Confidentiality Policy
As a mental health service provider, we are required to lawfully collect and record relevant personal information. This confidentiality policy outlines the principles, laws, and codes of practice under which Lee Wong Counselling operates. We will never use or disclose official, health or personal information without proper authority or for purposes that breach privacy laws.
Codes of Practice
Registered as a Level 4 counsellor under the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), Lee Wong adheres to these associations’ ethical codes and confidentiality principles as well as to the legal requirements of the Privacy Act 1988, the Health Records Act VIC 2001, and the Privacy and Data Protection Act VIC 2014.
Collection of Information
Personal information provided to the therapist will only be collected when it is lawful to do so and when directly related to the provision of mental health services and the activity of managing the service. Information will only be collected from you directly when it is relevant.
Data Quality, Security, Flow and Storage
All personal information provided by you should be accurate and up to date. Lee Wong Counselling will take reasonable steps to securely protect your personal information from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification and disclosure. Reasonable steps will be taken to destroy personal information no longer needed.
Your information will remain confidential, private and securely stored, and will be securely disposed of after seven years as per medical regulations. If commencing services while under 18 years of age, then records will be securely disposed of after the client has reached the age of 25 years. It will be protected from unauthorised access, use and disclosure.
Access and Accuracy
You have the right to access your information with reasonable notice. You will be allowed to update, correct or amend your personal information where necessary.
Use and Disclosure
You have a legal right to expect that any personal or health information held about you will not be disclosed inappropriately to others without your informed consent, as such, Lee Wong Counselling will only use the information you have provided for the purpose of which it is collected and no other.
Your permission will be sought for direct marketing communication from Lee Wong Counselling. In each communication a prominent option will be displayed for you to express your wish not to receive any further direct marketing.
In some situations, disclosure of personal or health information may be necessary where there is a serious and imminent threat to an individual’s life, health or safety, or a threat to public health or safety. Disclosure is required if withholding certain health information could affect the life, health and safety of a genetic relative.
In a counselling contract, limits to confidentiality are explained and issued in the form of a written contract which is accessible prior to commencement of services. These situations are:
- When your written approval has been provided for authority to release information to a nominated person, or
- When subpoenaed by court, or
- When required by law (for example, Mandatory Reporting for child protection, unlawful activity), or
- When failure to disclose information would place you or another person at risk of serious harm, or
- For the purposes of clinical supervision and debriefing.
Identifiers and Anonymity
For your protection, Lee Wong Counselling will not use an individual identifier either assigned by them or assigned to you by another agency. You are entitled to access and use this website or service anonymously where lawful and practicable.
Wherever lawful and practicable, you have the option of not identifying yourself on the website contact information.
Transfer and Linkage of Sensitive Information
Transfer of personal information to an Organisation in Australia or overseas will only be allowed with your written consent and will occur in a controlled way. Your express informed consent is needed for authority to transfer information to other organisations. Such information will only be sought when necessary to uphold the law and its statutes.
Indemnity
Every care has been taken to ensure the information in this policy is accurate and based on current law and best practice. Lee Wong Counselling cannot accept any claims arising from error or misinterpretation.
Currency
This confidentiality policy was last updated on 3rd January 2023. It is advisable to check this policy information when revisiting the website as there may be some changes to reflect best practice and current statutory and legal requirements.
For questions or more information on this confidentiality policy, contact Lee.
Acknowledgement of Country
Lee Wong acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and connect from, and recognise their continuing connection to Country. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
Business Hours
Mon – Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri – Sun: Closed
Lee Wong Counselling 