Client information

Client files are held in a secure filing cabinet which is accessible only to Keren Jontof-Hutter. The information in 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. Digital copies of client files are stored online through third party provider Halaxy (halaxy.com). Halaxy’s privacy policy can be viewed here: https://www.halaxy.com/article/privacy#privacy-policy-inline.

How clients’ personal information is collected

A client’s personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation with Keren Jontof-Hutter, including when the client provides information directly to Keren Jontof-Hutter using hardcopy forms, correspondence via email, through completing online intake forms hosted by third party provider Halaxy (halaxy.com.au), and when other health practitioners provide personal information to Keren Jontof-Hutter, via referrals, correspondence and medical reports.

Consequence of not providing personal information

If the client does not wish for their personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, Keren Jontof-Hutter may not be in a position to provide the psychological service to the client. In some circumstances, clients may request to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym, unless it is impracticable for Keren Jontof-Hutter to deal with the client or if Keren Jontof-Hutter is required or authorised by law to deal with identified individuals.

Purpose of holding personal information

A client’s personal information is gathered and used for the purpose of providing psychological services, which includes assessing, diagnosing and treating a client’s presenting issue. 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

Clients’ personal information will remain confidential except when:

1. It is subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law; or

2. Failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of Keren Jontof-Hutter place a client or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or

3. The client’s prior approval has been obtained to:

• provide a written report to another agency or professional, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or

• discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer, health provider, or third party funder; 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.

A client’s personal information is not disclosed to overseas recipients, unless the client consents or such disclosure is otherwise required by law. Clients’ personal information will not be used, sold, rented or disclosed for any other purpose.

Requests for access and correction to client information

At any stage clients may request to see and correct the 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 (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 psych@kerenjontofhutter.com.au. These requests will be responded to in writing within 30 days, and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes.

Concerns

If clients have a concern about the management of their personal information, they may inform psych@kerenjontofhutter.com.au. Ultimately, 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.