Client Privacy & Confidentiality ('Privacy Policy')

Privacy

Access Psychology ('we', 'our', or 'us') manages clients’ personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth). Client files are held in a secure storage room and lockable filing cabinets.

Collection of client information

The information on each file includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone numbers, medical history, and other personal information collected as part of providing the psychological service. The information is collected in a number of ways including when the client provides information directly to us using hardcopy forms, correspondence via email, when the client interacts directly with the psychologist, associates or staff, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to us via referrals, correspondence and medical reports, etc.

Holding personal information

Clinical files and case notes are held for seven years or (in the case of children's files) until seven years after a child client turns 18, and then the files and notes are securely destroyed. A client’s personal information is gathered and used for the purpose of providing psychological services, which includes assessing, diagnosing and treating a client’s presenting issue, and/or the preparation of reports. The personal information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions and enables the psychologist to provide a relevant and informed psychological service. If the client does not wish for their personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, we may not be in a position to provide the psychological service to the client.

Requests for access and correction to client information

1 At any stage, clients may request to review and correct the personal information about them kept on file in consultation with the psychologist. If satisfied that personal information is inaccurate, out of date or incomplete, reasonable steps will be taken in the circumstances to ensure that this information is corrected. All requests by clients for access to or correction of personal information held about them should be lodged in writing (e.g. letter or email) with the psychologist. We aim to respond to these requests in writing within 30 days.

We will endeavour to rectify simple factual corrections immediately. However, an appointment (billed at the usual consultation fee) will be made to clarify more complicated matters. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has made available a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describes your rights and how your personal information should be handled. Ultimately, if clients wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of, disclosure of, or access to, their personal information, they may do so by contacting the OAIC.

Confidentiality

Clients’ personal information will not be disclosed except when:

1. the client’s prior approval has been obtained to provide a written report to another professional or agency, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer or health provider; or disclose the information in another way; or
2. a court subpoenas it; or
3. failure to disclose the information would, in the reasonable belief of the psychologist, place a client or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or
4. the client would reasonably expect their personal information to be disclosed to another professional or agency (e.g. their GP) and disclosure of such personal information to the third party is for a purpose which is directly related to the primary purpose for which the personal information was collected; or
5. when consulting colleagues, or in the course of supervision or professional training, provided the identity of clients and associated parties involved are concealed; or
6. disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.

Clients' personal information will not be used, sold, rented or disclosed for any other purpose.

Anonymity

Clients may request to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym unless it is impracticable for us to deal with the client or if we are required or authorised by law to deal with identified individuals. In most cases it will not be possible for the client to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym, however, if the psychologist agrees to the client being anonymous or using a pseudonym, the client must pay consultation fees prior to the commencement of the appointment.

Contact

We aim to be easy to contact (even after hours) and to reply to clients’ messages within an hour. However, if the office is closed and/or a prompt response is not received (or in the event of an emergency), one of the following emergency services should be called:

1. SA Health Mental Health Triage Service: 13 14 65;
2. Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14;
3. Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636;
4. Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467;
5. Police: 131 444 or 000;
6. Ambulance: 000; or
7. your GP.