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PRIVACY INFORMATION

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THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE COLLECTED, USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY.

 

My Commitment to Your Privacy

 Progressive Pathways Psychology is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

As a psychologist, I am also bound by the APS Code of Ethics, which requires that I respect your rights, protect your confidentiality, and maintain appropriate records of the services I provide.

Health information is considered sensitive information under Australian law and receives a higher level of protection.

 

Collection and Use of Your Information

I collect personal and health information that is necessary to provide psychological services. This may include information about your health history, current concerns, and other relevant personal details.

Information is collected directly from you, and with your consent, may also be collected from other health professionals or relevant third parties.

Your information is used for the purposes of:

  • Providing psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Communicating with other professionals involved in your care (with your consent)

  • Administrative purposes (such as appointment scheduling and billing)

  • Meeting legal, ethical, and professional obligations

Psychologists are required to clearly explain how information is collected, stored, and used as part of the informed consent process.

 

Disclosure of Your Information

Your information will be kept confidential except where disclosure is:

  • Required or authorised by law

  • Necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat to your life, health, or safety or that of another person

  • Required under mandatory reporting laws (for example, suspected child abuse or neglect)

  • Required by a court order, subpoena, or legal process

In accordance with ethical guidelines, only the minimum necessary information will be disclosed.

 

Storage and Security of Your Information

Your personal and health information is stored securely in electronic and/or paper form. Reasonable steps are taken to protect your information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

This includes ensuring that any use of technology (including telehealth) is conducted in a secure manner and in line with professional standards.

 

Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach, I will take steps to assess and manage the situation in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

If a data breach is likely to result in serious harm, I will notify you and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as required by law.

 

Your Rights Regarding Your Information

You have the following rights:

  • You may request to be contacted in a particular way or at a particular place.

  • You may request that I limit the use or disclosure of your personal information (where possible).

  • You have the right to access the personal and health information I hold about you and to request a copy.

  • In accordance with professional obligations, your records are retained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of last contact. If you were under 18 years of age at the time of service, your records will be kept until you turn 25 years old.

  • You may request corrections if your information is inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date.

  • Where lawful and practical, you may choose to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym (note this may limit the services that can be provided).

  • You may request a copy of this Privacy Notice.

Psychologists are required to keep adequate records and allow reasonable access to client information.

 

Making a Complaint

If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled or about the services you have received, you are encouraged to discuss this with me in the first instance.

If you are not satisfied with my response, you may lodge a complaint with:

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

  • Website: https://www.ahpra.gov.au

  • Phone: 1300 419 495

Filing a complaint will not affect the care you receive.

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Questions

If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or how your information is handled, please discuss them with me.

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