Privacy and Information Handling Policy
Your Privacy Matters to Us – Person Centred Psychology and Allied Health Privacy Policy
When you come to see us, we want you to feel safe, respected, and supported. Part of that commitment is looking after your personal information with care. We treat your privacy as an important part of your wellbeing, and we follow the professional standards and legal requirements set by the Psychology Board of Australia, Dietitians Australia and relevant laws. This means your information is handled with respect, kept securely.
Why we collect information: We use your personal information to guide your care and to meet our professional responsibilities as Psychologists and Accredited Practicing Dietitians. It ensures we can provide services that are safe, effective, and tailored to you, while also meeting the standards required by law and our professional Codes of Conduct. The information we gather and record is a necessary part of the services provided to you.
What information we collect: In addition to information such as your contact details your records will include the information shared during assessments and treatment, correspondence between your practitioner and other members of your treatment team, or between you and your clinician and/or our supportive reception team. Your records will also contain a summary of the work completed during your appointments.
Confidentiality: Much of what you share with us stays private. We take confidentiality seriously, and we will not share your information beyond what is required to support your access to Medicare subsidised treatment or other third party payment providers, or when you have consented to regular communication between your professional or personal support teams. We will always explain this clearly so you know what to expect, and you are encouraged to ask questions of your clinician at any time during care to ensure you remain confident that you understand. More specific information can be found on our client informed consent form.
Exceptions to Confidentiality
There are times when your psychologist may be ethically or legally required to release your information. They will make all reasonable efforts to gain your verbal consent and keep you informed, though will be required to proceed with releasing necessary information if they are not able to obtain your consent, such as:
· When the psychologist discloses information because they believe you or someone else is at risk of serious harm.
· When a court requires information by issuing a subpoena, or providing information is otherwise required or authorised by law.
· When it is required because the psychologist must make a mandatory report on a concern.
Your rights
· Accessing your Information: You have the right to ask to see the information we hold about you, and to request corrections if something is not accurate, subject to the exceptions in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). You should discuss this request with your clinician or submit a formal request to contact@pcpsychology.com.au. All requests to access or correct files will be managed in a timely manner, within 30 days where possible. Please note that your clinician may ask to have an appointment with you to discuss the content of the file prior to any changes or releases occurring.
· Withdrawing your consent: You can also change your consent about sharing information at any time, unless the law requires otherwise. Please note that you can not withdraw consent for a service that has already been completed.
Storage: Your records are kept securely, using systems that are designed to protect against unauthorised access, and which meet the Australian Privacy Principles and Australian digital security standards.
Security: Person Centred Psychology and Allied Health has a thorough data-breach policy and procedure, should the unlikely situation arise where your personal information is accessed in an unauthorised manner. Our procedure includes a commitment and plan to do all reasonably possible to minimise the risk of serious harm to you and others in the community.
Concerns: If you ever have questions or worries about your privacy, please talk with your clinician or contact our administration team via phone (03 9645 5677) or in writing (contact@pcpsychology.com.au). We take feedback very seriously and aim to resolve all concerns promptly and fairly. If this process does not fully resolve your concerns, you are welcome to request a conversation with our director, Deborah Newburn.
Should your concerns remain and you wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of, disclosure of, or access to, your personal information, you may do so with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-complaints/lodge-a-privacy-complaint-with-us).