Children, Adolessence & Beyond Psychotherapy Clinic

GDPR & Data Protection Policy

​

​

Introduction

At Children, Adolessence & Beyond Psychotherapy Clinic, we recognise the importance of protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of the personal and sensitive information you share with us during your therapeutic journey.

​

We are committed to handling your personal information responsibly and in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, the Children First Act 2015, and the ethical standards of the relevant professional bodies.

​

We apply appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure that all personal information is collected, processed, stored and protected securely.

​

Our Commitment

Children, Adolessence & Beyond Psychotherapy Clinic is committed to:

• Protecting your privacy.

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information.

• Safeguarding children and vulnerable persons.

• Managing client records securely.

• Processing personal data lawfully, fairly and transparently.

• Ensuring that personal information is only used for legitimate clinical and administrative purposes.

​

How We Use Your Information

The information you provide is used only for purposes directly related to your care and the operation of the clinic, including:

​

• Providing psychotherapy and related services.

• Booking and managing appointments.

• Communicating with you regarding appointments or therapy.

• Billing and administration.

• Maintaining clinical records.

• Meeting our legal, ethical and professional obligations.​

​

Access to your records is restricted to authorised personnel who require the information to provide your care or carry out essential administrative duties.

​

Data Controller

The Data Controller for Children, Adolessence & Beyond Psychotherapy Clinic is:

Gina Dermody
Children, Adolessence & Beyond Psychotherapy Clinic
Dublin Road
Tuam
Co. Galway
H53 ED95

Telephone: 087 991 3179

Email: gina@adolessence.ie

​

The Data Controller is responsible for ensuring that your personal information is processed in accordance with GDPR and Irish data protection legislation.

​

Where Your Information Is Stored

Paper records are stored securely in locked filing cabinets within Children, Adolessence & Beyond Psychotherapy Clinic.

​

Electronic records are password protected and stored using secure systems with appropriate technical safeguards.

​

Client records are coded where appropriate and access is limited to authorised personnel only.

Reasonable security measures are in place to protect your information against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure or alteration.

​

Who Has Access to Your Records?

Access to your records is limited to:

• Your treating therapist.

• Authorised administrative personnel where access is necessary for the delivery of clinic services.

​

Your information will never be shared with commercial organisations.

Information will only be shared with another healthcare professional (such as your GP, psychiatrist, psychologist or another therapist):

​

• With your written consent;

• Where disclosure is required by law; or

• Where there is a legal or ethical obligation to protect the safety or welfare of a child, vulnerable person or another individual.​

​

Confidentiality

​

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of the therapeutic relationship.

Everything discussed during therapy sessions is treated with respect and kept confidential. However, there are important limits to confidentiality that exist to protect children, young people and others.

These limits are guided by Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children.

Confidentiality may need to be broken if:

​

• There is a serious concern that you may be at risk of harming yourself or another person.

• Information is disclosed indicating that a child or young person may be at risk of abuse, neglect or harm.

• A disclosure is made regarding retrospective abuse of a child.

• Disclosure is required by a court or other legal authority.

​

Our therapists are mandated persons under the Children First Act 2015 and have a legal and professional responsibility to ensure that the welfare of children is paramount.

​

Record Management and Retention

Clinical records are maintained accurately, securely and confidentially.

Records are retained in accordance with legal, ethical and professional requirements.

In general, client records are retained for seven years after the final appointment.

Where the client is a child or young person, records may be retained for a longer period in accordance with current legislation and professional guidance.

Once the required retention period has expired, records are securely destroyed using appropriate confidential disposal methods.

​

Your Rights

Under GDPR you have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you.

• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.

• Request restriction of processing where appropriate.

• Request deletion of your personal information where legally permissible.

• Receive information about how your data is processed.

• Lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Commission if you believe your information has not been handled appropriately.

​

We aim to respond to requests within the timeframes required under GDPR.

Please note that there may be legal or professional reasons why certain records cannot be deleted immediately.

​

Website Enquiries

If you contact Children, Adolessence & Beyond Psychotherapy Clinic through our website, we may collect your:

• Name

• Email address

• Telephone number

​

This information is used solely to:

• Respond to your enquiry.

• Provide information about our psychotherapy services.

• Arrange appointments where requested.

​

Your information will never be sold, rented or shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Your email address will not be added to a mailing list unless you have given your explicit consent.

All information submitted through our website is processed in accordance with GDPR and stored securely.

​

Policies

Children, Adolessence & Beyond Psychotherapy Clinic is committed to operating in accordance with current Irish legislation and recognised professional standards.

The clinic maintains policies covering:

• Privacy

• GDPR & Data Protection

• Child Safeguarding

• Child Protection

• Confidentiality

• Record Management and Record Retention

• Consent

• Accessibility

• Website Terms & Conditions

Copies of these policies are available upon request.

​

Contact

If you have any questions regarding this policy or how your personal information is managed, please contact:

Gina Dermody
Data Controller
Children, Adolessence & Beyond Psychotherapy Clinic
Dublin Road
Tuam
Co. Galway
H53 ED95

Telephone: 087 991 3179

Email: gina@adolessence.ie