Unhyphen Privacy Policy

Unhyphen Psychotherapy & Consulting

Privacy Policy for Management of Personal Information

Unhyphen Psychotherapy & Consulting have established this Privacy Policy for the management of clients’ personal information, to communicate what information is collected and how that information is used and safeguarded as part of our commitment to best practice in relation to the management of information we collect. By visiting the website unhyphen.com you acknowledge the terms and conditions expressed herein. We reserve the right to change this policy at our sole discretion and without notice.

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 Halaxy, a secure private practice software (for more information regarding Halaxy please see the Halaxy Terms of Use and Halaxy Privacy Policy) which is accessible only to authorised employees. 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 including emails and written correspondence.

How clients' personal information is collected

A client's personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation with Unhyphen, including but not limited to when the client provides information directly Unhyphen using hardcopy forms, correspondence via email, when the client interacts directly with Unhyphen employees, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to Unhyphen via referrals, correspondence and medical reports. We may collect personal information from trusted third-parties.

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, Unhyphen may not be in a position to provide the psychological service to the client. In some circumstances, clients may request to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym, unless it is impracticable for Unhyphen to deal with the client or if Unhyphen 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; to better understand the needs of the client; to communicate with the client and provide information, products and services. The personal information is retained in order to document what happens during psychological assessment and treatment 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; or

2. failure to disclose the information would result in the reasonable belief of the treating psychologist/practitioner that a client or another person is 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; or

b) discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer, health

provider, or third party funder; or

c) disclose the information in another way; or

d) disclose to another professional or agency 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 Unhyphen 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 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 should be lodged with Unhyphen (at hello@unhyphen.com). These requests will be responded to in writing within 30 days, and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes.

Links

Our website may contain links to other websites operated by third parties. We make no representations or warranties in relation to the privacy practice of any third party website and we are not responsible for the privacy policies or the content of any third party website.

Concerns

If clients have a concern about the management of their personal information, they may inform Unhyphen. 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 or by post to:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 2001.

For further information on your privacy rights go to: www.privacy.gov.au

For further information on the Health Records Act, go to:

https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/legislation/health-records-act; http://www.health.vic.gov.au/hsc/downloads/hppextract.pdf

This Privacy Policy may change from time to time. Any updated versions of this Privacy Policy will be posted on our website.