Privacy Policy
Introduction
At Serenity Holistic Psychology, your privacy is important to us. We are committed to ensuring your personal information is handled in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) outlined in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect your personal information.
What Information We Collect
We collect personal information that is necessary to provide you with psychological services. This may include:
- Your name, contact details, and date of birth
- Medical and psychological history
- Information provided through consent forms and assessments
- Medicare or private health insurance details
- Payment and billing information
- Session notes and communications
We may also collect sensitive information, such as your mental health history and treatment plans, and we take additional steps to protect this data as required by law.
How We Collect Your Information
Information is collected directly from you via:
- Intake forms and consent forms
- Verbal communication during sessions
- Online bookings and secure client portals (e.g., Cliniko)
- Email or phone correspondence
Occasionally, we may also receive information from third parties, such as your GP or other health providers, with your consent.
How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information to:
- Provide psychological services
- Communicate with you and coordinate care
- Maintain clinical records as required by law and professional codes of conduct
- Issue invoices and process payments
Your information may be shared with:
- Your referring GP or other health professionals (with your consent)
- Medicare or your private health insurer (if applicable)
- Other third parties when required by law, such as in cases of serious risk
We will not use your information for marketing or provide it to third parties without your consent.
How We Store and Secure Your Information
Your information is stored securely in both physical and electronic formats. We use a secure allied health practice management software called Cliniko that complies with industry security standards.
Please refer to Cliniko’s privacy policy below:
https://www.cliniko.com/policies/privacy/
Electronic records obtained prior to the use of Cliniko are password protected. Hard copies are stored in locked cabinets accessible only to authorised staff.
We retain your personal information for a minimum of 7 years after your last contact (or until age 25 for minors), in line with legal and ethical requirements.
Accessing and Correcting Your Information
You may request access to your personal information or ask for corrections if you believe it is inaccurate. Requests can be made via email to your psychologist or to the clinic. We will respond within 30 days.
In some instances, access to data may be withheld (e.g. in circumstances where it may cause harm), but we will explain this to you in writing.
Website and Cookies
Our website may use cookies to improve your browsing experience and to collect anonymous usage data. You can manage or disable cookies via your browser settings.
We do not collect personal information through our website unless you choose to provide it via forms or direct contact.
Data Breach Notification
In the unlikely event of a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm, we will notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as required by the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.
Children’s Privacy
Where services are provided to individuals under 18, we obtain consent from a parent or guardian. We carefully manage the confidentiality of minors, balancing their privacy with parental rights and legal requirements.
Concerns or Complaints
If you have concerns about the handling of your personal information, please contact us directly at:
Serenity Holistic Psychology
Email: info@serenityholistic.com.au
If you are not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) via www.oaic.gov.au.
Last updated: 7 July 2025