Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Privacy

At Self Psychology, your privacy, dignity and confidentiality are fundamental to the therapeutic relationship. We are committed to protecting your personal information and handling it responsibly, ethically and in accordance with Australian privacy laws and professional standards.

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store and disclose your personal information. Self Psychology complies with:

  • Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)

  • Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

  • Relevant Queensland health records legislation

  • Psychology Board of Australia and AHPRA requirements

  • Medicare, NDIS and other funding body requirements

  • Professional standards of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi)

Who We Are

Self Psychology is a private psychology practice providing psychological assessment, therapy, supervision, consultation and related services to individuals, families and organisations.

For privacy-related enquiries, please contact:

What Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to provide safe, effective and ethical psychological services. This may include:

  • Name, date of birth and contact details

  • Emergency contact information

  • Medicare, NDIS, DVA, WorkCover or private health insurance details

  • Referral information

  • Medical, psychological and social history

  • Assessment and questionnaire results

  • Clinical notes and treatment records

  • Reports, correspondence and recommendations

  • Appointment and billing information

  • Information required by funding bodies, insurers or regulatory authorities

Where relevant and with your consent, information may also be collected from other healthcare providers, schools, support services, family members or carers involved in your care.

Information may be collected through:

  • Website enquiries

  • Intake and consent forms

  • Telephone and email communications

  • Clinical appointments

  • Assessments and questionnaires

  • Referrals from healthcare professionals

With your consent, we may also receive information from:

  • General practitioners

  • Specialists and allied health providers

  • Hospitals and health services

  • Schools and educational providers

  • NDIS providers and support coordinators

  • Insurers and compensation schemes

We collect personal information to:

  • Provide psychological assessment and treatment

  • Develop and review treatment plans

  • Communicate with you regarding appointments and services

  • Prepare reports, letters and professional correspondence

  • Process payments and Medicare claims

  • Meet legal, ethical and professional obligations

  • Maintain accurate clinical records

  • Improve the quality and safety of our services

Use and Disclosure of Information

Your personal information is used primarily for the purpose of providing psychological services.

With your consent, information may be shared with:

  • Your referring practitioner

  • Other healthcare providers involved in your care

  • Schools, educational providers or support services

  • NDIS, Medicare, DVA, WorkCover or other funding bodies

  • Legal representatives where authorised

Information may be disclosed without consent where required or authorised by law, including where:

  • There is a serious risk to your safety or the safety of another person

  • Mandatory reporting obligations apply

  • Records are subpoenaed or lawfully requested

  • Disclosure is required by a court, tribunal or regulatory authority

Telehealth and Electronic Communication

Self Psychology offers telehealth services using secure platforms where possible. While reasonable steps are taken to protect privacy, electronic communication carries inherent risks. By communicating via email, SMS or telehealth platforms, you acknowledge that complete security cannot be guaranteed.

Electronic communications may be used for:

  • Appointment reminders

  • Administrative matters

  • Sharing documents and resources

  • Telehealth consultations

Email and SMS should not be relied upon for urgent or crisis situations.

Artificial Intelligence and Technology-Assisted Tools

Self Psychology may utilise technology-assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support administrative tasks, clinical documentation, supervision, professional development, educational activities and research.

Where such tools are used:

  • Reasonable steps are taken to remove identifying information wherever possible.

  • Information is handled in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and professional obligations.

  • AI tools are used to assist administrative and reflective processes only.

  • Clinical judgement, diagnosis, formulation and treatment decisions remain the responsibility of the treating psychologist.

Clients may discuss any concerns regarding the use of technology-assisted tools at any time.

Clinical Supervision and Professional Consultation

As part of maintaining high standards of professional practice, psychologists routinely participate in clinical supervision, peer consultation and professional development. De-identified information may be discussed with supervisors, consultants or peer professionals for the purpose of ensuring quality care, ethical practice and ongoing professional development. Reasonable steps are taken to remove identifying information wherever possible.

Research Activities

Self Psychology is committed to contributing to evidence-based practice and may participate in approved research activities.

Where information is collected as part of a research project:

  • Participation will be voluntary.

  • Separate participant information and consent processes will apply.

  • Human Research Ethics Committee approval will be obtained where required.

  • Information will be managed in accordance with applicable ethical and legal requirements.

Your decision regarding research participation will not affect your access to clinical services.

Website, Cookies and Analytics

Our website may collect limited information through cookies, website analytics and online forms. This information may include:

  • Browser and device information

  • Pages visited

  • Time and date of access

  • General location information

  • Website usage statistics

This information is used to improve website performance, functionality and user experience. Our website may contain links to third-party websites. Self Psychology is not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites.

Storage and Security

Self Psychology takes reasonable steps to protect personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

Security measures may include:

  • Secure practice management software

  • Password-protected systems

  • Restricted access to records

  • Secure electronic storage

  • Secure disposal of records when appropriate

Only authorised persons requiring access for legitimate professional purposes may access client information.

Access to Your Information

You may request access to your personal information or clinical records by contacting Self Psychology in writing. Access may be limited in circumstances permitted by law, including where access may pose a serious threat to the health, safety or wellbeing of any individual. Reasonable administrative fees may apply where extensive retrieval or preparation of records is required.

Retention of Records

Clinical records are retained in accordance with legal and professional requirements. Generally:

  • Adult records are retained for a minimum of seven years from the last date of service.

  • Records relating to children are retained until the individual reaches 25 years of age, or longer where required by law.

Records may be securely destroyed once retention obligations have been satisfied.

Privacy Concerns and Complaints

If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled, please contact Self Psychology so that we can investigate and attempt to resolve the matter.

If you remain dissatisfied, you may contact:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) www.oaic.gov.au

Office of the Health Ombudsman (Queensland) www.oho.qld.gov.au

Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legislation, professional standards, technology or practice procedures. The current version will always be available on the Self Psychology website.