Privacy policy

As a professionally registered arts therapist in Australia, I am committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal information. This policy explains how your information is collected, used, stored, and shared, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

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 1. What information is collected

 

I collect personal and sensitive information necessary for therapeutic services, including:

 

•  Your name, contact details, and date of birth

•  Emergency contact details

•  Relevant medical or mental health history

•  Session notes and assessments

•  Information shared during therapy sessions

 

This data may be collected through intake forms, emails, phone calls, the online booking system, or during your in-person or online sessions.

 

 2. How your information is used

 

Your information is used to:

 

•  Provide effective therapeutic care

•  Schedule and manage appointments

•  Communicate with you

•  Maintain clinical records in accordance with ethical standards

•  Fulfill legal and professional obligations.

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 3. Digital platforms and security

 

I use secure digital platforms to manage your information:

 

•  Halaxy – Used for clinical notes, invoicing, and communication. Halaxy complies with Australian privacy laws and uses encrypted servers

•  Zoom – Online sessions are conducted through private, encrypted Zoom meetings. Sessions are not recorded

•  Online Booking System – Appointments may be booked via a secure online system embedded in this website or linked through Halaxy. All booking and form data is encrypted.

 

These systems are password-protected and kept up to date with appropriate security measures.

 

 4. How your information is stored

 

•  Digital records are stored securely in Halaxy.

•  Any physical records are stored in locked, access-controlled locations.

•  Emails and other digital messages are handled with care, but absolute digital security cannot be guaranteed. Please advise if you prefer alternate methods of communication.

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 5. When your information may be shared

 

Your personal information is never shared without your consent, unless:

 

•  Required by law (e.g., risk of harm, court order, mandatory reporting)

•  Necessary to coordinate care with other professionals (with your consent)

•  You request your information be shared with another party.

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 6. Access to your records

 

You have the right to access your personal information and request corrections if needed. Please contact me in writing. Identity verification may be required before access is granted.

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 7. Record retention

 

Your records are kept securely for:

 

•  7 years after your last session

•  Or, if you were under 18 at the time of service, until you turn 25.

 

After this period, records will be permanently deleted or securely destroyed.

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 8. Online therapy & privacy

 

Online therapy is conducted via Zoom, using encrypted, private links. You are encouraged to attend sessions in a quiet, private space and to use secure Wi-Fi when possible. By engaging in online therapy, you accept the limitations and risks inherent in digital communication.

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 9. Questions or complaints

 

If you have any concerns about how your information is handled, please get in touch. If your concern is not resolved, you may contact:

 

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)  |  1300 363 992  |  www.oaic.gov.au

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 Contact details

 

Stefan Carey 

Registered Arts Therapist

stefan@goldenfieldsarttherapy.com.au​