Privacy Policy

Valentina Bongiorno – Registered Psychologist
NSW, Australia
Telehealth psychological services for adults

Introduction

This document describes the privacy policy of Valentina Bongiorno for the management of personal information. The psychological services provided are bound by the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the NSW Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002.

This practice provides psychological therapy services for adults, primarily via telehealth.

Personal Information

Your personal information is stored securely and accessed only by your psychologist, in accordance with professional, ethical, and legal obligations.

Information is stored using secure electronic practice management systems, including Halaxy, and on password-protected, encrypted devices used solely for professional purposes.

Personal information collected may include:

• your name, date of birth, address, and contact details
• Medicare or funding information where relevant
• session notes and clinical records
• correspondence with other professionals (with consent)

How Your Personal Information Is Collected

Your personal information may be collected when:

• You provide information directly during sessions or via written communication (email, online forms, or messaging systems).
• You engage in telehealth sessions conducted via Zoom.
• Other health professionals (such as your GP) provide information through referrals or correspondence.
• Information is received from third parties such as insurers, funding bodies, or legal representatives, where relevant and authorised.

If you believe information recorded is incorrect, you may discuss this with your psychologist.

Purpose of Holding Personal Information

Your personal information is collected and used for the purpose of providing psychological therapy services for adults. This includes assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing therapeutic work.

Accurate record-keeping is a necessary part of providing ethical and effective psychological services.

Consequences of Not Providing Personal Information

Psychologists are required to keep clear and accurate records as part of their professional obligations.

If you choose not to provide relevant personal information, it may limit or prevent the provision of psychological services. Any concerns can be discussed prior to or during sessions.

Accessing Your Personal Information

You may request access to your personal information at any time.

Requests for access must be made in writing and will be responded to within 30 days, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Access may be subject to exceptions outlined in relevant legislation.

Confidentiality of Information

All personal information gathered remains confidential, except in specific circumstances.

Information may be shared with your consent for purposes such as:

• communication with your GP or other treating professionals
• reporting to funding bodies (e.g. Medicare, WorkCover, Victims Services)
• providing reports where requested and authorised

Psychologists may seek professional supervision. In these cases, all identifying details are removed so you remain anonymous.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

Your information may be disclosed without consent when:

• required by law (e.g. subpoena or court order)
• there is a legal obligation to report
• there is a serious and imminent risk to you or others

Data Breach Policy

In the event of unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss of personal information, Valentina Bongiorno will activate a data breach response plan and take reasonable steps to minimise the risk of harm.

Correction of Personal Information

You may request correction of personal information if it is inaccurate, out of date, or incomplete. Requests will be addressed in accordance with privacy legislation.

Concerns and Complaints

If you have concerns about how your personal information is handled, you may raise this directly with your psychologist.

You may also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

• Phone: 1300 363 992
• Online: www.oaic.gov.au
• Post: GPO Box 5288, Sydney NSW 2001

Contact Details

Valentina Bongiorno
Registered Psychologist
NSW, Australia

Email: info@psvalentina.com.au