Divergent Path Psychology
Effective Date: October, 2025
1. Purpose and Commitment to Privacy
Divergent Path Psychology is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) as set out in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), and the ethical and professional standards of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Psychology Board of Australia.
This Privacy Policy explains how personal information is collected, used, disclosed, and stored when you engage with Divergent Path Psychology.
2. Collection of Personal Information
When you visit our website, we may collect:
- Personal details you submit via contact forms (e.g., name, email, phone number)
- Information you include in appointment requests or enquiries
- Technical data, such as your IP address, browser type, referring pages, and cookies (used to improve site performance)
Additionally, as part of providing a psychological service, Divergent Path Psychology will need to collect and record personal information that is relevant to your situation. This information may include:
- Name, date of birth, contact details
- Medical history and mental health information
- Family and social history
- GP or referring practitioner details
- Medicare or private health fund details
- Notes taken during therapy sessions
- Email or other correspondence
In some cases, personal information may also be collected from third parties (e.g., general practitioners, psychiatrists, schools), but only with your consent or as required by law.
3. Use of Personal Information
Your personal information is collected and used to:
- Respond to enquiries or contact requests
- Provide psychological assessment and treatment
- Communicate with you (e.g., for appointments or feedback)
- Liaise with other health professionals (with your consent)
- Manage administrative functions (e.g., billing, Medicare claims)
- Meet legal, regulatory, and ethical obligations
4. Website and Electronic Communication
If you contact Divergent Path Psychology via the website, email, or access telehealth, some personal data (e.g., IP address, cookies) may be collected. All information you provide via electronic forms or communications will be treated as confidential, and all possible steps will be taken to protect your information.
Despite all efforts to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of client information, electronic communications can carry inherent risks, and complete security cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, to help protect yourself, Divergent Path Psychology recommends you avoid including highly sensitive information (e.g., diagnoses or detailed histories) via unsecured platforms.
5. Storage and Security of Information
All reasonable steps are taken to securely store all personal information to protect it from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, interference, or disclosure. This includes storing physical documentation in a locked cabinet, using secure third-party service providers, and ensuring all systems are password-protected. Please note that while we strive for high security, no method of internet transmission is 100% secure.
Records are retained for a minimum of seven (7) years from the last date of service, or until the client turns 25 (whichever is later), in accordance with AHPRA requirements.
6. Disclosure of Personal Information
Your personal information will not be disclosed to anyone outside of Divergent Path Psychology unless:
- You have provided consent
- Disclosure is required or authorised by law (e.g., to prevent a serious threat to life, health or safety; mandatory reporting obligations)
- Disclosure is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious risk to public health or safety
7. Use of Cookies and Analytics
Our website may use cookies to collect anonymous traffic data and improve functionality. This may include Google Analytics or similar tools to monitor website usage trends. Cookies do not collect personal identifying information unless you voluntarily submit it.
You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if you prefer.
8. Access to and Correction of Information
You have the right to access and request corrections to your personal information held by Divergent Path Psychology. Requests must be made in writing and may take up to 30 days to process. Access may be declined in some circumstances, as permitted by law, and you will be informed of the reasons in writing.
9. Use of AI and Digital Technologies
In line with ethical and legal obligations, Divergent Path Psychology uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools for administrative support or to enhance clinical practice (e.g., drafting reports, summaries, or educational resources). These tools do not replace professional judgment and are used in a manner that protects your privacy and data. AI tools are only used in ways that comply with AHPRA’s Code of Conduct, data security protocols, and the Privacy Act.
10. Third-Party Links
This site may contain links to external websites. Divergent Path Psychology is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies separately.
11. Complaints
If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled, please contact Divergent Path Psychology directly. If unresolved, you may contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Phone: 1300 363 992
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
12. Policy Updates
This policy is reviewed regularly and may be updated. The most current version will always be available on request and on our website.
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, or the handling of your personal information, please contact:
Divergent Path Psychology
Alecia Spinks, Registered Psychologist
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0487 107 595
ABN: 27 254 617 620