Counselling and Psychology services are bound by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Association for Counsellors in Australia Code of Ethics (2013) and by Psychology Board of Australia’s Code of Ethics (2007). This document sets forth the Privacy Policy of Aazade Counselling and Coaching for the management of clients’ personal information per these requirements.

Client Information

Client records are stored in an electronic document management system (electronic files) and a secure filing cabinet (paper files) which are accessible only to authorized employees. Types of information we keep on file include personal details, contact details, concession card numbers, card details, referral letters, additional notes at times, assessment results, reports if applicable, communications and correspondences, and any other personal information collected as part of providing the therapeutic service.

How clients’ personal information is collected

Your personal information is collected in several ways when engaging directly with your practitioner; online via website inquiry forms, online direct links, written correspondences (email), or verbally; and, when other health practitioners or stakeholders (including but not limited to lawyers, school or agency staff) provide personal information to Aazade Counselling and Coaching via referrals, correspondence, and medical or other reports.

Consequence of not providing personal information

If you do not wish for your personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, Aazade Counselling and Coaching may not be in a position to provide the therapeutic service to you. You may request to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym unless it is impracticable for Aazade Counselling and Coaching to deal with you (as a client) or if ACC is required or authorised by law to deal with identified individuals. In most cases it will not be possible for you to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym, however, if ACC agrees to you being anonymous or using a pseudonym, you MUST pay consultation fees before your scheduled appointment.

Purpose of holding personal information

Your personal information is gathered and used to provide the therapeutic service you have attended for. The personal information is retained to document what happens during sessions and/or to provide reports and enables the practitioner to provide a relevant and informed therapeutic service.

Disclosure of personal information

Your personal information will not be disclosed except when:

1. A court subpoenas it; or

2. Failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of Aazade Counselling and Coaching, place you or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or

3. Your prior approval has been obtained to:

• provide a written report to another professional or agency, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or
• discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer or health provider; or
• disclose the information in another way; or

4. You would reasonably expect your personal information to be disclosed 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; or

5. Disclosure is otherwise required by law.

Your personal information is not disclosed to overseas recipients unless you consent or such disclosure is otherwise required by law. Your personal information will not be used, sold, rented or disclosed for any other purpose.

Requests for access and correction to client information

You may request to see and correct the personal information about you kept on file. Your practitioner may discuss the contents with you and/or give you 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 with your practitioner at Aazade Counselling and Coaching. These requests will be responded to in writing within 28 days.

Concerns

If you are concerned about managing your personal information, you may inform your practitioner in writing. You can obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe your rights and how your personal information should be handled. Ultimately, suppose you wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of, disclosure of, or access to, your personal information. In that case, you may do so with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Agreement

By engaging the services of Aazade Counselling and Coaching, you agree to your personal information being managed under this privacy policy.