PRIVACY & CONFIDENTIALITY

Sow and Grow Psychology is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of your personal and health information. We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal information necessary to provide psychological services, including your contact details, medical history, assessments, reports, and billing information. Information is collected directly from you or from others involved in your care with your consent or as permitted by law.

If you choose not to provide required information, we may be unable to provide services to you.

Use and Disclosure of Information

Your information is used only for the purposes for which it was collected, including:

• Delivering psychological care and treatment

• Practice administration and appointment management

• Billing and compliance with Medicare, NDIS, and private health insurers

• Communication (e.g. appointment reminders via SMS or email)

• Collaboration with other healthcare providers involved in your care

• Accreditation, quality assurance, and practice improvement

• Legal or regulatory requirements

• De-identified research where permitted

We do not disclose your information without consent unless required or authorised by law, including where there is a serious risk to your safety or the safety of others.

Confidentiality and Duty of Care

All information shared in sessions is confidential, subject to legal and ethical obligations. Disclosure may occur if there are concerns about safety, serious criminal matters, or mandatory reporting requirements. Where possible, you will be informed if disclosure is required.

When family members, carers, or support persons are involved, Sow and Grow Psychology operates a “no secrets” policy in situations where undisclosed information poses a risk to health or safety. Wherever possible, information will be shared transparently and with your involvement.

Telehealth Privacy

Sow and Grow Psychology provides services via secure telehealth platforms. Clients and practitioners are expected to participate from private environments to maintain confidentiality.

Sessions may be audio recorded to support secure clinical documentation. These recordings are securely stored. You will be informed and may opt out of this process.

Failure to maintain privacy requirements during telehealth sessions may result in termination of the session.

Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, or unauthorised access. This includes:

• Secure, encrypted electronic record systems

• Multi-factor authentication

• ISO27001-aligned information security systems

• PCI-DSS compliant payment processing

Access to your information is restricted to authorised personnel only.

Payments and Financial Information

Payment details are securely stored and used only for billing purposes. Credit card information is not shared with third parties except as required to process payments and is removed upon the conclusion of services.

Access and Correction

You may request access to, or correction of, your personal information by contacting us. Requests will be handled in accordance with privacy legislation.

Complaints and Enquiries

If you have questions or concerns about how your information is handled, please contact Sow and Grow Psychology directly. You may also lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if required.