Privacy Policy
At Banksia Mind Therapies, we are committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
1. What Information We Collect
We may collect personal information such as:
Your full name, contact details, date of birth, and emergency contact
Health and clinical information relevant to the provision of psychotherapy services
Session notes, assessments, referrals, or correspondence with other health professionals (with your consent)
2. How We Collect Information
We collect information directly from you during:
Therapy sessions
Phone calls or emails
Online forms or bookings through our website
We may also collect information from third parties (e.g., referring GPs or other health professionals) with your consent.
3. Why We Collect Your Information
Your personal information is used to:
Provide psychotherapy services
Maintain accurate clinical records
Communicate with you (e.g., for appointments, reminders, or follow-ups)
Meet legal and ethical requirements
4. Storage and Security
Your information is stored securely in digital or physical formats, protected by password encryption, secure databases, and confidentiality protocols. We take reasonable steps to ensure your information is protected from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, or disclosure.
5. Disclosure of Personal Information
Your information is kept confidential and will not be shared without your consent, except:
If required by law
If there is a serious risk to your safety or the safety of others
As otherwise permitted by relevant professional ethics or legal obligations
6. Retention of Records
In accordance with the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic), we retain clinical records for at least 7 years from the date of your last appointment, or, if you were under 18 at the time, until you turn 25.
7. Access and Correction
You have the right to request access to your personal information or request corrections. Please contact us directly if you wish to do so.
8. Website and Online Bookings
When you visit our website, we may collect general analytics data (e.g., IP address, browser type) to improve our services. If you use our online booking system, your information may be stored with a third-party provider that complies with relevant data protection laws.
9. Questions or Complaints
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about the way your information is handled, please contact us at:
Banksia Mind Therapies
(+61) 404 346 011
If you're not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.