This document describes the privacy policy of Lantern Psychology for the management of clients’ 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).
Privacy Policy for Management of Personal Information
Client information
Client files are held in a secure electronic document management system (Halaxy) or in a secure filing cabinet. Halaxy is accessible only to Alison Christie and the administration assistant. 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, chat records, and text messages.
For more information regarding Halaxy please see the Halaxy Terms of Use and Halaxy Privacy Policy.
Information about Halaxy security can be found here
How clients' personal information is collected
A client’s personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation with Lantern Psychology, including when the client provides information directly to Lantern Psychology using hardcopy forms, correspondence via email or text, when the client interacts directly with Lantern Psychology employees such as the receptionist, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to Lantern Psychology, via referrals, correspondence, and medical reports.
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, Lantern Psychology may not be in a position to provide the psychological service to the client. Clients may request to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym unless it is impracticable for Alison Christie to deal with the client or if Lantern Psychology is required or authorised by law to deal with identified individuals. In most cases it will not be possible for the client to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym, however, if Lantern Psychology agrees to the client being anonymous or using a pseudonym, the client must pay consultation fees at the time of the appointment.
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.
Disclosure of personal information
Clients’ personal information will not be disclosed except when:
- It is subpoenaed by a court; or
- Failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of Alison Christie place a client or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or
- The client’s prior approval has been obtained to:
- a) provide a written report to another professional or agency, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or
- b) discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer or health provider; or
- c) disclose the information in another way; or
- Disclosure is otherwise required by law.
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.
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 in writing at info@lanternpsychology.com.au. These requests will be responded to in writing within 30 days, and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes.
Concerns
If clients have a concern about the management of their personal information, they may inform Alison Christie at info@lanternpsychology.com.au. 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 or online at http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/making-a-privacy-complaint