Introduction
 

This privacy policy is to provide information to you, my client, on how your personal information (which includes your health information) is collected and used within the practice, and the circumstances in which I may share it with third parties.

 

How is your personal information collected?
 

Plumbline Counselling Services may collect your personal information in several different ways.

1. Prior to your initial appointment, I will collect, via an Initial Information Form, information such as your name, date of birth, address and contact details

2. I may also collect your personal information by other means such as when you visit my website and fill out the Contact form, when you send me an email or SMS, when you telephone me or communicate with me using social media.

 

When, why and with whom do we share your personal information?
 

There are times when it may be necessary to share your information such as:
 

• information which you, the client, give written permission to disclose such as to family members, your General Practitioner or others who may be helping with your case.

• when it is required or authorised by law (e.g. court subpoenas)

• when it is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to a client’s life, health or safety or public health or safety, or it is impractical to obtain the client’s consent

• when there is a statutory requirement to share certain personal information
   

Only people who need to access your information in these situations will be able to do so, and for the four reasons above, we do not need your consent. However, in all other situations, whether it is sharing with family, your GP or any other person, we will require your written consent to share any information. This ensures the confidentiality and security of your details and information.

Plumbline Counselling Service will not use your personal information for marketing any of goods or services. Emails in the form of a newsletter or helpful information will be sent on a monthly basis, however you may opt-out of this service at any time.

 

How do we store and protect your personal information?
 

Your personal information will be stored in various forms. Personal information is primarily stored in an external SSD hard drive which is password protected. Written notes are stored in a locked filing cabinet. 

Our forms are generated using an online software system. All information collected complies with the APPs.

Consultation information that you enter into the web page are sent by email which goes directly to Plumbline Counselling Services email.

My computer is password protected as is my iPad which is only used to generate DASS-21 and other relevant questionnaire results.

I use up-to-date virus protection software on my computer and regularly conduct software updates on my device and website to help guard against cyber-attacks.

I store and dispose of personal information held within records in accordance with the Archives Act 1983 and relevant records authorities such as the Australian Counselling Association of which I am a member.