Privacy Policy

Eryn Long values and respects the privacy of the people we deal with. Eryn Long is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) and other applicable privacy laws and regulations. This Privacy Policy (Policy) describes how we collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information, and how we maintain the quality and security of your personal information.

Privacy Policy for Management of Personal Information

As a registered Allied Health Provider, Eryn Long complies with the requirements of the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000, in addition to observing the ethical guidelines of the Australian Counselling Association.

Eryn Long is committed to the protection of all client information under the relevant Acts and guidelines. This document describes the Eryn Long privacy policy for the management of clients’ personal information. The counselling service provided is bound by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

Client information

Client files are stored on a secure database which is accessible only to authorised employees with Eryn Long. 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 counselling service.

How clients’ personal information is collected

A client’s personal information is collected in a number of ways during counselling consultation with Eryn Long, including when the client provides information directly to their Counsellor using hard-copy forms, correspondence via email, when the client interacts directly with Eryn Long, and when other health practitioners provide personal information to your Counsellor, via referrals, correspondence and medical reports.

Consequence of not providing personal information

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

Purpose of holding personal information

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. The personal information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions and enables the counsellor to provide a relevant and informed service.

Disclosure of personal information

Clients’ personal information will not be disclosed except when:

1.      It is subpoenaed by a court; or

2.      Failure to disclose the information would in the reasonable belief of the Eryn Long 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.      Disclosure is otherwise required by law.

A client’s personal information is not disclosed to overseas recipients or third parties, 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.

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 counsellor 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 the Principal Counsellor at eryn@erynlong.com. These requests will be responded to in writing within 28 days, and an appointment will be made for clarification purposes if necessary.