Privacy Policy
SelfConnect Psychology Services (SelfConnect, we, us, our) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy sets out how we collect and manage personal information and the steps we take to protect it.
SelfConnect is bound by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act), the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) (HRIP) and any other relevant legislation.
What is personal information?
Personal information is information, or an opinion, that could identify an individual.
How personal information is collected
Your personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation(s) with SelfConnect, including when you provide information directly to us using forms, correspondence via email, when you interact directly with the psychologist, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to us, via referrals, correspondence and medical reports.
Information is also automatically collected when you visit our website www.selfconnectpsychology.au.
What type of information is collected
The information we collect will depend on the type of services you are seeking. It may include your name, date of birth, contact details, medical information and further information that is required to provide the service.
When visiting our website, you may voluntarily provide personal information when you fill in our form, such as your name, email address, phone number and issue you would like help with. In addition, we automatically collect certain information, such as your IP address, browser type, network, device, referring URLs, and details about your use of the website.
Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your browsing behaviour. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.
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.
The personal information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions and enables the psychologist to provide a relevant and informed psychological service.
Information automatically collected through our website is used to improve our website and enhance user experience.
Disclosure of personal information
Your personal information will remain confidential except when:
1. it is subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law;
2. failure to disclose the information would, in the reasonable belief of the service provider, place you or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or
3. your prior approval has been obtained.
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties or overseas recipients, unless failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious risk, you consent, or such disclosure is required by law. However, we may share your information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our website and providing our services. These may be based overseas.
Retention of records
Private health service providers are required to keep health information of a person for a minimum period of 7 years from the last occasion a service was provided. For children information needs to be kept until the individual turns 25.
Data Security Measures
We take data security seriously. We implement security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include storing client files in a secure electronic document management system accessible only to the treating psychologist, encryption, password protection, and Secure Sockets Layer. However, please be aware that no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure.
In the event that unauthorised access, disclosure or loss of a client’s personal information occurs, SelfConnect 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 you may request to see and correct the personal information about you kept on file. We may discuss the contents with you and/or give you a copy, subject to the exceptions in the Privacy Act.
If satisfied that personal information is inaccurate, out of date or incomplete, reasonable steps will be taken 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 Isabel Alfonso.
We will endeavour to respond to all requests for personal information within 30 days, and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes.
Complaints
If you have a concern about the management of your personal information by us, you may inform Isabel Alfonso at: isabel@selfconnectpsychology.au.
You may request from us a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describes your privacy rights and how your personal information should be handled.
If you wish to lodge a formal complaint about access to, the use of, or disclosure of your personal information by us, you may do so with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner by phone on 1300 363 992, online at https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-complaints/lodge-a-privacy-complaint-with-us, or by post to: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5288, Sydney, NSW 2001.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the revised Privacy Policy on our website.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
This Privacy Policy was last updated on 15 July 2024.
Isabel Alfonso Proprietor SelfConnect Psychology 0424986187 isabel@selfconnectpsychology.com