Privacy Policy
Last updated 27 July 2026
The psychological service provided by Frances O’Keeffe Psychology is bound by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Client information
Client files are held in an encrypted, cloud-based storage and online booking system with medical grade security. 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. Personal information will also be collected and held in a secure internet-based appointment scheduling program. Your clinical record, including consultation notes and psychological records, is accessible only by your treating psychologist.
Administrative staff may access limited personal and administrative information required to manage your care, such as your contact details, appointment schedule, referral information, Medicare or insurer details, and billing records. All administrative staff are required to maintain strict confidentiality and are bound by written confidentiality agreements and privacy obligations in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the policies of this practice. Your personal information is handled on a strict need-to-know basis. Administrative staff only access the information necessary to perform their role and are not involved in your psychological treatment.
How clients' personal information is collected
A client's personal information is collected in a number of ways during psychological consultation. These include times when the client provides information directly to Frances O’Keeffe using hardcopy forms, correspondence via email, when the client interacts directly with employees of Frances O’Keeffe Psychology - such as administration, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to Frances O’Keeffe, via referrals, correspondence and medical reports.
Consequence of not providing personal information
If a client does not wish for their personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by this Privacy Policy, Frances O’Keeffe may not be in a position to provide the psychological service to the client.
Purpose of holding personal information
A client’s personal information is gathered and used for the purpose of providing psychological services, which includes assessing, diagnosing and treating a client’s presenting issue. The personal information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions and enables the psychologist to provide a relevant and informed psychological service.
Disclosure of personal information
All personal information gathered during the provision of services will remain confidential except when:
1. it is subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law; or
2. failure to disclose the information would, in the reasonable belief of Frances O’Keeffe, place a client or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety; or
3. the client’s, or consent of a parent or guardian who is legally authorised to act on their behalf, prior approval has been obtained to:
a) provide a written report to another agency or professional, e.g., a GP or a lawyer; or
b) discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent, employer, health provider, or third-party funder; or
c) clinical consultation with another professional is required to provide better clinical services (identifying details will remain confidential); or
d) disclose the information in another way; or
e) disclose 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.
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.
In the event that unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss of a client’s personal information occurs the psychologist will activate a data breach plan and use all reasonable endeavours to minimise any risk of consequential serious harm.
Requests for access and correction to client information
At any stage a client may request to see and correct the personal information about them kept on file. The psychologist 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 Frances O’Keeffe. These requests will be responded to in writing within 21 days, and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes.
Cookies and Website Analytics
This website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve website functionality and understand how visitors use the site. Cookies do not generally identify you personally, although they may collect information such as your browser type, device, pages visited and time spent on the website. You can choose to disable cookies through your web browser settings, however this may affect the functionality of the website.
Concerns
If clients have a concern about the management of their personal information, they may inform Frances O’Keeffe. 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 by phone on 1300 363 992, online at http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/making-a-privacy-complaint or by post to:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 2001.