Introduction
The purpose of this privacy policy is to provide information to clients of Creative Care, Counselling and Companionship, on how your personal and mental health information is collected and used within my business, and the circumstances in which I may share it with third parties.
Why and when your consent is necessary?
When you become a client of Creative Care, Counselling and Companionship, you provide me with consent to access and use your personal information for the primary purpose of providing quality care. Your information is only accessed by me so I can properly assess, treat and play an active role in your care. In certain circumstances I may be required to share your information with third parties. If I need to use your information for anything else, I will seek additional consent from you to do this.
Why do I collect, use, hold and share your personal information?
My main purpose for collecting, using, holding and sharing your personal information is to provide you with a quality care service. I also use it for business activities directly related to the delivery of care services, practice audits and accreditation, and business processes (e.g. training).
What personal information do I collect?
The personal information collected will include:
Clients name, date of birth, addresses, contact details
Mental health and care requirement information including medical history, medications, adverse events, social history, family history and risk factors
How do I collect your personal information?
I collect your personal information in several different ways.
When you make your first appointment with Creative Care, Counselling and Companionship I will collect your personal and demographic information.
During the course of providing my services, I may collect further personal information relevant to the supply of services.
I will not collect your personal information from my website; however I will collect your personal information if you send me an email, SMS or you telephone or communicate with me using social media.
In some circumstances personal information may also be collected from other sources. Often this is because it is not practical or reasonable to collect it from you directly. This may include information from:
your guardian or responsible person, other involved healthcare providers.
Sharing your personal information
Only I need to access your information. Other than in the course of providing my services or as otherwise described in this policy, I will not share personal information with any third party without your consent.
I will not share your personal information with anyone outside Australia (unless under exceptional circumstances that are permitted by law) without your consent.
I will not use your personal information for marketing my services without your express consent. If you do consent, you may opt out any time by notifying Creative Care, Counselling and Companionship in writing.
Creative Care, Counselling and Companionship is sometimes required to share your personal information in the following circumstances:
with other healthcare providers
when it is required or authorised by law (e.g. court subpoenas)
when it is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to a client’s life, health or safety or
public health or safety, or it is impractical to obtain the patient’s consent
to assist in locating a missing person
during the course of providing services, liaising with other healthcare providers and family members with enduring power of guardianship.
How do I store and protect your personal information?
Your personal information will be stored at my practice in both written and electronic forms. My Practice has many safeguards in place to protect your information including firewalls to block unauthorised access, anti-virus software and system monitoring to detect suspicious activity, physical and electronic monitored security system.
How can you access and correct your personal information?
You have the right to request access to, and correction of, your personal information.
All requests for access to personal information must be made in writing via email and I will respond within a reasonable time.
I take reasonable steps to maintain the accuracy of your personal information. From time to time, I will ask you to verify that your personal information held by me is correct and current. You may also request that we correct or update your information, and you should make such requests in writing to Creative Care, Counselling and Companionship via email pavaleriani@gmail.com
How can you lodge a privacy-related complaint, and how will the complaint be handled at my practice?
If you have any concerns regarding the privacy of your information please contact Creative Care, Counselling and Companionship in writing outlining your concerns and I will respond to you within 30 days.
Email: pavaleriani@gmail.com Telephone: 0423 715 106
You may also contact the OAIC. Generally, the OAIC will require you to give them time to respond before they will investigate. For further information visit www.oaic.gov.au or call the OAIC on 1300 363 992.
Privacy and our website
No information will be collected through my website; it is for available services and contact information only.
Policy review statement
Current in October 2025
This policy is reviewed and updated annually.