At the Menzies Anxiety Centre, we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information.

1. What Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal details: your name, date of birth, contact information (email, phone, address)

• Health information: mental health history, medical history, treatment notes, referral letters, Medicare details

• Website data: information entered in contact or booking forms, and limited data via website analytics tools (e.g., IP address, browser type)

2. How We Collect Your Information

We collect your information in various ways, including:

• When you contact us via our website, phone, or email

• When you complete intake or consent forms

• During psychological treatment sessions

• Through third-party systems (e.g., Halaxy, Novopsych)

• When you interact with employees (e.g. receptionists) and psychologist at Menzies Anxiety Centre

• When health professionals provide personal information to Menzies Anxiety Centre, such as through referrals, correspondence, and medical reports

3. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect and use your personal information to:

• Provide psychological assessment and treatment

• Manage appointments and clinical records

• Communicate with you regarding your care

• Comply with legal obligations (e.g., mandatory reporting)

• Process Medicare claims

4. How We Store and Protect Your Information

It is the policy of the Menzies Anxiety Centre that all hard copies of client files are converted to digital files and stored online via third party provider Halaxy. Halaxy’s privacy policy can be viewed here. The information on each file includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone numbers, medical history, credit card information, and other personal information collected as part of providing the psychological service.

The conversion of hard copies of files to digital files occurs either during or shortly after completion of the psychological service being provided. After being stored digitally, hard copies of client files are shredded on premises and disposed of using a document destruction service. Access is restricted to authorised team members, and we take reasonable steps to protect your data from misuse, loss, or unauthorised access.

5. Disclosure of Personal Information

We do not share your personal information without your consent, except when:

• Required or authorised by law (e.g., risk of harm, court subpoena)

• Referring you to another health professional with your permission

• Claiming Medicare or health insurance rebates

6. Accessing or Correcting Your Information

You have the right to access or request correction of your personal information kept on file. To do so, please contact us in via email at admin@menziesanxietycentre.com. Your psychologist may discuss the contents with you and/or give you a copy, subject to the exceptions in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). We may require identification before processing your request, and an appointment will be made if necessary for clarification purposes.

7. Website Analytics and Cookies

Our website may use analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to track usage data. This helps us improve our website but does not personally identify you. You can disable cookies via your browser settings.

8. Complaints

If you have a concern or complaint about your privacy, please contact us at admin@menziesanxietycentre.com. If we cannot resolve your complaint, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.