Our Privacy and Confidentiality FAQ
What personal information do you collect? We collect only the information needed to provide safe and effective psychological and Wellbeing services. This includes your contact details, demographic information, referral information, and clinical notes from your sessions.
Do you record sessions? No. We do not digitally record sessions under any circumstances. We also do not use AI automated transcription, or digital recording tools for note‑taking.
Equally Clients are not permitted to digitally record their therapy sessions using devices of any kind, as doing so constitutes a breach of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Surveillance Devices Act 2007(NSW), and violates the confidentiality of the therapeutic process. This does not apply to clients taking notes during their sessions that support their learning, and therapeutic progress.
How is my information stored? Your information is stored securely using:
Locked physical filing systems
Secure digital systems with restricted access
Confidentiality protocols for all staff
Records are kept only for the legally required period and then securely destroyed via shredding.
Who can access my information? At ALS only your treating clinician has access to your notes. Authorised administrative staff have limited access where applicable to admin tasks. Non clinical staff sign a confidentiality agreement at the onset of their employment.
Will my information be shared with anyone? Information is shared only when:
You give explicit consent
It is required for coordinated care with authorised referrers such as your GP / Medical Prof
It is required by law (e.g., mandatory reporting, subpoenas, court orders)
There is a serious risk to your safety or someone else’s safety
We never sell or distribute your information for marketing or commercial purposes.
Do you use client information in your social media or educational content?
No. Abundant Life Strategies may share general mental health education, professional insights, and wellbeing information on social media or public platforms. Educational content may also draw on research studies, evidence‑based frameworks, and statistical information, and is always presented in a generalised, non‑identifiable way that protects client confidentiality which strictly adheres to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles, the AASW Code of Ethics, and CCAA Code of Ethics.
What happens if I’m referred by a third‑party organisation? If your sessions are funded or referred by a government, corporate, insurer, EAP, GP, or other third‑party provider, we may be required to provide limited updates or reports. Only information relevant to your referral or reporting requirements will be shared.
If you have engaged us through a third-party provider, we are not responsible for how the third-party provider manages your information or any breaches they may experience through their system.
Can I access my own records? Yes. You can request access to your personal information at any time. Requests must be made in writing, and identity verification may be required. This may take up to 14 days to be processed, or longer if you come under a third-party provider.
Can I request corrections to my information? Yes. If any information is incomplete or inaccurate, you may request a correction.
How is privacy handled during telehealth sessions? Telehealth sessions follow the same privacy standards as in‑person sessions.
Sessions are not recorded, and no AI‑based recording tools are used.
We encourage clients to participate from a private, safe location.
Clients are not permitted to engage sessions on loudspeakers or with others present that are not contracted to attend.
How is privacy handled for children and young people?
For clients under 18:
A parent or guardian must provide consent. We do not provide telehealth sessions for children under 15 years of age. ALS reserves the right to cease further sessions, via telehealth if the privacy safety of the young person has been compromised.
Confidentiality is respected, but safety concerns may require disclosure
Mandatory reporting laws apply
What if I have a privacy concern or complaint? You can contact us directly to discuss any privacy concerns. If you feel your concern has not been resolved, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.