1. Introduction

As a registered Educational Psychologist, I am committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and psychological information, in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), the Health Professions Act, and relevant ethical codes.

This Privacy Policy outlines how your personal information is collected, used, stored, and protected.

2. What Personal Information I Collect

I collect and process personal and special (sensitive) information, including but not limited to:

• Full name and ID/passport number
• Contact details (email, phone number, address)
• Medical aid or billing information
• Medical/psychological history
• Information discussed in therapy sessions
• Referrals and reports from other professionals
• Emergency contact details
• Session notes, treatment plans, and assessments

3. How Your Information Is Used

Your information is used solely for the purpose of providing psychological services, which includes:

• Assessment and diagnosis
• Therapy and treatment planning
• Billing and medical aid claims
• Record-keeping as required by law and professional boards
• Communication with you
• Referrals (with your consent)

4. Consent

By attending therapy or psychological services, you consent to the collection and processing of your personal and special personal information for the purposes stated above.

You may withdraw your consent at any time in writing, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice.

5. How Your Information Is Stored and Protected

I take the security of your information seriously and implement reasonable safeguards, including:

• Physical files stored in locked cabinets
• Electronic files stored on password-protected, encrypted systems
• Confidential handling of session notes and correspondence

Your information is only accessible to the Educational Psychologist, bound by confidentiality.

6. Sharing of Information

Your information will not be shared without your explicit written consent, except in the following situations:

• Legal obligation (e.g., court order)
• Risk of harm to yourself or others (duty to protect)
• Supervision or consultation (de-identified and bound by confidentiality)
• Emergency medical situations

7. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information I hold about you
• Request corrections or deletion of your data
• Withdraw consent for processing (subject to legal requirements)
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

8. Retention of Records

In line with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) regulations, your records will be kept for a minimum of six years after the last consultation, or longer in the case of minors.

9. Website and Email Communication (if applicable)

If you contact the practice through a website or email:

• Minimal personal data may be stored (e.g., name, email, message)
• Cookies may be used to enhance your website experience
• Emails are stored securely, and access is restricted

10. Contact Details

For any questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, please contact:

Information Officer: Dr Andrew Lewis
Phone: 082 874 6112
Email: info@andrewlewis.co.za

Last updated: 26/06/2025