Overview

Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling is committed to complying with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles 2014 and the privacy provisions of all applicable legislation. Relevant exclusions pertain to the Mental Health Act 2016 and the Child Protection Act 1999 as detailed below.

This privacy policy covers all personal information we hold, that is, information, or an opinion about an individual, whose identity is apparent, or can be reasonably ascertained, from that information or opinion. This includes information we have collected from people through our office, over the phone and over the internet.

Collecting information

When we collect personal information from an individual, we will ensure that we do so in a fair manner and that we let the individual know where and how to contact our organisation. We will only collect information that is necessary for one or more of our functions or activities.

We will advise individuals of the purpose for which their personal information is collected.

If we collect sensitive information (as defined under the Act), we will treat it with the utmost security and confidentiality. We will ensure that it is not collected for any purposes, other than those for which we have obtained the individual’s consent, unless the law requires otherwise, or other exceptional circumstances prevail as described under the Act.

Where an individual chooses not to provide requested information, we will advise that individual of what consequences this non-disclosure may have. For example, withholding certain information may limit our ability to provide relevant offers or services to individuals.

Disclosing information

We will only disclose personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act.

This means that personal information may be disclosed:

• For the purposes for which we have advised that we are collecting it, and for related purposes that the individual would reasonably expect, including in the course of our business activities with relevant staff,

• Where we have the consent of the individual to do so,

• As required by law, or

• Under other circumstances where permitted under the Act.

• Additional reasons for disclosure include where we have reason to suspect significant risk of harm to a child, including abuse or neglect as outlined in the Child Protection Act, or where we assess that any person becomes of significant risk to themselves or others, as outlined in the Mental Health Act. All reasonable efforts will be made for any disclosure of personal information in this context to be a collaborative process, with client consent obtained where possible, and this disclaimer will be again cited at the commencement of the initial session.

Unauthorised disclosure or access

As Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals, we will view unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal information by our employees or contractors, as a serious breach of this policy. Appropriate action (which may include disciplinary or legal action) will be taken in such cases.

Opt- out

We will always provide individuals with a nil-cost way of contacting us to register a request to “opt -out” from receiving any product offers.

Access to personal information

Individuals will be able to access their personal information upon request. However, The Good Life Therapy and Counselling may occasionally need to deny access to information in accordance with the exemptions contained in the Act.

Security

Our goal is to protect the personal information collected by Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling and its employees/contractors/associations. Personal information will be managed confidentially and securely and destroyed appropriately when no longer required.

We will monitor and implement appropriate technical advances or management processes, to safeguard personal information.

Data Quality

We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the data we collect, use or disclose is accurate, complete and up to date, and has been obtained directly from individuals or other reputable sources.

Privacy Enquiries

Privacy related Enquiries or concerns can be directed to the Founder of Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling , Amy Adams.

Availability and Review of Policy

We will make our privacy policy available upon request and will provide a link to this policy from our website.

This policy will be reviewed from time to time and any amendments will be incorporated into the updated policy.

PERSONAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION COLLECTION STATEMENT

Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling is an independent practice.
You may contact Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling by emailing enquiries@findingautism.com.au. You have the right to gain access to the information held by Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling about you.

Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling needs to collect information about you for the primary purpose of providing quality treatment. In order to fully assess and support you during counselling, we need to collect some personal information from you. This information will also be used for the administrative purposes of running the practice such as billing you or through an insurer or compensation agency. Information will be used within the practice for handover if another practitioner provides you with assistance.

Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling may disclose information regarding diagnosis or treatment to your Doctor or other treatment providers only with your written consent. In the case of insurance or compensation claims, it may be necessary to disclose information and/or collect information that affects your treatment and return to work. Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling will not disclose your information to commercial companies, however specific service or product information as deemed suitable for your management, may be forwarded to you by us, unless you instruct Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling not to forward this type of information. Your written consent will be obtained at the start of your treatment in order to carry out the above activities. We do not disclose your personal information to overseas recipients.

Information at Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling is stored securely and only practice staff have access to it. Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling takes all reasonable steps to ensure that information collected about you is accurate, complete and up-to-date. You may have access to your information on request and if you believe that any of the information is inaccurate we may be able to amend it accordingly.

SUMMARY

Finding Autism - Therapy & Counselling needs to collect information about you for the primary purpose of providing a quality service to you. In order to thoroughly assess and provide therapy, we need to collect some personal information from you. If you do not provide this information; we may be unable to support you. This information will also be used for:

• The administrative purpose of running the practice;

• Billing;

• Use within the practice if discussing or passing your case to another practitioner within the practice for your ongoing management;

• Disclosure of information to your doctors, other health professionals or to teachers to facilitate communication and best possible care for you (only with your written consent prior); and

• In the case of insurance or compensation claim it may be necessary to disclose and/or collect information that concerns your return to work to an insurer or your employer.