How to make a "Ask the staff" forum

[BBNZowner]

Hi there, not sure what search terms to use here so my mistake if the answer is blatantly obvious :erm:

I've seen on some vb3.x forums there are forums where users can posts threads and have them answered by the staff. However, no other users can see their threads in there, except the OP. The forum looks empty to everyone else. So essentially a private chat forum/thread system between the user and staff - highly useful if the user has an issue that they only want the staff to see.

Can this be done on 4.2.2 with a mod or setting forum permissions?

Thanks.