Privacy policy.

Privacy Policy for Management of Personal Information for website

This document describes the privacy policy of Skill Up Psychology 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), the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles (2014) (APP) and the Victorian Health Privacy Principles (HPP).

Client information

Client files are held in a secure filing cabinet, or an electronic data management system may be used which is accessible only to authorised employees or any authorised service provider and in line with Information procedures and any other policies. 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.

How clients' personal information is collected

A client's personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation with Skill Up Psychology, including when the client provided information directly Skill Up Psychology using hard copy forms, correspondence via email, when the client interacts directly with Skill Up Psychology staff/employees or reception staff from where Skill Up Psychology is located.  The Centre may keep a record of client information on their system which can be used for administrative purposes (example but not limited to :payment, communication, record of appointment). This also includes when other health practitioners, reception centers when provide personal information and may include 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, Skill Up Psychology may not be in a position to provide the psychological service to the client . In some circumstances, in circumstances clients may request to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym, unless it is impracticable for the Psychologist to deal with the client or if Skill Up Psychology is required or authorised by law to deal with identified individuals.

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

Clients’ personal information will remain confidential except when:

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

  2. failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of the (“Insert name of Psychologist/Practice”) 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:

    • 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.

In the event that unauthorised access, disclosure or loss of a client’s personal information occurs Skill UP Psychology will incorporate 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 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 contact reception of current location / or as required Maria Bailey – Skill Up Psychology. 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 reception of current location or Maria Bailey – Skill Up Psychology. 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 https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-complaints/lodge-a-privacy-complaint-with-us or by post to:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5288, Sydney, NSW 2001.

Alternatively, if you have any concerns or questions about the above procedures, discuss them with your psychologist. If you have concerns about the conduct of your psychologist or if you believe your privacy rights have been violated you should also direct these to the Skill Up Psychology. If you are not satisfied with the manner in which these complaints were handle, you may call either the Psychology Board of Australia on 1300 419 495, or the Australian Psychological Society on (03) 8662 3300.

The Australian Psychological Society Limited
PO Box 38 Flinders Lane
Melbourne VIC 8009 Australia
Telephone (03) 8662 3300

This is updated / revised as required. More in-depth Information is covered before or during the first appointment, so all is clear at commencement of sessions.

Updated December 2023