Privacy Policy

Bionovi Mental Health Consulting Services

Effective date 26 July 2025 (latest review)

At Bionovi, we are committed to protecting your privacy and managing personal information in an open and transparent manner, in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, store, use, and disclose your personal and health information, and the steps we take to ensure your data is protected.

1. Open and Transparent Management of Personal Information

We are committed to safeguarding your personal and health information and ensuring that our privacy practices are clear and accessible. This policy is available publicly here on our website, and we encourage you to review it regularly.

2. Collection of Personal and Health Information

What We Collect

We collect personal and sensitive health information necessary to deliver high-quality mental health services. This may include:

  • Your name, address, contact details

  • Date of birth and gender

  • Relevant medical and mental health history

  • Treatment notes and assessment data

  • Referral information

How We Collect It

Information is collected:

  • Directly from you (e.g. during intake, assessments, consultations)

  • From authorised third parties (e.g. with your written consent, such as GP or referring health professionals)

All health information is securely collected and stored using Cliniko, a secure, third-party electronic health record system compliant with Australian privacy and data security standards.

3. Anonymity and Pseudonymity

Where possible, you may choose to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym when engaging with us—for example, during general website enquiries. However, for the provision of health services in Australia, full identification is generally required and legally mandated for safe, effective care.

4. Use and Disclosure of Information

Use

Your personal information is used to:

  • Provide mental health and consulting services

  • Communicate with you regarding appointments or service delivery

  • Collaborate with other health providers (with your consent)

  • Comply with legal obligations (e.g. court orders, mandatory reporting)

Disclosure

We do not share your health information with third parties without your explicit written consent, except in the following circumstances:

  • Where required by law or to prevent a serious threat to life, health, or safety

  • When disclosure is required to support your direct care (e.g. treating team, GP), and you have given permission

  • If clinical supervision or audit is required (de-identified data only)

Bionovi does not sell or disclose your data for marketing or unrelated purposes.

5. Data Security and Storage

We take all reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, or disclosure. Measures include:

  • Secure digital storage through Cliniko (with encryption and 2FA)

  • Staff training in data protection and confidentiality

  • Regular audits of data security practices

Emails are not to be used for sharing personal or private health information. We encourage clients to use Cliniko’s secure system for such communication.

When your personal information is no longer required, we securely de-identify or destroy it in line with legal and professional standards.

6. Access and Correction of Personal Information

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal or health information

  • Request corrections if you believe the information is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated

Please contact us in writing to initiate this process. Requests will be responded to within 30 days, in accordance with APP guidelines.

7. Overseas Disclosure

Bionovi does not routinely disclose your personal information to overseas recipients. However, third-party systems like Cliniko may use secure cloud servers based in Australia and/or international locations. These systems are required to comply with Australian privacy and data protection laws.

8. Complaints and Concerns

If you have a concern or complaint about how your personal information has been handled, you may contact us using the contact us form.

We take privacy concerns seriously and aim to respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

Website: https://www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992