Privacy Statement
My practice is managed according to the Code of Ethics of the Australian Association of Social Workers and the Code of Ethics of the Victorian Association of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists Inc. I am committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the national privacy principles of the Amendment Act of 2000 of the Privacy Act 1998.
The Privacy Act is designed to give individuals the right to be more informed and have more control over the manner in which their personal information is collected, used, disclosed and stored.
This Privacy Policy outlines how I manage and protect the privacy of your personal information in my practice as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist.
1. I only collect and record information provided by you, or others you may advise me to contact, which is necessary for the practice of clinical social work or psychotherapy.
2. During the course of therapy I will record notes around the developments in therapy.
3. I undertake to treat all your information with respect and confidentiality. If you have any concerns with regards to these matters, please discuss them with me.
4. I am required to provide written reports to referring GP’s for those in receipt of Medicare rebates under Better Access to Mental Health.
5. I will not disclose any identifiable information about you without your consent. If you did give your consent, I will keep a record of this. To protect your privacy and within the limits of the law, I will resist any contact with any third party unless mutually agreed between us (i.e. family members; other professionals) and will inform you if any contact occurs.
6. To maintain and build on my standards of practice I may present and discuss my work with senior colleagues. This is done in a way that ensures complete anonymity while maintaining high standards of practice through supervision as is required by the Code of Ethics of the Victorian Association of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists.
7. Holds all records for at least seven years after the therapy ceases or as otherwise required.
8. Under the Privacy Act there is a process via which you are able to access the personal information I record. Please discuss this with me if this becomes an issue. I may require you to put this request in writing and I will endeavour to provide you with what you require within 30 days.