Legal Information

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 5 February 2025

Mountain Connect Psychology ("we," "our," "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, store, use, and protect your personal information in compliance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

1. Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal information necessary for providing psychological services, including:

  • Name, contact details (phone, email, address)

  • Date of birth, Medicare details (if applicable)

  • Medical history, referral details, and treatment progress

  • Information disclosed during therapy sessions

This data is collected through:

  • Online forms (e.g., Halaxy booking system)

  • Direct communication (e.g., emails, phone, video calls)

  • GP or specialist referrals

We collect this information only with your consent and ensure its confidentiality.

2. Use and Disclosure of Information

We use your personal information for the purpose of:

  • Providing psychological treatment and support

  • Maintaining clinical records as required by AHPRA and the Psychology Board of Australia

  • Communicating with referring medical professionals (with your consent)

  • Fulfilling legal obligations (e.g., mandatory reporting in cases of risk to self/others)

We do not share your information with third parties without your consent, except when required by law.

3. Data Storage and Security

Mountain Connect Psychology takes all reasonable steps to ensure your information is stored securely. We use Halaxy, a secure and encrypted practice management system, to store all client records, in line with:

  • AHPRA regulations for record-keeping

  • Australian Psychological Society (APS) ethical guidelines

  • Industry-standard encryption protocols to protect against unauthorized access

Use of Novonote for Note-Taking

Mountain Connect Psychology uses Novonote, an AI-powered note-taking tool, to assist in securely transcribing and summarising therapy notes. Novonote is compliant with data privacy standards and does not store identifiable client information beyond the duration necessary for transcription processing.

Key Safeguards:

  • Client confidentiality is maintained—raw audio is not stored beyond the transcription process.

  • Notes are manually reviewed and securely transferred to Halaxy for long-term storage.

  • Novonote operates within Australian data security compliance standards and does not share data with third parties.

Other Security Measures:

  • Online sessions are conducted via secure, encrypted video platforms

  • Emails are not a secure form of communication for sensitive clinical matters

  • Client records are retained for 7 years after the last contact (or until age 25 for minors), as required by law

4. Terms and Conditions of Using This Website and Services

By using this website and engaging in online psychological services, you agree to the following terms:

Eligibility and Service Scope

  • Services are provided to Australian residents only

  • Clients must be 18+ years or have parental/guardian consent

  • Online therapy has limitations and may not be suitable for all mental health concerns

Fees, Payments and Cancellations

  • Fees are outlined before booking and must be paid in full before sessions

  • A 48-hour cancellation policy applies (e.g., 48-hour notice required to avoid a cancellation fee)

  • Medicare rebates (if applicable) require a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from a GP

Limitations of Liability

  • Psychological treatment is a collaborative process with no guaranteed outcomes

  • Mountain Connect Psychology is not liable for technical failures that disrupt online sessions

Prohibited Conduct

  • Clients must not record or distribute therapy sessions without explicit consent

  • Harassment, abuse, or inappropriate behaviour toward practitioners will result in termination of services

5. AHPRA Compliance

Douglas McKinnon is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Psychology Board of Australia under AHPRA (Registration Number: PSY0002352018).

Mountain Connect Psychology operates in accordance with:

  • AHPRA guidelines on ethical psychological practice

  • The Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics

  • National Privacy Laws under the Australian Privacy Act 1988

For further information on your rights, visit AHPRA’s website.

6. Complaints and Feedback Process

We value feedback and strive to improve our services. If you have concerns about your experience, you can:

Step 1: Contact Us Directly

We encourage you to discuss any concerns with your psychologist. Please contact us at admin@mountainconnect.com.au to resolve the issue.

Step 2: Lodge a Formal Complaint

If your concerns remain unresolved, you can file a complaint with:

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Website: https://www.ahpra.gov.au
Phone: 1300 419 495

Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC)
Each Australian state has an HCC that handles complaints about health services. Visit www.hcc.vic.gov.au for Victoria or check your state’s website.

7. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Mountain Connect Psychology may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Clients will be notified of any significant changes.

For further information, please contact us at:

douglas@mountainconnect.com.au