At Glowing Minds Psychology, we value the privacy of our clients, patients, and website visitors and are dedicated to protecting their personal information. Our management of personal data is governed by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (The Privacy Act) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) outlined within the Act. This policy explains how we collect, use, and manage personal information.

What type of information does Glowing Minds Psychology collect?

Personal Information: This includes any information or opinion, whether recorded or not, that identifies an individual or can be used to identify them.

Health Information: This refers to personal details about a person’s health or disability, including information about their illness, injury, or disability. Health information is considered sensitive and is subject to additional protections under the Act.

Collection of Personal and Health Information

Personal Information

We may collect personal information in the following circumstances:

• When you contact us through our website, email, or phone.

• When you visit our practice.

• When you update your contact details.

• When you provide feedback through surveys, questionnaires, or other means.

• When you correspond with us for any reason.

The types of personal information we may collect include:

• Contact details such as name, address, phone number, and email.

• Payment information, including credit card details.

• Anonymous data about website usage and statistics.

• Details of special requests (e.g., seating or wheelchair access).

• Records of inquiries about our products and services.

• Records of any correspondence with us.

Health Information
We collect health information only if:

• The individual consents to the collection.

• Collection is required or authorized by Australian law or a court/tribunal order.

• Collection is necessary due to a permitted health situation.

• Collection is part of medical history taking or otherwise permitted under the Act.

Collection from Third Parties
We may also gather personal or health information from third parties when it is impractical to collect directly from the individual. This includes information from parents or caregivers of children, and other third parties if consent is given by the client. Any information received from third parties will be protected in line with this policy.

Reasons for Collecting Personal Information

We collect personal information to:

• Provide information and updates about our services.

• Communicate effectively regarding appointments and available services.

• Process communications such as inquiries, feedback, and complaints.

• Send requested information to patients.

• Identify clients and protect against unauthorized access.

• Meet legal obligations to verify identity.

• Contact you as necessary.

• Comply with legal or authorized actions, and to comply with all ethical and legal requirements of a psychologist.

We may contact clients via phone, email, SMS, or mail. Health information is collected to deliver health services.

Disclosure of Personal and Health Information

Direct Marketing

We may use personal information to send updates about our products, services, and special offers. You can opt out of receiving marketing materials. However, we may still send information required by law, even if you have opted out of other communications.

When may personal information be disclosed?

All personal information collected by the psychologist during the provision of psychological services will be treated with utmost confidentiality, except in the following circumstances:

1) When subpoenaed by a court or when disclosure is mandated by law.

2) When failure to disclose would reasonably endanger your or another person's life, health, or safety.

3) With your prior approval, which may include:

• a) Providing a written report to another professional or agency, such as a GP or lawyer.

• b) Discussing the material with another person, such as a parent, employer, health provider, or third-party funder.

• c) Disclosing the information in another manner.

When disclosure is necessary for the primary purpose for which it was collected, such as informing your GP of treatment and progress, and you would reasonably expect such disclosure.

Supervision

Psychologists engage in ongoing professional development, peer consultation, and supervision as required by Australian regulations. At times, your psychologist may need to discuss your case with their supervisor or peers to ensure quality assurance. Confidentiality is strictly upheld, with all identifying details removed before supervision discussions. Supervisors and peers are bound by the same confidentiality rules as your psychologist.

In the event that the psychologist becomes aware of a risk to someone's life, health, or well-being during the course of your work together, they are obligated by state and federal policies to report the matter to the appropriate agencies.

Mandatory Reporting

This practice follows a mandatory reporting policy, requiring psychologists to report disclosures of harm, including child sexual assault, physical abuse, or neglect, to relevant authorities as mandated by law. If your psychologist receives information indicating that a child under your care is at a significant level of risk, they will inform you of their obligation to report such information to the state child protection agency or Police.

Storage

We are committed to safeguarding personal and health information through physical, electronic, and managerial security measures. Access to health information is restricted to our health professionals, and credit card information is encrypted. While we take precautions, we cannot guarantee the absolute security of information transmitted over the internet. Personal information will be destroyed or deleted when no longer required, though some information may need to be retained by law for specified periods.

Accessing and Correcting Personal Information

To ensure accuracy, we may ask clients to update their personal information. Clients can request corrections to inaccurate or outdated information and may seek details of the personal information we hold, subject to a potential administrative fee. In some cases, under the APPs, we may not be required to provide access or corrections, but we will explain our decision.

Online Dealings

We strive to use current security and encryption technology, but cannot guarantee the security of online transmissions. Information provided over the internet is at the user’s risk. Our site may use cookies to analyse traffic and enhance user experience but does not use cookies to collect personal information or track browsing habits. We may collect site visit information for statistical purposes. Our site may link to third-party websites, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. Users should review the privacy policies of any third-party sites they visit.

Complaints

If you have concerns about how we manage your personal information, please contact Genevieve Roberts, Clinical Psychologist at Glowing Minds Psychology. Please reach out by phone (0422 660 223), or email (gen@glowingminds.net.au),

If you are unsatisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Australian Information Commissioner.

Updates and Changes

We may update this policy periodically. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. We encourage users to review our privacy policy regularly to stay informed of any updates.

Last updated: September 2024