is what you voluntarily provide to us through:

• Contact Forms: When you reach out to us via our contact form, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and any other information you choose to provide.

• Intake Forms: If you choose to book a telehealth session, we may collect health-related information, such as medical history or therapy preferences.

• Payment Forms: If you make a payment through our website, we collect billing details and payment information, which is processed securely by third-party payment processors.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the personal information you voluntarily provide for the following purposes:

• To respond to your inquiries and provide telehealth therapy services.

• To communicate with you about appointments, updates, and other service-related matters.

• To process payments and manage billing.

• To comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR Compliance)

Under GDPR, we process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: You have given explicit consent for us to process your data for specific purposes (e.g., providing therapy services).

• Contractual Necessity: Processing is necessary to fulfill our obligations under our agreement with you.

• Legal Obligations: Processing is required to comply with applicable laws (e.g., POPIA, GDPR).

4. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties except in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We may share data with third-party service providers (e.g., telehealth platforms, payment processors) who assist us in delivering our services. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and comply with applicable laws.

• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law or to protect our rights, property, or safety.

• With Your Consent: We may share your information with other healthcare providers or individuals if you provide explicit consent.

5. Data Security

We take the security of your personal information seriously and implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect it, including:

• Encryption: All data transmissions are encrypted using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology.

• Access Controls: Only authorized personnel have access to your data.

• Regular Audits: We conduct regular security audits to ensure compliance with industry standards.

6. Your Rights Under GDPR and POPIA

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

• Rectification: You can request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.

• Erasure: You can request the deletion of your data under certain conditions.

• Restriction: You can request that we restrict the processing of your data.

• Data Portability: You can request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format.

• Objection: You can object to the processing of your data for specific purposes.

• Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw your consent at any time, where applicable.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@shemeshtherapy.com.

7. International Data Transfers

As a telehealth provider offering services from South Africa to Israel, your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your jurisdiction. We ensure that all international data transfers comply with applicable laws and are protected by appropriate safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or equivalent measures.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by law. For example:

• Therapy session notes may be retained for 7 years as required by professional regulations.

• Payment records may be retained for 5 years for accounting purposes.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website or contacting you directly.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: info@shemeshtherapy.com
Phone: [Your Phone Number]

For GDPR-related inquiries, you may also contact our Data Protection Officer (DPO) at dpo@shemeshtherapy.com.

2. Terms of Service

Last Updated: 25/02/2025

By using the website and services of Shemesh Therapy, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Services Provided

Shemesh Therapy provides telehealth therapy services to clients in South Africa and Israel. All therapists are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and operate under South African licensing regulations. We are not licensed to provide healthcare services in Israel.

2. Client Responsibilities

• You agree to provide accurate and complete information about your health and medical history.

• You acknowledge that telehealth has limitations and may not be suitable for all conditions.

• You understand that you are receiving care from a South African-registered therapist and that Shemesh Therapy is not responsible for any local legal or regulatory requirements in Israel.

3. Limitation of Liability

Shemesh Therapy and its therapists are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use of our services. Our liability is limited to the extent permitted by law.

4. Jurisdictional Scope

By using our services, you acknowledge that you are receiving telehealth therapy from a South African-registered therapist and that these services do not replace local healthcare providers in Israel. If you require in-person care or emergency services, please consult a licensed healthcare provider in your area.

5. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

If you have a complaint or dispute regarding our services, please contact us at shemeshtherapy@gmail.com. Any disputes will be resolved in accordance with South African law.

3. Informed Consent

Last Updated: 25/02/2025

By agreeing to these terms, you acknowledge that you are receiving telehealth services from a therapist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). You understand that these services are provided under South African regulations and may not be subject to the same legal or professional standards as services provided in Israel. You consent to receiving cross-border telehealth services under these conditions.

4. Emergency Procedures

Our telehealth services are not suitable for emergencies. If you are in crisis or require immediate assistance, please contact your local emergency services or one of the following resources in Israel:

• Emergency Services: 101 (Police) | 102 (Ambulance) | 100 (Fire)

• Mental Health Hotline: 1201 (ERAN Emotional First Aid)

By using our services, you acknowledge that Shemesh Therapy is not responsible for providing emergency care.

5. Cookie Policy

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies. For more information, please read our Cookie Policy.

6. Contact Information

Email: Shemeshtherapy@gmail.com
Phone: 0523150255

7. Acknowledgment

By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and Informed Consent and agree to the collection, use, and storage of your personal information as described herein.