Privacy Policy

Human First Psychology ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

1. Who We Are

Human First Psychology is an online psychology practice based in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia. We provide telehealth mental health services across Australia.

Contact: contact@humanfirst.au
Address: Warrnambool, Victoria 3280, Australia

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

Personal & Contact Information

• Name, date of birth, and contact details (email, phone, address)
• Emergency contact information
• Medicare or health insurance details (where applicable)

Health Information

• Mental health history, current concerns, and therapy goals
• Clinical notes and session records
• Referral letters and GP correspondence
• Psychological assessments and reports

Technical Information

• Information collected via our website (see Cookies section below)
• IP addresses and browser type (collected anonymously)

3. How We Collect Your Information

We collect personal information:

• Directly from you — via intake forms, emails, and during sessions
• From your GP or referring health professional (with your consent)
• Via our online booking system
• Through our website contact form

4. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect and use your personal information to:

• Provide psychological services and treatment
• Communicate with you about appointments and services
• Process payments and Medicare rebate claims
• Comply with our legal and professional obligations
• Maintain clinical records as required by law
• Improve our services

5. Disclosure of Information

Your personal information is treated as strictly confidential. We will not disclose your information to third parties without your consent, except in the following circumstances:

• Risk of harm: Where there is an immediate risk of serious harm to you or another person
• Legal requirements: Where we are required by law to disclose information (e.g. mandatory reporting obligations)
• Subpoena or court order: Where compelled by a court of law
• Clinical supervision: De-identified information may be discussed with a clinical supervisor as part of our professional obligations
• Referring practitioners: With your consent, we may correspond with your GP or other treating practitioners

6. Storage & Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. Your health records are stored securely using encrypted, password-protected systems.

Clinical records are retained for a minimum of 7 years (or until a minor client turns 25) in accordance with Australian professional standards.

7. Telehealth & Technology

Sessions are conducted via secure telehealth platforms. We use platforms that comply with Australian privacy standards. We recommend you participate in sessions from a private location.

8. Cookies & Website

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience and analyse site traffic. This information is collected anonymously and is not linked to your personal identity. You can disable cookies in your browser settings.

9. Access & Correction

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you, and to request corrections if the information is inaccurate. To make a request, please contact us at contact@humanfirst.au.

We will respond to access requests within 30 days. In some circumstances, access may be limited (for example, where providing access could cause harm).

10. Complaints

If you have a concern about how we have handled your personal information, please contact us directly in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will always be available on our website. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or the way we handle your personal information, please contact us:

Human First Psychology
Email: contact@humanfirst.au
Location: Warrnambool, Victoria 3280, Australia