the inner nest counselling privacy policy

Sonia Scali (The Inner Nest) recognises that sensitive information, which has been disclosed, needs special care and protection. I am required by law, as detailed in the Information Privacy Act 2000 (“The Act”), to comply with a strict code of conduct to maintain the privacy of all personal information on record. This Privacy Policy complies with the privacy principles set out in the Act and explains how we apply them in practice.

Personal and sensitive information

The Inner Nest collects the following personal and sensitive information and undertakes to hold it in a secure manner.

- Name and title

– Full contact details, including emergency contact

– Cultural background and migration history

– Physical and mental health history, including GP details

– Credit card details

– Personal opinions and comments (if expressed on intake form)

– And other documentary information

Collection

This information is collected directly from individual intake forms, emails, and phone calls with the client. Personal and sensitive information is also collected by The inner Nest’s use of Cliniko, the software application to maintain client records and notes. Cliniko is bound by The Act and its privacy policy can be found by visiting: https://www.cliniko.com/policies/privacy/

The Inner Nest holds and uses information for the purposes of providing counselling services. This includes understanding client history prior to the commencement of counselling and referring to practitioner notes in relation to the client file to aid client recovery.

The Inner Nest undertakes to maintain a high quality of data on record and to update that information as appropriate to the function it serves. Additional personal information will only be collected if necessary to maintaining a high standard of service to clients, and the individuals involved will be consulted by the means specified in the Act. Additional sensitive information as defined in the Act, will only be collected with the consent of individuals involved and in accordance with the Act. Recording of sessions via listening device is not permitted by either party without prior written consent.

Disclosure

The information will only be used by The Inner Nest for the purpose for which it was collected and in accordance with the Act. The Inner Nest will not disclose to a third party, any personal or sensitive information without written consent of the individual concerned.

The only exceptions to this include a permitted health situation, as defined by the Privacy Act; a permitted general situation as defined by the Privacy Act. The Inner Nest will always seek written consent before disclosure or sharing of personal information. This consent will be waived if there is an immediate danger or threat of harm to the individual or the public at large.

Security

The entire process of collection, storage, transfer and use of personal information will be undertaken in a secure manner such that it fully protects all personal and sensitive information. On the cessation of connection with The Inner Nest, the personal information will be held securely for seven (7) years, after the last contact. If the client is a minor at the end of contact with The Inner Nest, records will be kept till the minor reaches the age of twenty-five (25). After this period, records will be archived within Cliniko.

Access and correction

Individuals are entitled to access their own personal and sensitive information held by The Inner Nest. Individuals are also entitled to change incorrect or out of date information. The request for access to personal information must be made in writing and the request will be processed in accordance with the Act.

Anonymity

Due to the nature and purpose of the services provided by The Inner Nest, it is not possible for clients to remain anonymous or use pseudonyms.

Identifiers

The Inner Nest will not use identifiers assigned by government bodies and agencies.

How to make a complaint about breach of privacy 

I will take all due care to make sure that breaches of privacy will not occur but if you do have a complaint it is very important that you let me know. Please contact Sonia from The Inner Nest via sonia@theinnernest.com.au.

Please note this document is only a brief summary of The Act and based on the requirements for informing the public specified in The Act. Detailed information on what is included in The Act can be found by visiting https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2020C00237