Privacy Policy

Client Information

Collection Information

This page describes the privacy policy of STARS for the management of clients’ personal information. The services provided are bound by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

​Client files are held in a secure IT storage solutions, accessible only to authorised STARS practitioner. The information on each file includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone numbers, medical history, and other personal information collected as part of providing the psychological service.

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A client’s personal information is collected in a number of ways during consultation with the practitioner, including when the client provides information directly to STARS or the practitioner using hardcopy forms, correspondence via email, web forms, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to STARS via referrals, correspondence and medical reports.

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If the client does not wish for their personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, STARS may not be in a position to provide the service to the client. Clients may request to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym, unless it is impracticable for STARS to deal with the client or if STARS is required or authorised by law to deal with identified individuals. In most cases it will not be possible for the client to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym, however if the STARS agrees to the client being anonymous or using a pseudonym, the client must pay consultation fees at the time of the appointment.

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A client’s personal information is gathered and used for the purpose of providing services, which includes assessing, and treating a client’s presenting issue as well as other non clinical uses such as sending appointment and billing information via SMS or email. From time to time client’s may receive electronic communications from STARS such as newsletters or information about STARS services. If you do not wish to receive this unsubscribe within the correspondence or by contacting STARS directly with your request. The personal information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions, and enables the practitioner to provide a relevant and informed psychological service.

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Clients’ personal information will remain confidential except when:

1. It is subpoenaed by a court; or

2. Failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of the STARS place a client or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or

3. The client’s prior approval has been obtained to: (a) provide a written report to another professional or agency, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or (b) discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer or health provider; or (c) disclose the information in another way; or

4. you would reasonably expect your personal information to be disclosed to another professional or agency (e.g. your GP) and disclosure of your personal information to that third party is for a purpose which is directly related to the primary purpose for which your personal information was collected; or

5. disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.

A client’s personal information is not disclosed to overseas recipients, unless the client consents or such disclosure is otherwise required by law. Clients’ personal information will not be used, sold, rented or disclosed for any other purpose.

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Requests for access and correction to client information

At any stage clients may request to see and correct the personal information about them kept on file. The practitioner may discuss the contents with them and/or give them a copy, subject to the exceptions in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). If satisfied that personal information is inaccurate, out of date or incomplete, reasonable steps will be taken in the circumstances to ensure that this information is corrected. All requests by clients for access to or correction of personal information held about them should be lodged with STARS, addressed to the Practice Manager. These requests will be responded to in writing within 21 days and in some instances, you may be required to attend an appointment for clarification purposes.

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If clients have a concern about the management of their personal information, they may inform STARS via email. Upon request they can obtain a copy of the Australian Privacy Principles, which describe their rights and how their personal information should be handled. Ultimately, if clients wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of, disclosure of, or access to, their personal information, they may do so with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.