Privacy Policy for Oak Counselling
Introduction
Oak Counselling recognises that sensitive information, which has been disclosed to us, needs special care and protection. Oak Counselling is required by law, as detailed by the Australian Privacy Principles (APP) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), to comply with a strict code of conduct to maintain the privacy of all personal information on record. This Privacy Policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of our clients’ information.
Collection of Personal Information
Oak Counselling collects personal information for the purpose of providing you with a counselling service. This personal information may include your name, address, telephone number, date of birth, email address and other contact details, bank account, credit card details, and occupation. This information is collected directly from correspondence, phone calls, emails, intake interviews, and clinical sessions.
Disclosure
Oak Counselling will only use your personal information for the purpose for which it is collected and in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). However, there are some specific exceptions where your information may be used or disclosed. This includes where:
The individual concerned has given prior approval to discuss the information with another person or organisation or to provide a written report to other agencies.
Oak Counselling believes on reasonable grounds that disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the life or health of the individual concerned or of another person.
There is suspicion or knowledge of child abuse and/or neglect, or elder abuse and/or neglect.
The disclosure is required by or authorised under law.
Apart from these exceptions, your information will not be used or disclosed for any other purpose without your express consent.
Safeguarding and Securing the Data
Oak Counselling is committed to securing your data and keeping it confidential and will take all reasonable steps to ensure your information is protected from misuse, loss, and from unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. The process of collection, storage, transfer, and use of personal information will be undertaken in a secure manner such that it fully protects all personal and sensitive information. On the cessation of services with Oak Counselling, the personal information will be held securely for as long as it is prudent and disposed of appropriately when the information is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected and in a manner specified by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Access and Correction
Individuals are entitled to access their personal and sensitive information held by Oak Counselling. Individuals are also entitled to change incorrect or out-of-date information. The request for access to personal information must be made in writing and the request will be processed per the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). There may be instances where Oak Counselling cannot grant you access to some of the information we hold. For example, Oak Counselling may refuse access if granting access would interfere with the privacy of others. If that is the case, we will provide you with a written explanation.
Anonymity
Where lawful and practical, Oak Counselling will offer the option for anonymity when providing personal information in the process of managing Oak Counselling’s business.