Privacy Policy
Vista Advanced Psychological Therapy is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal and health information.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
Collection of Personal Information
We may collect personal information when you:
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contact the practice
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complete forms on our website
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book or attend an appointment
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communicate with us by email, phone, or online systems
Information collected may include:
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name and contact details
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date of birth
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relevant health or background information
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referral information (where applicable)
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payment or billing information
We may also collect limited technical information such as website usage data (for example IP address and browsing behaviour) to help improve the functionality and security of our website.
Use of Personal Information
Personal information is collected and used primarily to:
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provide psychological services
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communicate with you about appointments or services
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maintain clinical records as required by law
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process payments
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comply with legal and regulatory obligations
Your information will only be used for the purpose for which it was collected, unless otherwise required or authorised by law.
Storage and Security of Information
We take reasonable steps to protect personal and health information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
Information may be stored securely through our website provider (Wix.com) and other secure systems used for appointment management, communication, and record keeping.
Clinical records are retained in accordance with Australian legal and professional requirements and are archived securely when no longer actively required.
Disclosure of Information
Personal information will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent unless required or authorised by law.
Examples may include:
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communication with another healthcare provider involved in your care (with your consent)
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where there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person
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where disclosure is required by law, such as through a court order or subpoena
Access to Your Information
You may request access to personal information held about you and request corrections if the information is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date.
Requests can be made by contacting the practice directly. We will respond to requests for access in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and applicable professional and ethical guidelines.
In some circumstances, a reasonable administrative fee may apply to cover the cost of locating, preparing, and providing copies of records.
Where appropriate, we may recommend that clinical information be discussed with you before or at the time it is released so that the information can be understood in the appropriate clinical context.
Legal Requests for Information
From time to time, clinicians may receive legal requests for information such as subpoenas or court orders.
Where this occurs, Vista Advanced Psychological Therapy will respond in accordance with applicable laws and professional obligations. Where possible, we aim to notify clients of such requests before information is released, unless we are legally prevented from doing so.
Only the information required to comply with the legal request will be provided.
Requests for Reports or Legal Documentation
Occasionally clients may request written reports or documentation for legal, insurance, workplace, or compensation matters.
The preparation of formal reports requires careful clinical consideration and may not always be appropriate within a treating therapeutic relationship. Requests for reports are considered on a case-by-case basis and may involve additional consent processes, administrative requirements, and professional fees.
Where a report is appropriate, preparation time will be discussed with you in advance.
Where this occurs, Vista Advanced Psychological Therapy will respond in accordance with applicable laws and professional obligations. Where possible, we aim to notify clients of such requests before information is released, unless we are legally prevented from doing so.
Only the information required to comply with the legal request will be provided.
Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or practice procedures.
The most current version will always be available on this website.
Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact:
Vista Advanced Psychological Therapy
Email: admin@vistatherapy.com.au