Overview
The Good Life Therapy and Counselling is committed to complying with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles 2014 and the privacy provisions of all applicable legislation. Relevant exclusions pertain to the Mental Health Act 2016 and the Child Protection Act 1999 as detailed below.
This privacy policy covers all personal information we hold, that is, information, or an opinion about an individual, whose identity is apparent, or can be reasonably ascertained, from that information or opinion. This includes information we have collected from people through our office, over the phone and over the internet.
Collecting information
When we collect personal information from an individual, we will ensure that we do so in a fair manner and that we let the individual know where and how to contact our organisation. We will only collect information that is necessary for one or more of our functions or activities.
We will advise individuals of the purpose for which their personal information is collected.
If we collect sensitive information (as defined under the Act), we will treat it with the utmost security and confidentiality. We will ensure that it is not collected for any purposes, other than those for which we have obtained the individual’s consent, unless the law requires otherwise, or other exceptional circumstances prevail as described under the Act.
Where an individual chooses not to provide requested information, we will advise that individual of what consequences this non-disclosure may have. For example, withholding certain information may limit our ability to provide relevant offers or services to individuals.
Disclosing information
We will only disclose personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act.
This means that personal information may be disclosed:
- For the purposes for which we have advised that we are collecting it, and for related purposes that the individual would reasonably expect, including in the course of our business activities with relevant staff,
- Where we have the consent of the individual to do so,
- As required by law, or
- Under other circumstances where permitted under the Act.
- Additional reasons for disclosure include where we have reason to suspect significant risk of harm to a child, including abuse or neglect as outlined in the Child Protection Act, or where we assess that any person becomes of significant risk to themselves or others, as outlined in the Mental Health Act. All reasonable efforts will be made for any disclosure of personal information in this context to be a collaborative process, with client consent obtained where possible, and this disclaimer will be again cited at the commencement of the initial session.
Unauthorised disclosure or access
As the The Good Life Therapy is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals, we will view unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal information by our employees or contractors, as a serious breach of this policy. Appropriate action (which may include disciplinary or legal action) will be taken in such cases.
Opt- out
We will always provide individuals with a nil-cost way of contacting us to register a request to “opt -out” from receiving any product offers.
Access to personal information
Individuals will be able to access their personal information upon request. However, The Good Life Therapy and Counselling may occasionally need to deny access to information in accordance with the exemptions contained in the Act.
Security
Our goal is to protect the personal information collected by The Good Life Therapy and Counselling and its employees/contractors/associations. Personal information will be managed confidentially and securely and destroyed appropriately when no longer required.
We will monitor and implement appropriate technical advances or management processes, to safeguard personal information.
Data Quality
We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the data we collect, use or disclose is accurate, complete and up to date, and has been obtained directly from individuals or other reputable sources.
Privacy Enquiries
Privacy related Enquiries or concerns can be directed to privacy officer at The Good Life Therapy and Counselling.
Availability and Review of Policy
We will make our privacy policy available upon request and will provide a link to this policy from our website.
This policy will be reviewed from time to time and any amendments will be incorporated into the updated policy.
PERSONAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION COLLECTION STATEMENT
The Good Life Therapy and Counselling is an independent practice under the ownership of The Good Life Therapy and Counselling Pty Ltd (ACN 661 328 105).
You may contact The Good Life Therapy and Counselling by writing to The Good Life Therapy and Counselling, 10/85 Riding Road, Hawthorne 4171 QLD; by emailing info@thegoodlifetherapy.com.au; or by calling 07 3063 1058. You have the right to gain access to the information held by The Good Life Therapy and Counselling about you.
Our Privacy Policy (available upon request) contains information on how you may request access to, and correction of, your personal information and how you may complain about a breach of your privacy and how we will deal with such a complaint.
The Good Life Therapy and Counselling needs to collect information about you for the primary purpose of providing quality treatment. In order to fully assess, diagnose and treat you, we need to collect some personal information from you. This information will also be used for the administrative purposes of running the practice such as billing you or through an insurer or compensation agency. Information will be used within the practice for handover if another practitioner provides you with assistance.
The Good Life Therapy and Counselling may disclose information regarding diagnosis or treatment to your Doctor or other treatment providers only with your consent. In the case of insurance or compensation claims, it may be necessary to disclose information and/or collect information that affects your treatment and return to work. The Good Life Therapy and Counselling will not disclose your information to commercial companies, however specific service or product information as deemed suitable for your management, may be forwarded to you by us, unless you instruct The Good Life Therapy and Counselling not to forward this type of information. Your written consent will be obtained at the start of your treatment in order to carry out the above activities. We do not disclose your personal information to overseas recipients.
Information at The Good Life Therapy and Counselling is stored securely and only practice staff has access to it. The Good Life Therapy and Counselling takes all reasonable steps to ensure that information collected about you is accurate, complete and up-to-date. You may have access to your information on request and if you believe that any of the information is inaccurate we may be able to amend it accordingly. If you do not provide relevant personal or health information, in part or in full, to The Good Life Therapy and Counselling, it may result in incomplete assessment. This may impact on the diagnosis and the following therapy that is provided. Any concerns that you may have about this statement or about your management can be directed to the privacy/complaints officer using the aforementioned contact details.
CONSENT FORM
The Good Life Therapy and Counselling needs to collect information about you for the primary purpose of providing a quality service to you. In order to thoroughly assess, diagnose and provide therapy, we need to collect some personal information from you. If you do not provide this information; we may be unable to treat you. This information will also be used for:
- The administrative purpose of running the practice;
- Billing either directly or through Medicare, an insurer or compensation agency;
- Use within the practice if discussing or passing your case to another practitioner within the practice for your ongoing management;
- Disclosure of information to your doctors, other health professionals or to teachers to facilitate communication and best possible care for you; and
- In the case of insurance or compensation claim it may be necessary to disclose and/or collect information that concerns your return to work to an insurer or your employer.
We do not disclose your personal information to overseas recipients.
The Good Life Therapy and Counselling has a Privacy Policy that is available on request or on our website. That policy provides guidelines on the collection, use, disclosure and security of your information. The Privacy Policy contains information on how you may request access to, and correction of, your personal information and how you may complain about a breach of your privacy and how we will deal with such a complaint.
To ensure the process of quality treatment provision, information about your assessment results and progress may be given to relevant other service providers, who are involved in your management. These may include your doctor, teachers, specialists, insurers, solicitors or employers.
I have read the above information and understand the reasons for the collection of my personal information and the ways in which the information may be used and disclosed and I agree to that use and disclosure, as per the Privacy Policy.
I understand that it is my choice as to what information I provide and that withholding or falsifying information might act against the best interests of my assessment and therapy progress.
I am aware that I can access my personal and treatment information on request and if necessary, correct information that I believe to be inaccurate.
I understand that if, in exceptional circumstances, access is denied for legitimate purposes, that the reasons for this and possible remedies will be made available to me.
I have been provided with or have been given an opportunity to obtain a copy of The Good Life Therapy and Counselling’s privacy policy.
