Privacy policy.

Rebecca Hirst Psychotherapy and Counselling is committed to providing quality services to you and this policy outlines our ongoing obligations to you in respect of how we manage your personal information.

As a registered psychotherapy practice, we are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and the ethical standards set out by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

This policy outlines how your personal information is collected, stored, used, and disclosed as part of our commitment to providing safe, ethical, and confidential care.

Collection of Information
Personal information is information or an opinion that identifies an individual. Examples of personal information we collect includes names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Sensitive information is defined in the Privacy Act to include information or opinion about such things as an individual's racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record or health information.

We collect personal and sensitive information that is necessary for assessment, treatment, and administrative purposes. This may include your name, contact information, medical and psychological history, and information you provide during sessions. Personal and sensitive information may be collected manually, by telephone, by email, or via my website. Information may also be received from third parties such as referring health professionals, but only with your consent.

Use and Disclosure
Your information is used solely for the purpose of providing psychotherapeutic services and managing your care. We will not share your personal information with any third party without your prior written consent, except where required by law or where there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others.

In certain cases, de-identified information may be used for supervision or professional development purposes in line with ACA and PACFA guidelines.

Storage and Security
Your personal information is stored in a manner that reasonably protects it from misuse and loss and from unauthorized access, modification or disclosure. Personal information is stored in client files which will be kept for a minimum of 7 years, or until the age of 25 for a minor.

Client records including personal information are stored securely using Halaxy, a practice management platform that complies with Australian data protection regulations. Halaxy uses encryption and secure cloud-based servers to protect your information. Any physical records are stored in locked filing systems with access restricted to the practitioner.

Access and Correction
You have the right to access and request corrections to the personal information we hold about you. Requests can be made in writing, and we will respond within a reasonable timeframe, unless an exception applies under the Privacy Act.

Maintaining the Quality of your Personal Information

It is an important that your personal information is up to date. We  will  take reasonable steps to make sure that your Personal Information is accurate, complete and up-to-date. If you find that the information we have is not up to date or is inaccurate, please advise us as soon as practicable so we can update our records and ensure we can continue to provide quality services to you.

Policy Updates

This Policy may change from time to time and is available on our website.

Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about how your information is handled, please feel free to raise them with us directly. If we are unable to resolve your concern, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.