Positive Outcomes Psychology is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of clients' personal information. We collect, use, store and disclose personal and sensitive information in accordance with applicable Australian privacy laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles where applicable.

 

Client Information

We maintain client records that may include personal details, contact information, medical and psychological history, assessment results, clinical notes, correspondence, referrals and reports.

Client information may be held electronically or in paper records. We take reasonable steps to protect this information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

 

Collection of Personal Information

We generally collect information directly from clients through intake forms, questionnaires, emails, telephone calls and appointments. Where relevant and appropriate, information may also be obtained from GPs, other health professionals, referrers, authorised representatives, insurers or funding bodies.

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We collect information reasonably necessary to provide psychological services and manage the practice. If information is not provided, this may affect our ability to assess needs or provide appropriate care. Where lawful and practicable, individuals may enquire anonymously or use a pseudonym. However, identifying information will generally be required to provide ongoing psychological services.

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Purpose of Collecting Personal Information

We collect and use personal information to:

• Provide psychological assessment, treatment and ongoing care.

• Maintain clinical records and communicate with clients.

• Coordinate care with other health professionals where appropriate.

• Prepare referrals, reports and other relevant correspondence.

• Manage appointments, payments, Medicare claims and third-party funding arrangements.

• Meet applicable legal, professional and administrative obligations.

 

Consequences of Not Providing Information

If a client chooses not to provide the requested personal information, this may limit the ability of Positive Outcomes Psychology to provide treatment or certain services. In some circumstances, clients may request to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym where permitted by law.

 

External Service Providers

Positive Outcomes Psychology may use external service providers to support practice management, electronic records, communication, information storage and payment processing.

We take reasonable steps to ensure that personal information handled by these providers is managed appropriately and protected in accordance with applicable privacy obligations.

Where information is disclosed to an overseas recipient, we take the steps required by applicable privacy law.

 

Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect client information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, modification or disclosure. Access to client records is restricted to authorised individuals who require the information for their role.

Records are retained and disposed of in accordance with applicable legal, professional and recordkeeping requirements.

 

Use & Disclosure of Personal Information

Client information is treated confidentially and is only used or disclosed where permitted by law and, where required, with the client's consent. Information may be shared with other health professionals involved in a client's care, or with relevant insurers, funding bodies or authorised representatives, where appropriate and legally permitted.

 

Information may also be disclosed where required or authorised by law, or where an applicable legal exception to confidentiality permits disclosure, including certain circumstances involving a serious risk to a person's life, health or safety. We take reasonable steps to limit disclosures to information relevant to the purpose for which it is shared.

 

Access and Correction of Personal Information

Clients may request access to their personal information or request corrections if they believe information is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading.

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Requests can be made by contacting the practice by email, telephone or in person. We may need to verify identity before providing access or making changes. Requests will be handled within a reasonable period, subject to applicable legal requirements and any lawful grounds for refusing access.

 

Data & Privacy Breaches

If a privacy breach occurs, we will take appropriate steps to contain and assess the incident, reduce potential harm and prevent recurrence. Where required under applicable law, affected individuals and the relevant regulator will be notified.

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Privacy Complaints

If you have a concern about how your personal information has been handled, please contact Positive Outcomes Psychology and ask to speak with practice management.

We will review your concern and respond within a reasonable period. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may be able to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

Website: https://www.oaic.gov.au/

 

Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, systems or legal obligations. The current version will be available on our website.