Confidential therapy services in
Penrith & Parramatta

ProActive Psychology offers a confidential service and your privacy is important to us. Below is a summary of how Proactive Psychology collects and manages personal information within our practice, and the circumstances in which we may share it with third parties. 

Client information
Client files are held in a computerised practice management system which is password protected and accessible only to authorised employees. 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.

How clients' personal information is collected
When you make your first appointment our practice staff will collect your personal and demographic information. During your course of treatment further information will be gathered to enable the psychologist to provide you with the best care. Only staff who need to see your personal information will have access to it.

Your personal information is collected in a number of ways, including when you provide information directly to ProActive Psychology using hardcopy forms, correspondence via email, when you interact directly with ProActive Psychology employees such as the receptionist, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to ProActive Psychology via referrals, correspondence and medical reports.

Dealing with us anonymously
You have the right to deal with us anonymously or under a pseudonym unless it is impracticable for us to do so or unless we are required or authorised by law to only deal with identified individuals.

Purpose of holding personal information
Your personal information is gathered and used for the purpose of providing psychological services, which includes assessing, diagnosing and treating your presenting issue and providing reports if applicable. 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
Your personal information will remain confidential except when:
1. It is required by law, either via subpoena or other similar authority.
2. Failure to disclose the information would put you or another person at risk
3. Your prior consent has been received 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, to any other party you elect.

Requests for access and correction to client information
At any stage you may request to see and correct the personal information that is kept in your file. The psychologist may discuss the contents with you/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 to ensure that this information is corrected. A request for access to or correction of personal information held about you should be lodged in writing with the psychologist or practice manger. Your request will be responded to within 28 working days, and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes.

Concerns
We take concerns regarding your privacy seriously. If you have any issues regarding the management of your personal information, please inform the psychologist or practice manager. Upon request you can obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe your rights and how your personal information should be handled. 

Policy review statement
We may change this privacy policy from time to time. Any updated versions of this privacy policy will be posted on our website. 

This privacy policy was last updated on 2nd June 2016.