The psychological service provided is bound by requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out
in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Client information
Client files are held in a secure electronic patient management software, Halaxy. The information on
each file includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone numbers, medical history,
and other relevant personal information collected in providing psychological services.
Halaxy
Psychthurium uses Halaxy, a global platform for clinical software utilised by 40 different types of health
practitioners, including psychologists. Halaxy is protected by 256-bit bank-grade security and encryption,
which means records, notes and payment information is protected to the same level used in banks. All
information is encrypted and stored in a securely protected data centre in Australia. Your data is hosted
on servers with state-of-the-art security and are located within Australia. To learn more about Halaxy’s
privacy and security please refer to Halaxy’s Privacy Policy.
Collection of personal information
A client’s personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation with
Psychthurium, including when the client provides information directly to Psychthurium using hardcopy
forms, correspondence via email, when the client interacts directly with Psychthurium and when other
health practitioners provide personal information to Psychthurium. If the client does not wish for their
personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, Psychthurium may not
provide the psychological service to the client.
Purpose of holding personal information
Personal information is gathered for the purpose of providing psychological services, including assessing,
diagnosing and treating a presenting concerns. The personal information is retained to document
ongoing support and sessions, enabling the psychologist to provide an appropriate psychological
service.
Disclosure of information
Client’s personal information will remain confidential except when:
- it is subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law;
- failure to disclose the information would place a client or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or
- the client’s prior approval has been obtained to for one of the following reasons
The following reasons relate to point 3
- provide a written report to another agency or professional, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or
- discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer, health provider, or third party funder; or
- disclose the information in another way; or
- disclose to another professional or agency (e.g. your GP) 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.
Requests for access and correction to client information
Clients may request to see and correct their personal information 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 correct the information. Requests by clients for access to personal information held should be lodged with Steven Colbran, Psychthurium. These requests will be responded to in writing within fourteen days, and an appointment will be made if necessary.
Concerns
Any concern about the management of personal information, please inform Psychthurium. Upon request a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe rights and how personal information should be handled is available. 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 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.
