Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 03/06/2025
Introduction
At Penelope Hamilton Counselling and Psychotherapy, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in a safe and responsible manner. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the PACFA Code of Ethics.
1. Who We Are
Penelope Hamilton Counselling and Psychotherapy provides professional counselling and psychotherapy services in New South Wales. We are a registered member of PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia), and our practice is committed to providing high-quality care while respecting the confidentiality and privacy of all clients.
2. Information We Collect
We collect personal information in order to provide you with the best possible care. The types of information we may collect include:
- Personal details such as your name, contact information (address, email, phone number), and date of birth.
- Health and medical information including details about your psychological and emotional well-being, medical history, and treatment plans.
- Payment information if applicable, such as credit card details or other financial information.
- Communication records including any emails, messages, or correspondence related to your care.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information to:
- Provide you with counselling and psychotherapy services.
- Communicate with you about appointments, treatment, and other practice-related matters.
- Process payments and manage our practice’s administration.
- Comply with legal and professional obligations, including reporting to regulatory bodies where required.
4. Sharing Your Information
Your personal information will not be shared with third parties without your consent, except where required by law or in situations where it is necessary to protect your health and safety or the safety of others. We may disclose your information to:
- Other healthcare providers (e.g., doctors, specialists) if you have given consent for collaborative care.
- Legal authorities if we are required by law to report certain information, such as when there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
5. Security of Your Information
We are committed to ensuring that your personal information is secure. We take reasonable steps to protect it from misuse, loss, unauthorized access, or disclosure. This includes secure storage of physical records, encrypted digital files, and restricted access to information.
6. Your Rights and Access
You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you. If you wish to request a copy or make corrections to your information, please contact us using the details below. We will respond to your request in accordance with the applicable privacy laws.
7. Retention of Your Information
We will retain your personal information for as long as it is necessary to provide you with services or as required by law. Once your information is no longer required, we will securely destroy or de-identify it in accordance with professional guidelines.
8. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website, and the updated policy will be effective immediately upon posting.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us via our online form on our contact page.
Penelope Hamilton Counselling and Psychotherapy