Privacy Policy

In Simple Terms
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At Belén Estrada Psychology, your privacy and confidentiality are deeply respected.
All personal information you share — whether during sessions, by phone, or through our website — is kept secure and private.

Your information is used only to provide psychological care, communicate with you, and meet professional or legal requirements.

We will never share your information with anyone without your consent, unless there is a serious risk of harm, or we are legally required to do so (for example, by a court order).

Your records are stored securely and kept only for as long as required by law.You are always welcome to ask questions, request access to your records, or raise any concerns about how your information is handled.

If you ever feel uncertain, please reach out — transparency and trust are essential parts of the therapeutic relationship.

Full Privacy Policy

1. Purpose and Commitment
Belén Estrada Psychology (“we”, “our”, “the practice”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) (“HRIP Act”).

This policy explains how we collect, store, use, and share your information, as well as your rights regarding access and correction.

2. What Information We Collect
In the course of providing psychological services, we may collect the following types of information:
• Your name, contact details, date of birth, and emergency contact information
• Referral details and correspondence from health professionals
• Relevant medical and psychological history
• Session notes, assessments, and treatment plans
• Payment and billing details

We generally collect this information directly from you, but may also receive information from other professionals (such as your GP or psychiatrist) with your consent or as permitted by law.

3. Why We Collect Your Information
We collect and use your personal and health information to:
• Provide you with high-quality psychological assessment and treatment
• Communicate with you and coordinate care with other treating professionals
• Manage administration, billing, and appointment scheduling
• Fulfil professional, ethical, and legal obligations
• Conduct supervision, audit, or quality-assurance activities (using de-identified data only)

4. Storage and Security
Your records are kept securely in accordance with professional standards:
• Electronic files are stored on password-protected, encrypted systems.
• Any paper records are kept in locked storage.
• Only authorised personnel have access.

We retain records for seven (7) years after your last contact with the practice, or (for clients under 18) until they reach 25 years of age, as required by law. After this period, files are permanently deleted or securely destroyed.

5. Disclosure of Information
Your personal information will not be disclosed to any third party without your consent, except where:
• Disclosure is required or authorised by law (e.g., subpoena, court order)
• There is a serious risk of harm to you or others
• Mandatory reporting obligations apply (such as child protection or serious criminal conduct)

Where possible, you will be informed if disclosure becomes necessary.

6. Access and Correction
You have the right to:
• Request access to the information held about you, and
• Request corrections if you believe any information is inaccurate or incomplete.

Requests should be made in writing to the practice. In rare cases, access may be limited — for example, where disclosure could cause serious harm — but you will receive an explanation and can request a review.

7. Telehealth and Digital Communication
When therapy is provided via telehealth, secure platforms are used to maintain confidentiality.
While all reasonable precautions are taken, no online system can guarantee absolute security.
By engaging in telehealth, you acknowledge and consent to the use of electronic communication under these conditions.

8. Website and Online Data
Our website may collect limited information such as your IP address or browser type for analytics and performance purposes.
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If you submit information via a contact form or email, it is used only to respond to your enquiry.
This website may include links to other sites; we are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

9. Concerns or Complaints
If you have a concern about how your personal information is handled, please contact:

Belén Estrada Psychology
Email: cotact@belenestrada.com
Phone: +61490840626

All complaints will be handled respectfully and in line with privacy laws.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may contact:
• The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) – www.oaic.gov.au
• The NSW Privacy Commissioner – www.ipc.nsw.gov.au

10. Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in legislation or practice operations.
The latest version will always be available on our website.
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