1. Introduction

Head First Psychological Services is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and other relevant legislation and ethical guidelines.

2. Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal information that is necessary for providing psychological services. This may include:

• Name, address, and contact details

• Date of birth

• Medical history and other health information

• Information about your psychological health

• Medicare number and private health insurance details (if applicable)

• Payment information such as details of credit or debit cards

3. Use of Personal Information

We use your personal information to:

• Provide psychological services

• Communicate with you

• Manage our practice, including billing and administration

• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements

• Process payments for psychological services provided

4. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your personal information to:

• Other health professionals involved in your care (with your consent)

• Your health insurer or Medicare (if applicable)

• Legal bodies or law enforcement agencies when required by law

• Any third party with your consent

5. Security of Personal Information

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. This includes:

• Secure storage of paper records

• Password-protected electronic records

• Regular staff training on privacy and confidentiality

6. Access to and Correction of Personal Information

You have the right to access and correct your personal information held by us. If you wish to access or correct your personal information, please contact us in writing. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe.

7. Complaints

If you have any concerns or complaints about how we handle your personal information, please contact us. We will investigate your complaint and respond to you within a reasonable timeframe. If you are not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website and will take effect immediately upon posting.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us.

10. Legislative and Ethical Frameworks

This Privacy Policy is in accordance with the following legislation and ethical guidelines:

• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)

• Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

• Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW)

• Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics