Privacy Policy
This document describes the privacy policy of Healthy Little Minds Psychology for the management of clients’ personal information. The psychological service provided is bound by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Victorian Health Records Act (2001).
Client information
Client hard copy files are held in a secure filing cabinet, and electronic files are password-protected and/or held on secure electronic systems that adhere to the Australian Privacy Principles or the HIPAA legislation (e.g. Halaxy and other digital systems as required), which are accessible only to authorised personnel. The information on each file includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone numbers, medical history, and other personal information collected as part of providing the psychological service.
The information collected includes your personal details, such as your name, address, and contact phone number. As part of providing a psychological service, such as a psychological assessment or treatment, we will also need to collect and record other personal information that is relevant to your current situation. This includes keeping a record of what happens during sessions, any tests you complete, and any information received from other health practitioners (e.g. GP, speech pathologists, occupational therapists) and other third parties (e.g. teachers) who provide information to Healthy Little Minds Psychology, via referrals, correspondence, medical reports, and any other means of communication.
How clients’ personal information is collected
Client personal information is collected in a number of ways during the provision of psychological services, such as during psychological consultations when the client provides information directly to the psychologist, whenusing hardcopy and/or electronic forms, correspondence via email, telephone, or when the client interacts directly with Healthy Little Minds Psychologyemployees, such as the receptionist, and when other health practitioners (e.g. GP, speech pathologists, occupational therapists) and other third parties (e.g. teachers) provide personal information to Healthy Little Minds Psychology, via referrals, correspondence, medical reports, and any other means of communication.
Purpose of holding personal information
A client’s personal information is gathered and used for the purpose of providing psychological services, such as assessing, diagnosing, and treating a client’s presenting issue(s). The personal information is retained in order to document what happens during the delivery of psychological services and enables the psychologist to provide relevant and informed psychological services.
Consequence of not providing personal information
Psychologists are required to keep clear and accurate client records as part of their professional obligations.
If the client does not wish for their personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, Healthy Little Minds Psychology may not be in a position to provide psychological services to the client. Please discuss any concerns you have with your practitioner.
Requests for access and correction to client information
At any stage, clients may request to see and correct the personal information about them kept on file. The psychologist may discuss the contents with them and/or give them a copy, subject to the exceptions in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). If satisfied that personal information is inaccurate, out of date or incomplete, reasonable steps will be taken in the circumstances to ensure that this information is corrected. All requests by clients for access to or correction of personal information held about them should be lodged with Indra Townsend. These requests will be responded to in writing within 30 days, and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes.
Disclosure of personal information
Clients’ personal information will remain confidential except when:
1. it is subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law; or
2. failure to disclose the information would, in the reasonable belief of Healthy Little Minds Psychology, place a client or another 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 agency or professional, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or
b) discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer, health provider, or third-party funder; or
c) disclose the information in another way; or
d) disclose to another professional or agency (e.g. your GP) and disclosure of personal information to that third party is for a purpose which is directly related to the primary purpose for which your personal information was collected.
Psychologists are required to consult and receive supervision from colleagues from time to time. If your information is shared in this context, all care is taken to deidentify your information in such a way that you remain anonymous.
Clients' personal information will not be used, sold, rented or disclosed for any other purpose other than in relation to the delivery of psychological services.
In the event that unauthorised access, disclosure or loss of a client’s personal information occurs, Healthy Little Minds Psychology will activate its data breach plan and use all reasonable endeavours to minimise any risk of consequential serious harm.
Concerns
If clients have a concern about the management of their personal information, they may inform Indra Townsend. Upon request, they can obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe their rights and how their personal information should be handled. Ultimately, if clients wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of, disclosure of, or access to their personal information, they may do so with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner by phone on 1300 363 992, online at http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/making-a-privacy-complaint or by post to: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 2001
Updated: December 2025