Legal requirements
The psychological service provided is bound by the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), and the applicable Health Privacy Principles in the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) when handling health information.
Client information
Client files are held in a secure electronic document management system accessible only to authorised employees.
Each file may include personal information such as name, address, date of birth, Medicare details, billing information, credit card information, contact phone numbers, medical history and other information collected as part of providing psychological services.
How personal information is collected
A client's personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation, including when information is provided directly through forms, email correspondence, interactions with contractors, referrals, correspondence and medical reports.
We and our psychologists collect personal information to arrange appointments, deliver counselling services and communicate with the client.
- when clients register an enquiry, book an appointment, attend our practice, access our website or subscribe to our newsletter
- from third party service providers engaged to supply services, provide information or invoice us
- when we receive enquiries through the website, email or telephone
- when psychologists collect health information to arrange appointments and provide counselling services
Consent and use
If the client does not wish for their personal information to be collected in the way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, Mums Matter Psychology may not be in a position to provide the psychological service.
By engaging us, registering details on the website, by email or telephone, completing a client consent form or otherwise engaging our counselling services, consent is given for collecting, using and disclosing personal information for the purposes specified in this Privacy Policy.
Personal information is used to provide counselling services, operate the website, sign people up to our newsletter, respond to feedback and complaints, communicate with third party providers and enforce the client agreement.
Purpose and disclosure
A client's personal information is gathered and used for the purpose of providing psychological services, including assessing, diagnosing and treating a client's presenting issue.
Client information will not be disclosed except when subpoenaed by a court, when failure to disclose would place a client or another person at serious risk, when prior approval has been obtained, when disclosure to another professional or agency is reasonably expected and directly related to the primary purpose, or when otherwise required or authorised by law.
A client's personal information is not disclosed to overseas recipients unless the client consents or disclosure is otherwise required by law. Client information will not be used, sold, rented or disclosed for any other purpose.
Data security, quality and cookies
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, interference, unauthorised access and modification, and to make sure it is accurate, complete and up to date.
Our website may use cookies to store data using browser functionality. Cookies help identify visitors, operate an efficient service and track patterns of behaviour on the website.
Access, correction and concerns
Clients can request access to any personal information or health information we hold about them, subject to applicable legal exceptions. Requests should be submitted by email to frances@mumsmatterpsychology.com.
If records are inaccurate, we will promptly rectify inaccuracies on the basis of further information provided.
Clients with concerns about management of their personal information may inform Frances Bilbao, Director. Formal complaints may be lodged with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.