Privacy Policy

This document describes how With You Psychology manages your personal information. As a psychological service, we are bound by the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), as well as relevant state legislation.

What information we collect

As part of providing a psychological service, we collect personal details such as your name, contact information, and address, along with other information relevant to your situation. This includes a record of what happens during sessions, any assessments or psychological tests completed, and relevant information received from others (such as your GP or another treating professional, with your consent).

How your information is collected

Your information is collected in a few ways, including when:

  • You provide information directly, in session, or in writing (email, text, or through our client portal)

  • Other health practitioners, such as your GP, provide information through referrals, correspondence, or reports

  • We receive information from other relevant sources, such as another healthcare provider you've given consent to liaise with

If you believe any information we hold about you is incorrect, please raise this with Kirsten Ford directly.

How your information is stored

Your information is stored securely using Zanda, a practice management platform that uses secure electronic systems in line with Australian privacy standards. It is only accessed by your Psychologist and, where relevant, authorised providers engaged in supporting the practice (for example, IT or software support), in accordance with our policies.

Why we hold your information

Your information is gathered and retained to document what happens in sessions and to allow your Psychologist to provide informed, appropriate care. This record-keeping is a necessary part of the service and helps guide treatment over time. Records are retained for at least 7 years after your last appointment, in line with psychologists' professional record-keeping obligations.

If you choose not to provide personal information

Psychologists are required to keep clear and accurate client records as part of their professional obligations. If you don't wish for certain personal information to be collected, we may not be able to provide the psychological service to you. Please discuss any concerns with your Psychologist.

Confidentiality

What you share is kept confidential. In most cases, information is only shared with your consent, for example, when:

  • Discussing your care with a family member, guardian, or carer

  • Liaising with your GP, or another agency or professional involved in your care

  • Providing a written report to another professional or agency, such as your GP, lawyer, or insurer

Psychologists are required to participate in professional supervision. Where your information is discussed in this context, all care is taken to de-identify it so you remain anonymous.

Exceptions to confidentiality

There are limited circumstances where your information may be shared without your consent:

  • If required by subpoena, court order, or otherwise required or authorised by law

  • If your psychologist is legally required to make a mandatory report

  • If your psychologist believes there is a serious risk to your safety or someone else's

Data breaches

In the event of unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss of your personal information, With You Psychology will take reasonable steps to respond appropriately and minimise the risk of harm, in line with our obligations under the Privacy Act.

Accessing or correcting your information

You're welcome to request access to the personal information we hold about you at any time. Requests should be made in writing. We will respond within 30 days, and may arrange a time to discuss the information with you if helpful.

If your information is found to be inaccurate, out of date, or incomplete, reasonable steps will be taken to correct it.

Concerns or complaints

If you have any concerns about how your personal information has been handled, please raise this with Kirsten Ford directly in the first instance.

If you'd prefer to lodge a formal complaint, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

  • Phone: 1300 363 992

  • Online: oaic.gov.au

  • Post: GPO Box 5288, Sydney NSW 2001