PRIVACY POLICY for the MANAGEMENT OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
This document describes the privacy policy of Samantha Harskamp for the management of clients’ personal information. The psychological service provided is bound by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Client information
Client files are held in a secure filing cabinet or, where only electronic documents exist, in a secure electronic document management system which is accessible only to authorised integrated services personnel. 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 psychology service.
How clients’ personal information is collected
A client’s personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation. These include times when the client provides information directly to Samantha Harskamp using hardcopy forms, correspondence via email, when the client interacts directly with integrated facility services personnel of Centre Psychology for example; reception personnel, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to Samantha Harskamp, via referrals, correspondence and medical reports.
Information We Collect:
We may collect various types of personal information, including but not limited to:
– Contact information (such as name, email address, phone number)
– Demographic information (such as age, gender, occupation)
– Medical and mental health history
– Session notes and records
– Billing and payment information
Purpose of Information Collection:
We collect your personal information for the following purposes:
– To provide therapy services and treatment plans tailored to your needs
– To communicate with you regarding appointments, changes to our services, or important updates
– To process payments and manage billing
– To comply with legal and regulatory obligations
– To improve our services and ensure the highest quality of care
Information Storage and Security:
We take the security of your personal information seriously and have implemented appropriate measures to safeguard it. Your data is stored electronically in a secure system with stringent access controls. We employ technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of your personal information.
3rd party handling of information
Credit Card Storage: For payment convenience, credit card information will be stored securely through a third-party payment processor, Stripe. The psychologist will not have direct access to or store credit card details. Stripe’s privacy and security measures will be relied upon to store and process credit card information. Stripe privacy policy can be found: https://stripe.com/en-au/privacy and here https://stripe.com/en-au/legal/privacy-center
Consequence of not providing personal information
If a client does not wish for their personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, Samantha Harskamp may not be in a position to provide the psychological service to the client.
Purpose of holding personal information
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. 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.
Disclosure of personal information
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.
In the event that unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss of a client’s personal information occurs the psychologist will activate a data breach plan and use all reasonable endeavours to minimise any risk of consequential serious harm.
Clients’ personal information will remain confidential except when: 1. A , or disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law; or 2. 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 3. the client’s prior approval has been obtained to: a) provide a written report to another agency or professional, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or b) discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, integrated services personal, health provider, or third party funder; or c) disclose the information in another way; or d) disclose to another professional or agency (e.g. your GP) and disclosure of your personal information to that third party is for a purpose which is directly related to the primary purpose for which your personal information was collected. 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. If unauthorised access, disclosure or loss of a client’s personal information occurs Centre Psychology will activate its data breach plan and use all reasonable endeavours to minimise any risk of consequential serious harm.
Requests for access and correction to client information
At any stage a client may request to see and correct the personal 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 or correction of personal information held about them should be lodged with Samantha Harskamp. These requests will be responded to in writing within 30 days, and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes.
Concerns
If clients have a concern about the management of their personal information, they may inform Samantha Harskamp. Upon request, they can obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe their rights and how their 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 with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner by phone on 1300 363 992, online at http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/making-a-privacy-complaint or by post to: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 2001.
Updates to Privacy Policy:
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting an updated version on our website or by other reasonable means.