Privacy Policy on Personal Information Management

Why Weight Psychology
0415 332 562
lareena@whyweightpsychology.com.au

Introduction
At Why Weight Psychology, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients' personal information. This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and manage your personal information in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

Collection of Personal Information
Types of Information Collected
We collect personal information necessary to provide psychological services, which may include:
- Name, address, contact details (phone number, email address)
- Date of birth
- Medical history and reports
- Psychological assessment results and treatment notes
- Billing and payment information
- Emergency contact details

Method of Collection
We collect personal information directly from you during consultations, through our intake process, and via our website or other communication channels. In some cases, we may receive information from third parties, such as your general practitioner or other healthcare providers.

Data storage
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. These steps include:
- Secure storage of records held in electronic data management system
- Access controls to limit access to personal information to authorised personnel only

Use of Personal Information
We use your personal information to:
- Provide psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment
- Communicate with you regarding your treatment and appointments
- Manage our administrative and billing processes
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

Consequence of not providing personal information
If a client does not wish for their personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, Why Weight Psychology 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 Why Weight Psychology to deal with the client or if Why Weight Psychology is required or authorised by law to deal with identified individuals.

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;
2.     failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of the (“Insert name of Psychologist/Practice”) 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:
1.     a)  provide a written report to another agency or professional, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or
2.     b)  discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer, health provider, or third party funder; or
3.     c)  disclose the information in another way; or
4.     d)  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.

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.

In the event that unauthorised access, disclosure or loss of a client’s personal information occurs, Why Weight Psychology will activate its data breach plan and use all reasonable endeavours to minimise any risk of consequential serious harm.

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 the principal psychologist. 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 the Principal Psychologist. Upon request they can obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe their rights and how their personal information should be handled. 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 https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-complaints/lodge-a-privacy-complaint-with-us or by post to: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5288, Sydney, NSW 2001.