Policy for management of personal information

I will need to collect and record personal information about you that is relevant to your current situation. This information is a necessary part of psychological assessment and treatment. The psychological service and collection of information is bound by the legal requirements of the National Privacy Principles from the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) ACT 2000. https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/australian-privacy-principles/

Further to these standards I uphold the privacy and confidentiality standards set by the APS Code of Ethics General Principle III: Propriety, and the Guidelines on Confidentiality.

Purpose of holding information

A personal history is taken as part of assessment, diagnosis and intervention. Information given to me during a consult is held in my personal filing system. The information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions and enables me to provide a relevant and informed psychological service.

Request for access to client information

At any stage clients may request to see the information about them kept on file. You may access the material recorded in your file upon request, subject to the exceptions in the National Privacy Principle 6. All requests by clients for access to information should be lodged with me. The request will be responded to within 7 working days. An appointment is necessary to discuss and clarify the information.

Concerns about management of personal information

If you have concerns about the management of your personal information, please discuss this with me. Upon request you can obtain a copy of the National Privacy Principles, which describe your rights and how your information should be handled. 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 the Federal Privacy Commissioner on 1300 363 992 or GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 1042.