I Seek Help International

Last Updated: 31 July 2025

I Seek Help International (“ISHI,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly, transparently, and ethically.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect personal information when you interact with:

• The I Seek Help International website and digital platforms
• Practitioner directories and verification systems
• Training, assessments, and certification programmes
• Community spaces, events, and educational resources
• Booking systems, forms, and communication tools

By using our services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

Who We Are

I Seek Help International is a global mental-health, personal-development, and professional-support ecosystem that connects help-seekers with verified practitioners and provides structured systems, tools, and training for professionals worldwide.

We operate internationally and comply with applicable data-protection laws, including (but not limited to) GDPR, POPIA, and other relevant privacy regulations.

Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal information:

Personal Identification Information

• Name and surname
• Email address
• Contact number
• Country, city, or region

Professional Information (for Practitioners)

• Qualifications and certifications
• Professional registration details
• Practice information and service offerings
• Verification documentation

Assessment & Programme Information

• Responses to assessments, questionnaires, or instruments
• Participation records in training, workshops, or events
• Progress data related to learning or certification pathways

Communication Data

• Messages sent via forms, email, WhatsApp, or platform messaging
• Feedback, testimonials, or support requests

Technical & Usage Information

• IP address
• Browser type and device information
• Website usage patterns (via cookies and analytics tools)

How We Use Your Information

We use personal information for legitimate business and ethical purposes, including to:

• Connect help-seekers with suitable practitioners
• Verify professional credentials and maintain platform integrity
• Deliver training, assessments, and certification programmes
• Operate and improve our digital platforms and services
• Communicate important updates, resources, and opportunities
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Meet legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations

We do not sell personal data to third parties.

Assessments, Tools & Sensitive Information

Some services may involve behavioural, psychological, or personal-development instruments.

• All assessment data is handled with strict confidentiality
• Results are used for educational, developmental, or professional-support purposes only
• ISHI does not provide medical diagnoses or emergency mental-health services
• Sensitive data is accessed only by authorised personnel or certified practitioners

Users remain the owners of their personal insights and results.

Sharing of Information

We may share information only when necessary and responsibly, including with:

• Verified practitioners (with user consent)
• Technology and service providers who support our platforms
• Payment processors and booking systems
• Legal or regulatory authorities where required by law

All partners are required to comply with appropriate data-protection and confidentiality standards.

International Data Transfers

As a global organisation, your information may be stored or processed in different countries.

We take reasonable steps to ensure that any international data transfers comply with applicable privacy laws and maintain adequate protection standards.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical, administrative, and organisational safeguards to protect personal information, including:

• Secure servers and access controls
• Encrypted communication where applicable
• Limited access based on role and responsibility

While no system is 100% secure, we take data protection seriously and continuously improve our security measures.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

• Fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy
• Meet legal, regulatory, or contractual requirements
• Maintain accurate records for professional verification and certification

You may request deletion or correction of your information, subject to legal obligations.

Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Request correction or updates
• Request deletion of your data
• Object to or restrict certain processing
• Withdraw consent at any time

Requests can be made by contacting us using the details below.

Cookies & Analytics

Our websites may use cookies and analytics tools to:

• Improve user experience
• Understand platform usage
• Optimise content and functionality

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

Children’s Privacy

ISHI services are intended for adults and professionals.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate consent.

Third-Party Links

Our platforms may contain links to third-party websites or services.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
The latest version will always be available on our website, with the updated date clearly indicated.

Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any changes.

POPIA & GDPR Compliance

I Seek Help International (“ISHI”) is committed to complying with applicable data-protection legislation, including the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA) of South Africa and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union.

Lawful Processing of Personal Information

We process personal information lawfully, fairly, and transparently. Information is collected and processed only when:

• The data subject has provided clear and informed consent
• Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract or service
• Processing is required to meet legal or regulatory obligations
• Processing is necessary for legitimate organisational interests, provided such interests do not override individual rights

Purpose Limitation & Minimality

In accordance with POPIA and GDPR principles:

• Personal information is collected for specific, explicitly defined purposes
• Only information that is adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary is processed
• Data is not retained longer than required for its intended purpose

Special & Sensitive Personal Information

Where services involve personal development, behavioural, psychological, or sensitive information:

• Such data is processed with enhanced confidentiality and security controls
• Access is restricted to authorised personnel and verified practitioners
• Sensitive information is never sold or used for unauthorised profiling
• Processing occurs only with explicit consent or lawful justification

ISHI does not provide emergency, medical, or psychiatric services and does not replace licensed clinical care where required.

Data Subject Rights (POPIA & GDPR)

In line with POPIA and GDPR, data subjects have the right to:

• Access their personal information
• Request correction, updating, or deletion of personal data
• Object to the processing of their information
• Withdraw consent at any time, without affecting prior lawful processing
• Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Lodge a complaint with the relevant supervisory authority

Requests can be submitted via the contact details listed in this Privacy Policy.

Cross-Border Data Transfers

As a global organisation, ISHI may transfer personal information across borders.

All cross-border transfers are conducted in compliance with POPIA and GDPR requirements, ensuring that:

• Adequate data-protection safeguards are in place
• Third-party processors adhere to recognised privacy and security standards
• Contractual agreements include appropriate data-protection clauses

Data Breach Management

In the unlikely event of a data breach involving personal information:

• ISHI will take immediate steps to contain and mitigate the breach
• Affected data subjects and relevant authorities will be notified where legally required
• Corrective actions will be implemented to prevent recurrence

Accountability & Governance

ISHI maintains internal policies, procedures, and safeguards to ensure ongoing compliance, including:

• Staff and practitioner confidentiality obligations
• Role-based access controls
• Regular review of data-handling practices
• Ethical oversight aligned with professional standards

Supervisory Authorities

Where applicable, data subjects may lodge complaints with:

South Africa: Information Regulator (POPIA)

European Union: The relevant Data Protection Authority (GDPR) in their country of residence

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