Policy for the management of personal information
This section describes the policy of Melissa Freestun/Self Psychology for the management of her clients’ information. The psychological service provided is bound by the legal requirements of the National Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Client information
Client files are held in a secure filing cabinet which is accessible by Melissa only. Electronic information is password-protected and is accessible by Melissa only. The information on each file includes personal information, such as name, address, contact details and other information which is relevant to the psychological service being provided.
How clients’ personal information is collected
A client’s personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation with Melissa, including when the client provides information directly to Melissa using hardcopy forms, correspondence via email and text message, when the client interacts directly with Melissa, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to Melissa, via referrals, correspondence and medical reports.
Consequences of not providing personal information
If the client does not wish for their personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, Melissa may not be in a position to provide the psychological service to the client. Clients may request to be anonymous or use a pseudonym unless it is impracticable for Melissa to deal with the client or if the psychologist is required 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 at the time of the appointment.
Purpose of holding information
The information is gathered as part of the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the client’s condition, and is seen only by Melissa. The information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions and enables Melissa to provide a relevant and informed psychological service.
Disclosure of personal information
Clients’ personal information will remain confidential except when:
1. It is subpoenaed by a court; or
2. Failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of Melissa that places a client or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or
3. The client’s prior approval has been obtained to:
a) provide a written report to another professional or agency, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or
b) discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer or health provider; or
c) disclose the information in another way; or
4. you would reasonably expect your personal information to be disclosed to another professional or agency (e.g. your GP) and disclosure of your personal information to that third party is for a purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose for which your personal information was collected; or
5. disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.
A client's personal information is not disclosed to overseas recipients unless the client consents or such disclosure is otherwise required by law. Clients' personal information will not be used, sold, rented or disclosed for any other purpose.
Requests for access to client information
At any stage, clients may request to see the information about them kept on file. The psychologist may discuss the contents with them and/or give them a copy, subject to the exceptions in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). 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 information held about them should be lodged, in writing, with Melissa Freestun / Self Psychology. These requests will be responded to within 21 days, and an appointment will be made, if necessary, for clarification purposes.
Concerns
If you have a concern about the management of your personal information, please inform Melissa. Upon request, you can obtain a copy of the National Privacy Principles, which describe your rights and how your information should be handled. Ultimately, if you wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of, or access to, your personal information, you may do so with the Office of Information Commissioner on 1300 363 992, or GPO Box 5218 Sydney, NSW, 2001.