Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 2026

1. Overview

Alexander James Bell operates as a sole trader providing forensic psychology assessment, treatment, and consultation services in Australia. We are committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), applicable state health records legislation, and the code of ethics set by the Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and store your personal information when you visit our website or interact with our practice.

2. Information We Collect

We collect personal and sensitive information necessary to assess inquiries, deliver psychological services, and manage our practice operations.

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, telephone number, and physical address.

  • Inquiry & Referral Details: Information provided via contact forms, email inquiries, or formal legal referral instructions.

  • Health & Forensic Information: Clinical history, assessment reports, court documents, and relevant legal/statutory background provided by you or your referring agent (e.g., solicitor, court, or government agency).

  • Technical & Website Usage Data: IP address, browser type, and basic analytics collected automatically when browsing our website.

3. How We Collect Personal Information

We collect information directly from you when you:

  • Fill out a contact or intake form on our website.

  • Communicate with us via phone, email, or video conferencing platforms.

  • Engage our forensic psychology services or attend appointments.

We may also collect information from third parties (e.g., instructing solicitors, government agencies, courts, or medical practitioners) where authorized by law or with your consent.

4. Purpose of Collection, Use, and Disclosure

Your personal information is collected, used, and disclosed for the following primary purposes:

  • Evaluating inquiries and determining suitability for services.

  • Providing forensic psychological assessments, court reports, expert witness services, and treatment interventions.

  • Communicating with legal representatives, courts, or statutory authorities in accordance with formal instructions.

  • Administrative, billing, and accounting operations.

  • Fulfilling statutory obligations and compliance under relevant laws.

5. Limits of Confidentiality in Forensic Practice

Confidentiality is a fundamental duty in psychology; however, in forensic contexts, legal exceptions exist where confidentiality may be limited or overridden by law. Personal and health information may be disclosed without prior consent in the following circumstances:

  1. Subpoena or Court Order: Where records or evidence are compelled by a court of law.

  2. Imminent Harm: Where there is a reasonable belief that disclosure is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to the life, health, or safety of an individual or the public.

  3. Statutory & Mandatory Reporting: Where required by law (e.g., child protection legislation, criminal reporting requirements).

  4. Referral Agreements: Where information is shared with instructing solicitors or referring agencies as agreed upon in formal terms of engagement.

6. Data Storage and Security

We take reasonable technical and administrative steps to ensure personal information is protected from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure.

  • Electronic records are stored using encrypted, secure cloud-based systems adhering to Australian privacy standards.

  • Physical records (if applicable) are maintained in locked, secure premises.

  • Data is retained in accordance with statutory requirements for psychological records and securely destroyed or de-identified when no longer required.

7. Access and Correction

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you and to request corrections if you believe the information is inaccurate or out of date.

To request access or corrections, please contact us using the details below.

8. Complaints

If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled, please contact us directly. We will investigate your complaint and respond promptly.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

9. Contact Details

For privacy inquiries, access requests, or further information, please contact:

Alexander James Bell

Forensic Psychologist (Sole Trader)

ABN: 86905342093

Email: alex.forensicpsychologists@gmail.com

Phone: 0415 682 520

Location: Sydney, NSW