Collection of Personal Information

A client’s information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation with Carla Lombard, including when the client directly provides information to Carla Lombard using hardcopy forms, correspondence via email and when other health practitioners provide personal information to Carla Lombard, for example, via referrals, correspondence and/or medical reports.

All attempts to secure personal information transmitted via email are made, however you should be aware that there are inherent risks transmitting information via email and whilst the risk of anyone intercepting and misusing information transmitted by email is usually quite low, it should be noted that any trained individual may be able to do this.

If your email address is transmitted to Carla Lombard electronically either in an email message or via a web page form, it will only be used for the purpose for which you provide it.

Purpose of Collecting and Holding Information

The information gathered includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone numbers, medical history and other information relevant to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the client’s presenting issue or relevant psychological service being provided. The information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions and enables Carla Lombard to provide a relevant and informed psychological service.

Consequence of Not Providing Personal Information

If a client does not wish to provide or have their personal information collected, Carla Lombard may not be in a position to provide psychological services to that client.

Confidentiality

All personal information gathered by Carla Lombard during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential and secure except where:

1.       it is subpoenaed by a court; or

2.       failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of Carla Lombard place the client or any other person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or

3.       the client’s prior approval has been obtained to:

a.       provide a written report to another professional agency e.g., GP or lawyer; or

b.      discuss the material with another person e.g., parent, employer or health provider; or

c.       disclose the information in another way; or

4.        the client would reasonably expect that their personal information would be disclosed to another professional agency (e.g., GP ) and disclosure of the client’s personal information to a third party is for the purpose which is directly related to the primary purpose for which your personal information was collected; or

5.       disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.

Access to and Correction of Client Information

As a client, you are entitled to access information about you kept on file, unless relevant legislation provides otherwise.  All requests by clients for access to information held about them should be lodged in writing with Carla Lombard. These requests will be responded to within 2 business days and an appointment will be made, if necessary for clarification purposes. If satisfied that personal information is inaccurate, out of date or incomplete, reasonable steps will be taken in the circumstances to ensure the information is corrected.

Concerns

If you have a concern about the management of your personal information, please inform Carla Lombard. Upon request you can obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe your rights and how your information should be handled. Ultimately, if you wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of, or access to your personal information, you may do so with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner:

·         online at Lodge a privacy complaint with us | OAIC;

·         via GPO Box 5288, Sydney NSW 2001; or

·         by Fax: +61 2 6123 5145.

If you have any questions about the personal information they collect and how they handle it please read their privacy policy and/or contact them on their enquiry line: 1300 363 992

Change in Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy is subject to change and may be modified at any time and all modifications will be effective immediately upon posting of the modifications on this website. Please return periodically to review this Privacy policy.

Contact

If you have any questions or concerns at any time about the Privacy policy or use of your personal information, please contact Carla Lombard at carlalombard-au@outlook.com

Last updated: 06/04/2023