This document describes the privacy policy of Zest Clinical Psychology for the management of your 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).

 

Client information 

Client files are held locked and secure in both paper and electronic formats, which are accessible only to Zest Clinical Psychology and authorised personnel. 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. Information includes information directly shared with Zest Clinical Psychology, but also correspondence via email and information provided by other health practitioners, such as the referral from the GP.  

 

Purpose of holding personal information

Your personal information is gathered and used for the purpose of providing psychological services, which includes assessing, diagnosing and treating your presenting issue(s). The personal information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions, and enables Zest Clinical Psychology to provide a relevant and informed psychological service. 

 

Disclosure of personal information 

As mentioned on the consent form, all personal information gathered by Zest Clinical Psychology during the provision of the psychological service 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 in the reasonable belief of Zest Clinical Psychology place you or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or 

3. Your prior approval has been obtained to provide/receive treatment information or to discuss treatment (e.g. GP, another health professional, family member etc.)

In the event that unauthorised access, disclosure or loss of your personal information occurs, Zest Clinical Psychology will activate a data breach plan and use all reasonable endeavours to minimise any risk of consequential serious harm.  

 

Requests for access to client information 

At any stage you may request to see and correct the personal information about you kept on file. The psychologist may discuss the contents with you and/or give you a copy, subject to the exceptions in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). All requests should be lodged with Zest Clinical Psychology. These requests will be responded to within 30 days and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes. 

 

Concerns

If you have a concern about the management of your personal information, please inform Zest Clinical Psychology. Upon request you can obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe your rights and how your personal information should be handled. Ultimately, if you wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of, disclosure of, or access to, your personal information, you 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