As part of providing a psychological service, Kokoro Psychology & Health needs to collect and record personal information, including name, address, contact phone numbers, medical history, emergency contact or next of kin, and other relevant personal information.

Personal information is stored safely by ultra-secure servers. Written notes are taken in session, and after these are uploaded to Cliniko, the on-site notes are destroyed. Safely stored by ultra-secure servers.

To ensure continuous improvement of services, all psychologists participate in regular clinical supervision with an experienced Psychologist. Information about you may be shared within this professional environment, however information that could determine your personal identity is purposely not disclosed given the confidentiality agreement.

Disclosure of personal information

All personal information gathered by the psychologist during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential, except when:

  1. Subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure is otherwise disclosed or authorized by law; or
  2. Failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of the psychologist place you or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or
  3. Your prior approval has been obtained to:
    1. Provide a written report to another professional or agency. Eg., a GP or a lawyer; or
    2. Discuss the material with another person, e.g. a family member, employer or health provider; or
    3. Disclose the information in another way; or
    4. Disclose 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

At any stage clients may request to access their 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. Reasonable steps will be taken in circumstances that personal information is inaccurate, out of date or incomplete, to ensure that this information is corrected. All requests by clients for access to personal information should be lodged with Kelley Pickett. These requests will be responded to within 14 days and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes.

If clients have a concern about the management of their personal information, they may inform Kelley Pickett. Upon request they can obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe their rights and how their personal information should be handled. 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, online at http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/making-a-privacy-complaint or by post to: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box, 5218, Sydney, NSW, 2001.