This document describes the privacy policy of Stepney Psychology (Dr Terry Evans) for the management of client personal information. The psychological service provided is bound by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988.

Client information

Client files are held in a secure filing cabinet and on a secure compute, accessible only to Dr Terry Evans. 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 the provision of a psychological service.

How clients' personal information is collected

A client's personal information is collected in several ways during psychological consultation with Dr Terry Evans, including when the client provides information directly to Dr terry Evans using hard copy forms, correspondence via email, when the client interacts directly with Dr Terry Evans and when other health practitioners provide personal information to Dr Terry Evans, via referrals, correspondence, and medical reports.

Consequence 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, Dr Terry Evans may not be able to provide a 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 Dr Terry Evans to provide a relevant and informed psychological service.

Disclosure of personal information

Clients’ personal information will remain confidential except when:

• it is subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law; or

• failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of Dr Terry Evans place a client or another person at serious risk to life, health, or safety; or

• the client’s prior approval has been obtained to:

  • provide a written report to another agency or professional, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or

  • discuss the material with another person, e.g., a parent, employer, health provider, or third-party funder; or

  • disclose the information in another way; or

  • 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, Dr Terry Evans will use all reasonable endeavours to minimise any risk of consequential serious harm.

Requests for access and correction to client information

At any stage, clients 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 Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988. If thew client is satisfied that personal information is inaccurate, out of date or incomplete, reasonable steps will be taken 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 Dr Terry Evans. These requests will be responded to in writing within 14 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 Dr terry Evans. 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.