Privacy Policy – Fusion Child & Family Wollongong

Fusion Child & Family Wollongong is deeply committed to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal and sensitive information. We recognize the importance of trust in the therapeutic relationship and strive to uphold the highest standards of privacy and data protection. This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal and sensitive information in compliance with Australian privacy laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

Information Collected

To provide effective psychological and counselling services, we collect personal and sensitive information that is relevant to your care. The types of information we collect may include, but are not limited to:

• Personal Identification Details: Name, address, contact details (phone number, email), date of birth, and emergency contact information.
• Health and Developmental Information: Medical history, developmental milestones, psychological assessments, and family history.
• Therapeutic Information: Details shared during therapy sessions, including notes, observations, and progress reports.
• Communication Records: Information shared via phone calls, emails, or completed forms, including intake forms, consent forms, and feedback surveys.
• Payment Information: Billing details, Medicare or private health insurance information, and payment history (where applicable).

We only collect information that is necessary for the provision of our services and with your informed consent.

How We Use Your Information

Your personal and sensitive information is used for the following purposes:

1. Provision of Clinical Services: To deliver high-quality psychological and counselling services tailored to your needs, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapy.
2. Administrative Management: To manage appointments, process payments, and handle billing-related tasks.
3. Communication: To contact you regarding appointments, follow-ups, or other relevant matters related to your care.
4. Legal and Ethical Compliance: To meet our obligations under Australian law, including mandatory reporting requirements (e.g., in cases of risk of harm to yourself or others) or when responding to a court order or subpoena.
5. Collaborative Care: With your explicit consent, we may share relevant information with other professionals involved in your care, such as general practitioners, psychiatrists, or educators, to ensure a coordinated approach to your wellbeing.

We will not use your information for any purpose other than those outlined above without your prior consent.

Information Storage and Security

We take the security of your personal information seriously. Your data is stored securely using industry-standard measures to protect it from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or misuse. Our security practices include:

• Electronic Records: Stored in password-protected systems with encryption and restricted access to authorized personnel only.
• Physical Records: Kept in locked filing cabinets within secure premises.
• Data Retention: Records are retained for the period required by professional guidelines and Australian law (typically seven years for adults and until the age of 25 for children). After this period, records are securely destroyed.
• Staff Training: All staff members are trained in privacy and confidentiality protocols to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Disclosure of Your Information

Your information will only be disclosed under the following circumstances:

1. With Your Consent: We will seek your explicit consent before sharing your information with third parties, such as other healthcare providers or family members.
2. Legal Obligations: We may disclose information if required by law, such as in cases of mandatory reporting or court orders.
3. Administrative Purposes: Limited information may be shared with third-party service providers (e.g., IT support or payment processors) under strict confidentiality agreements.

We will never sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing or other purposes.

Access to Your Information

You have the right to access, review, and correct your personal information held by Fusion Child & Family Wollongong. If you wish to access your records or believe that any information we hold is inaccurate or incomplete, you can submit a written request to us. We will respond to your request promptly and provide access in a manner that complies with Australian privacy laws.

In some cases, access may be limited if granting it would pose a risk to your safety or the safety of others, or if it would breach the privacy of another individual.

Complaints and Concerns

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about how we handle your personal information, please contact us directly. We take all complaints seriously and will work with you to resolve any issues promptly and fairly.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if you believe your privacy has been breached.

Contacting Us

For any privacy-related inquiries, please contact Fusion Child & Family Wollongong:

• Phone: 0434 874 964
• Email: danielle@fusionpsychology.com.au
• Address: 41a Yellagong Street West Wollongong NSW 2500

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on our website, and we encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Thank you for entrusting Fusion Child & Family Wollongong with your care. We are dedicated to providing you with the highest standard of service while protecting your privacy and confidentiality. If you have any further questions or need clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.