Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
Gather Psychology (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your personal information is handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information when you use our website and services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
2. Collection of Personal Information
We may collect personal information that is necessary to provide our services, including:
Your name, contact details, and demographic information
Health information and background relevant to psychological services
Payment details for billing purposes
Information you provide when making enquiries or completing forms on our website
We collect this information directly from you, or with your consent, from third parties such as your GP, referring health professionals, or schools where relevant. Information is collected fairly, lawfully, and with your knowledge and consent.
3. Use of Personal Information
Your personal information is used to:
Provide you with psychological services
Communicate with you regarding appointments, services, and resources
Maintain clinical records as required by law and professional standards
Process payments and manage accounts
Improve our website, services, and client experience
We will not use your information for purposes unrelated to the services provided without your consent, except where required or authorised by law.
4. Storage and Security of Information
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. Information may be stored in both electronic and paper formats, and is safeguarded using secure systems, encryption, and restricted access protocols.
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to provide our services and as required by law (typically seven years after your last consultation, or longer if you were a minor at the time of treatment).
5. Disclosure of Personal Information
We do not share your personal information with third parties, except:
With your consent (e.g. liaising with your GP, school, or other healthcare providers)
Where required by law (e.g. mandatory reporting obligations)
When there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, in line with professional and legal obligations
To service providers who assist us in operating our practice (e.g. IT or billing providers), under strict confidentiality agreements
6. Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting
The relationship between client and psychologist is protected by law and professional ethics. Information shared is confidential and cannot be disclosed without your consent, except in the following circumstances:
Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse, or abuse of vulnerable adults
Duty of care if there is a risk of serious harm to you or others
Legal obligations (e.g. if required by court order)
7. Website and External Links
Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review their policies before providing personal information.
8. Accessing and Correcting Your Information
You have the right to access and request correction of your personal information held by us. To make a request, please contact us in writing. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe, in accordance with the APPs.
9. Your Rights
You are not obliged to provide personal information, but without it, we may be unable to offer certain services. By engaging with our services, you acknowledge acceptance of this policy and our handling of your information in line with the APPs.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or how your information is managed, please contact:
Gather Psychology
Email: admin@gatherpsychology.com.au
Phone: +61 431 962 995
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or on 1300 363 992.