Effective Date: July 2025

Rural Living Psychology | South Australia

At Rural Living Psychology, we respect your privacy. We understand that the information you share with us is personal, and we’re committed to handling it with care, compassion, and integrity. This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information.

Our Commitment to Privacy

Rural Living Psychology is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and professional obligations under AHPRA regulations.

Information We Collect

Personal Information may include:

• Name, contact details (phone, email, address)

• Date of birth and emergency contact information

• Health information and psychological assessment data

• Medicare and health insurance details

• Payment and billing information

• Communication records (emails, session notes, correspondence)

How We Collect Information:

• Directly from you during consultations, intake forms, and communications

• From referring practitioners (with your consent)

• Through our website contact forms and appointment booking systems

• From your healthcare providers (with your consent)

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Provide psychological services and treatment

• Maintain accurate treatment records

• Communicate with you about appointments and treatment

• Process payments and insurance claims

• Comply with professional and legal obligations

• Improve our services (in de-identified form)

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information when:

• You provide explicit consent for us to share information with specific parties

• Legal obligations require disclosure, including:

  • Court orders or subpoenas

  • Mandatory reporting requirements under state/territory laws

  • AHPRA investigations or proceedings

• Professional consultation with colleagues for treatment purposes (de-identified where possible)

• Emergency situations where there is serious risk to health or safety

Professional Obligations: As registered psychologists, we may be required to disclose information without consent in limited circumstances including:

• Child protection matters

• Risk of serious harm to yourself or others

• Professional misconduct concerns

• Court proceedings

Telehealth Services Privacy

For telehealth consultations:

• Video and audio sessions may be recorded for quality assurance (with your explicit consent)

• Secure, encrypted platforms are used for all telehealth services

• You are responsible for ensuring your location privacy during sessions

• Technical issues during sessions may require rescheduling

• Emergency procedures for telehealth sessions differ from in-person consultations

Information Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information:

• Secure storage of physical records in locked filing cabinets

• Password-protected electronic systems with encryption

• Limited access to authorised personnel only

• Regular security reviews and updates

• Secure disposal of records when no longer required

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information (subject to professional limitations)

• Request correction of inaccurate information

• Request information about how we handle your personal information

• Make a complaint about our privacy practices

• Request restrictions on information sharing (where professionally appropriate)

Record Retention

We retain client records in accordance with:

• Psychology Board of Australia guidelines (minimum 7 years)

• Professional insurance requirements

• Legal obligations under various Commonwealth and State Acts

Website Privacy

Cookies and Analytics: Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to improve user experience. This information is used for website optimisation and is not linked to personal information.

Contact Forms: Information submitted through website contact forms is transmitted securely and stored according to this privacy policy.

Third-Party Services

We may use trusted third-party services for:

• Appointment scheduling systems

• Secure communication platforms

• Payment processing

• Practice management software

These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and privacy obligations.

Complaints and Contact

For privacy concerns or complaints:

• Contact us directly: admin@rurallivingpsychology.com.au

• Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au

• Psychology Board of Australia: www.psychologyboard.gov.au

Policy Updates

This privacy policy may be updated to reflect changes in legislation or practice. Updates will be posted on our website with the revision date.