Privacy policy

This statement sets out Dr Katherine Levi’s policy for collecting and use of your personal information.

I am committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all personal and other information I collect in the conduct of our business and delivery of counselling services, and the way in which it is used, stored and disclosed.

I understand that information entrusted to me by clients is private and confidential.  Any personal information collected is treated as confidential and, as an allied health provider who holds health information, I am bound by the Privacy Act 1998 (“Privacy Act”) and guided by the Australian Privacy Principles (APP) issued by the Australian Information Commissioner.

What personal information is collected?

I only collect personal information, by reasonable and lawful means, that is necessary to carry out the contracted work.  Personal information I collect may include, but is not limited to, the following information:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Telephone Number
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Marital status
  • Email address
  • Occupation
  • Medicare card number
  • Health Information
  • General practitioner
  • Referring doctor or other health care provider and referral information
  • Transaction details associated with services we have provided to a client
  • Any additional information provided to us by the client including notes from each session
  • Any information provided to us through feedback or complaints

How information is collected

I collect personal information about clients in a number of ways, including in person, in writing, by telephone and email, generally when:

  • a potential new client makes contact to seek treatment;
  • a client completes a Client Intake & Consent Form;
  • a client has interactions with us where we record notes, including treatment sessions; and
  • a client provides feedback or lodges a complaint.

We may also receive personal information indirectly or from third parties where it is reasonably expected the client would have consented to the personal information being shared, including but not limited to:

  • from a client’s legal guardian or responsible person;
  • from other involved health care providers when we receive a medical report or other referral; and
  • third parties responsible for the management and payment for and of a client’s services with us.

For what purpose is your personal information collected?

Your personal information enables me to stay in touch with you, communicate with your referring doctor when required and issue receipts.  Any information collected is only used for providing counselling services.

The notes recorded after each session help in providing continuity of service and are part of my duty of care to you.

In what circumstances might my information be released?

There are some circumstances in which counsellors are legally obliged to release information. These include:

  • information subpoenaed by a court
  • any concerns about immediate risk of harm to yourself or others and I need to contact other services
  • providing a written report to another professional, with your prior consent, or discussing an issue with another person.

Storage of Personal Information

This clinic may store personal information in both hard and electronic copy. 

We take all reasonable steps to ensure that personal information is securely stored and to protect it from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, interference or disclosure, however we cannot guarantee that unauthorised access to personal information will not occur.

We utilise Halaxy as our practice software, which meets stringent privacy, security and confidentiality standards and data is protected by 256-bit bank grade security and encryption.  We also adopt the following electronic and physical security measures:

  • locked storage of personal records;
  • use of document shredding;
  • authentication and password controls for electronic records; and
  • screensavers for when devices are not in use.

Halaxy is operated from Melbourne, Australia and its data is stored within Australia in security-protected data centres.

We will take reasonable steps to destroy or de-identify the personal information we hold about clients once the personal information is no longer needed for any purpose for which the personal information may be used or disclosed.  Where we are required by or under an Australian law or court/tribunal order to retain personal information, we are not required to destroy or de-identify the information.

Withdrawing Consent

A client (or their legal guardian or other authorised representative) may withdraw consent at any time in relation to any aspect of the use, storage and disclosure of any personal or health information previously provided which can be done either verbally or in writing.

Complaints        

Any queries, concerns or complaints about the way in which we have handled a client’s personal information may be directed to Katherine at any time.

If a client remains unhappy with a response, a formal complaint can be lodged with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (call 1300 363 992 or visit www.oaic.gov.au for further information).

Changes to the Privacy Policy

From time to time our Privacy Policy may be updated to account for changes in information handling practices.  Our updated policy will be publicised on the website.

Any questions or concerns around privacy matters can be directed to contact@katherinelevi.com.au