Privacy Policy (AHPRA)
Introduction
At Sweetnam Psychology, safeguarding your privacy is my utmost priority. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal health information in accordance with the the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), Australian Psychological Society (APS) and applicable Australian privacy laws.
Information I Collect
I collect the following types of personal information to provide you with therapeutic services:
Personal Identification Information: Name, date of birth, contact details, and emergency contact.
Health Information: Medical history, therapy notes, treatment plans, and progress reports.
Financial Information: Billing and payment details, Medicare information as necessary.
Recording of sessions: The complex nature of the therapy produces a wide array of verbal and non-verbal material.
To maximise and review the sessions, I may, with your permission, use videotaping. It is explicit in our consent forms that this material does not make up part of your clinical notes, and is deleted after viewing.
Use of Information
The personal health information collected is used strictly for the following purposes:
Providing and managing your therapy sessions.
Communicating appointment details and treatment updates.
Processing payments and medicare rebate claims.
Complying with legal and regulatory requirements.
Improving the quality of care and services provided.
Disclosure of Information
I do not disclose your personal health information to third parties except in the following cases:
With your explicit written consent.
To healthcare providers involved in your care.
When required by law or court orders.
To authorised third-party service providers under confidentiality agreements.
For public health reporting as mandated by law.
No information will be used for marketing or sold to any third parties.
Safeguards and Security
Sweetnam Psychology implements appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal health information from unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security measures include, but are not limited to:
Secure data storage with encryption.
Access controls limiting information to authorised personnel.
Secure electronic communications for sharing sensitive information.
Access and Correction
You have the right to request access to your personal health information.
To exercise these rights, please contact me and we can discuss further.
Retention of Records
Your personal health information will be retained for the period required by law or professional standards. After this period, records are securely destroyed to protect your privacy.
Changes to This Policy
Sweetnam Psychology reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy as necessary. Any significant changes will be communicated through our website or directly to you.
Effective Date: November 18, 2025