Your privacy and confidentiality are fundamental to the therapeutic relationship and are protected by law.
Effective Date: June 9, 2025
This Privacy Policy explains how Annabel Rolley Psychology collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information. As a Registered Psychologist, Annabel Rolley is committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and privacy in accordance with Australian privacy laws, professional ethics, and therapeutic best practice.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
- Contact details (name, address, phone number, email)
- Date of birth and Medicare details
- Emergency contact information
- Referral information from healthcare providers
- Health insurance details
- Payment and billing information
Health Information
- Clinical notes and session records
- Assessment results and treatment plans
- Mental health history and current concerns
- Medical information relevant to your psychological care
- Correspondence with other healthcare providers (with your consent)
Website Information
- IP address and browser information
- Pages visited and time spent on our website
- Information submitted through contact forms
- Cookies for website functionality
How We Collect Information
Information is collected:
- Directly from you during intake, sessions, and correspondence
- From referral sources (with your consent)
- Through our website when you submit enquiries or book appointments
- From third parties only when you have provided consent or as required by law
How We Use Your Information
Your information is used to:
- Provide psychological services and treatment
- Maintain clinical records and treatment planning
- Process Medicare claims and health insurance
- Communicate with you about appointments and treatment
- Comply with legal and professional obligations
- Improve our services (using de-identified data only)
Confidentiality and Disclosure
Confidentiality Protection All therapeutic communications are strictly confidential. Information about your treatment will not be disclosed to anyone without your written consent, except in the limited circumstances outlined below.
Legal Exceptions to Confidentiality Information may be disclosed without your consent only when:
- There is a serious and imminent threat to your safety or the safety of others
- Annabel Rolley is legally required to disclose information under a court order or subpoena
- Reporting is mandated by law (such as certain disclosures involving child safety)
- Professional supervision or consultation is required (using de-identified information where possible)
With Your Consent With your written permission, information may be shared with:
- Your GP or other healthcare providers involved in your care
- Family members or support people you nominate
- Other professionals as part of coordinated care
- Insurance providers for claims processing
Data Storage and Security
Physical Records
- All physical files are stored in locked cabinets in a secure office
- Access is restricted to authorized personnel only
- Records are maintained in accordance with professional guidelines
Electronic Records
- Electronic files are password-protected and encrypted
- Regular backups are performed securely
- The practice uses secure, HIPAA-compliant software systems
- All devices are password-protected with automatic locking
Record Retention
Clinical records are retained for a minimum of 7 years after your last session, or until you turn 25 (whichever is longer), in accordance with professional guidelines. After this period, records are securely destroyed.
Your Rights
Under Australian privacy law, you have the right to:
- Access your personal information held by our practice
- Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Request a copy of your clinical records
- Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information
- Lodge a complaint about privacy breaches
Accessing Your Records To request access to your records, please submit a written request. The practice may charge a reasonable fee for copying costs. In some circumstances, access may be limited if it could harm your wellbeing or the therapeutic relationship.
Website Privacy
Cookies and Analytics Our website uses essential cookies for functionality. The practice does not use tracking cookies or share data with third-party analytics services without your consent.
Online Booking and Forms Information submitted through our website is transmitted securely and stored in accordance with this privacy policy.
Third-Party Services The practice may use secure third-party services for booking, payment processing, and practice management. These providers are bound by privacy agreements and cannot use your information for their own purposes.
Medicare and Insurance
When processing Medicare claims or private health insurance, the minimum necessary information is shared with these agencies in accordance with their privacy policies and legal requirements.
Complaints and Contact
Privacy Concerns If you have concerns about how your privacy has been handled, please contact Annabel Rolley directly:
Email: annabel@annabelrolleypsychology.com
Address: Suite 5, 442 New South Head Rd, Double Bay, NSW 2028
External Complaints You may also lodge complaints with:
- Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): 1300 363 992
- Psychology Board of Australia via AHPRA: 1300 419 495
Changes to This Policy
This privacy policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in practice, technology, or legal requirements. The current version will always be available on our website, and significant changes will be communicated to active clients.
Professional Standards
This privacy policy aligns with:
- Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988
- Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics
- Psychology Board of Australia Guidelines
- AHPRA Guidelines for advertising regulated health services
Consent
By engaging our services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as outlined in this privacy policy. You may withdraw this consent at any time, though this may affect our ability to provide services.
If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how your information is handled, please don’t hesitate to discuss them with Annabel Rolley during your session or via email.
