Private Therapy Clinic Privacy Policy

At Private Therapy Clinic, we take the privacy and confidentiality of our patients very seriously. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect the personal information shared with us during your assessment and treatment. We are committed to ensuring that your information is handled in a secure and professional manner, in accordance with data protection laws and best practices.

Collection of Information

When you seek treatment at Private Therapy Clinic, a variety of information may be collected. This information is necessary for us to provide an effective assessment and determine the best course of treatment for your needs. The information we gather may include:

  • Basic Demographic Information: This includes your name, date of birth, address, contact details, and other relevant personal information.
  • Health-Related Information: This may include details about your medical history, the nature of the problem for which you are seeking treatment, relevant family history, and other information deemed necessary for your treatment plan.
  • Behavioural Information: Information related to your behaviour that may be relevant to the treatment and assessment process is also collected.
  • Treatment and Progress Data: As treatment progresses, information related to your progress, goals, and feedback may be documented to help assess and modify your treatment plan.

This information is crucial for our clinicians to make informed decisions about the most appropriate treatment methods for your specific needs.

Payment Details

In order to facilitate your payments for services, we collect payment details. All payment information, such as credit or debit card details, is securely processed by authorised third-party payment providers. At no point can we view or access your full card details. Your payment information is stored securely and used only for processing transactions related to your treatment or services rendered.

Confidentiality of Information

At Private Therapy Clinic, we are dedicated to maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and treatment information. However, there are specific situations in which we may be required or allowed to disclose your information. These exceptions include:

  • Clinical Supervision: All practitioners at the clinic participate in clinical supervision to ensure best practice. In this context, non-identifiable information regarding your case may be discussed with a clinical supervisor for the purpose of professional development and ensuring the highest standard of care.
  • Risk of Harm: If a clinician believes that you, or another individual, may be at significant risk of harm, we may have a professional and moral obligation to take action to prevent such harm. In this case, necessary information may be shared with relevant authorities or individuals in order to protect your safety or the safety of others.
  • Court Orders: In the event that your records are subpoenaed by a court, we may be required to release your information in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Patient Consent: If you have provided written consent for the sharing of your information, we will release the relevant details as per your instructions.

These exceptions are in place to ensure that we can continue to offer high-quality care while also adhering to legal and ethical standards.

Use of Information

The information we collect is used exclusively for the following purposes:

  1. Clinical Purposes: The primary use of your information is to form an informed clinical opinion about your treatment. This allows us to accurately assess your condition, develop a treatment plan, and track your progress throughout the course of your treatment.
  2. Service Evaluation: We may use aggregated, non-identifiable information to evaluate the effectiveness of the services we provide. This may include analysing referral sources, nature of presenting issues, treatment outcomes, and attendance rates. No personally identifiable information will be included in any statistical analysis or reports.

Security of Information

We take the security of your information seriously and have implemented strict measures to ensure its protection. All personal information, including your treatment records, is stored securely. This includes physical security measures such as locked offices and filing cabinets, as well as digital security measures like encrypted files and secure electronic storage.

In cases where files or documents need to leave the clinic, they will not contain any identifiable personal information to ensure privacy is maintained at all times. Your data will only be shared with authorised personnel who are involved in your treatment, and we make every effort to ensure that your information is protected from unauthorised access.

Access to Information

If you would like to access the information we hold about you, you may submit a request to the Clinic Manager. Requests for access to information should be specific about the details you require and will be acknowledged within 14 days. The Clinic Manager will carry out a thorough review of the relevant records and provide you with the requested information in a clear and understandable format.

Rectifying Inaccurate Information

If you believe that any of the information we hold about you is inaccurate or incomplete, please contact the Clinic Manager with your concerns. We will review your records and take reasonable steps to ensure that any inaccuracies are corrected as quickly as possible. If there are any discrepancies, we will ensure that your information is updated and accurate.

Procedure for Complaints or Concerns

If you have any complaints regarding the handling of your personal information or believe that your data has been mishandled in any way, please do not hesitate to contact the Clinic Manager. We take complaints seriously and will work to resolve any issues in a timely manner. Your feedback is important to us, and we are committed to ensuring that our practices meet the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality.

Changes to the Privacy Policy

Private Therapy Clinic reserves the right to update and amend this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be communicated to you through our website or other communication channels. We encourage you to review this policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect and use your personal information.

Conclusion

Private Therapy Clinic is dedicated to safeguarding your privacy and handling your personal and health-related information with the utmost care. We adhere to the principles of confidentiality and data protection, and we are committed to ensuring that your information is used responsibly and securely. By providing us with your personal information, you are entrusting us with your privacy, and we take this responsibility seriously. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or the way your information is handled, please do not hesitate to contact us.