Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and disclose personal information and health information through our practice, website and associated services.

forPsych provides psychological services for adults, children, families and organisations across Northern Tasmania, including forensic, clinical, assessment, disability and telehealth services.

What Information We Collect

We may collect personal information including:

• Name, date of birth and contact details
• Emergency contact and next of kin information
• Medicare, health fund or NDIS information
• Referral information from doctors, schools, lawyers or other agencies
• Psychological, medical and mental health history
• Assessment results and clinical records
• Session notes and reports
• Payment and billing information
• Website enquiry information
• Telehealth and appointment information

Some of this information may be considered sensitive health information under Australian privacy law.

How We Collect Information

We collect information directly from you when you:

• Contact us
• Complete forms or referrals
• Attend appointments
• Use telehealth services
• Submit information through our website
• Communicate with us by phone, email or secure messaging services

We may also receive information from:

• Referring practitioners
• Schools or educational institutions
• Courts or legal representatives
• Government agencies
• Support coordinators or allied health professionals
• Family members or carers where appropriate and authorised

Why We Collect Information

We collect personal and health information so we can:

• Provide psychological and assessment services
• Communicate with you regarding appointments and care
• Prepare reports and recommendations
• Coordinate care with other professionals
• Meet legal, ethical and professional obligations
• Process payments and Medicare or NDIS claims
• Improve our services and website experience

We only collect information that is reasonably necessary for providing our services and managing our practice.

Telehealth & Online Services

forPsych offers secure telehealth services where appropriate.

Telehealth sessions may involve the use of encrypted videoconferencing or secure online systems. While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, all online communication carries some level of risk.

Clients are encouraged to:

• Attend sessions in a private environment
• Use secure internet connections
• Use headphones where possible
• Ensure other people cannot overhear sessions

We use platforms and technologies selected with privacy and security considerations in mind.

Website Data & Cookies

Our website may collect limited technical information including:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device information
• Pages visited
• Website usage data

This information may be collected using cookies, analytics tools or similar technologies to improve website performance and user experience.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings, although some website functionality may be affected.

How We Store & Protect Information

We take reasonable steps to protect personal and health information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, disclosure or alteration.

Security measures may include:

• Secure practice management systems
• Password protected systems and devices
• Restricted staff access
• Secure messaging systems
• Encrypted or secure telehealth platforms
• Firewalls, backups and updated software
• Physical security measures for paper records

Electronic records are stored using systems designed to meet Australian privacy and healthcare requirements.

How Long We Keep Records

Health records are retained in accordance with applicable Australian laws and professional obligations.

Generally:

• Adult client records are retained for a minimum of 7 years after the last service
• Records relating to children may be retained until the individual reaches at least 25 years of age

When records are no longer required, they are securely destroyed or permanently de-identified.

Disclosure of Information

We may disclose your information where:

• You have provided consent
• It is necessary for your care or referral
• Required by law
• Required to lessen or prevent a serious threat to health or safety
• Required by subpoena, court order or mandatory reporting obligations

Information may be shared with:

• Referring practitioners
• Medical specialists
• Allied health providers
• Schools or agencies
• Courts or legal representatives
• Medicare, NDIS or insurers where relevant

We will only disclose information that is reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose.

Overseas Disclosure

Some technology providers or cloud based systems used by forPsych may store data outside Australia.

Where overseas service providers are used, we take reasonable steps to ensure they meet appropriate privacy and security standards consistent with Australian privacy obligations.

Accessing or Correcting Your Information

You may request access to your personal information or request corrections if information is inaccurate, incomplete or outdated.

Requests should be made in writing using the contact details below.

In some circumstances, access may be restricted where permitted by law, including where access may pose a serious threat to health or safety or impact the privacy of others.

Anonymity & Pseudonyms

Where lawful and practical, individuals may interact with us anonymously or using a pseudonym.

However, it is generally impractical for psychological and health services to be provided anonymously due to professional, legal and billing requirements.

Third Party Links

Our website may contain links to third party websites or systems.

forPsych is not responsible for the privacy practices, content or security of external websites.

Complaints

If you have concerns about how your information has been handled, please contact us first so we can attempt to resolve the issue.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).