Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Daniel Talbot Psychology is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic), and relevant professional codes of ethics.

2. What is Personal Information?

Personal information includes any information from which your identity is reasonably apparent, such as:

• Name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address
• Medicare number, health insurance details
• Medical and psychological history
• Session notes, diagnoses, treatment plans
• Billing and payment information
• Emergency contact details

Sensitive information includes health information, mental health history, and other information covered under the Privacy Act. We only collect sensitive information necessary for providing psychological services to you.

3. How We Collect Your Information

Your personal information may be collected through:

• Intake forms and consent documents
• Direct communication (phone, email, online booking)
• Session notes and clinical records
• Referrals from GPs or other health professionals
• Medicare claiming and payment processing

4. How We Use Your Information

We collect and use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Providing psychological assessment, treatment, and support
• Maintaining accurate clinical records
• Appointment scheduling and reminders
• Billing, Medicare claims, and financial administration
• Communication about your care (with your consent)
• Referrals to other health professionals (with your consent)
• Compliance with legal and professional obligations

5. Disclosure of Your Information

Your personal information will remain strictly confidential except when:

• You provide consent for us to share information with your GP, family, or other professionals
• Required by law, such as court subpoenas or mandatory reporting obligations
• Serious risk to safety - when there is a reasonable belief that failure to disclose would place you or another person at serious risk of harm
• Medicare processing - for claiming rebates on your behalf
• Professional supervision - anonymised case discussion with clinical supervisors

We will never sell, rent, or share your personal information for commercial purposes.

6. Data Security

We take data security seriously and implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Secure, encrypted storage of digital records
• Password-protected systems with restricted access
• Secure email communication (encrypted where available)
• Physical security measures for paper records
• Regular security audits and updates

7. Data Retention

In accordance with Australian health record-keeping requirements, we retain your personal information for a minimum of 7 years from the date of your last session, or longer if required by law. Records for clients who were under 18 at the time of treatment are retained until they reach 25 years of age.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information and clinical records
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Withdraw consent for information sharing at any time
• Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details on our Contact page. We will respond within 30 days.

9. Online Services & Telehealth

When using our online booking system or telehealth sessions, we use secure, encrypted platforms that comply with Australian privacy and telehealth guidelines. We do not store session recordings unless explicitly agreed upon for clinical purposes.

10. Website Cookies & Analytics

Our website uses only essential cookies for functionality (e.g., remembering your booking preferences). We may use privacy-focused analytics (e.g., anonymised visitor data) to improve our website. No personal data is collected without your knowledge or consent.

11. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party services for:

• Appointment scheduling (e.g., Calendly, Acuity)
• Payment processing (e.g., Stripe, Square)
• Email communication (e.g., encrypted email providers)
• Telehealth platforms (e.g., Zoom Healthcare, Coviu)

All third-party providers are required to comply with Australian privacy laws and maintain appropriate security standards.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Significant changes will be communicated via email or a notice on our website. Please review this policy periodically.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or wish to access your personal information, please contact:

Daniel Talbot Psychology
Email: danielhtalbot@gmail.com
Phone: [Your Phone Number]

To lodge a privacy complaint with the regulator:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992

This privacy policy is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific privacy concerns, please consult a legal professional.