Privacy Policy

My Commitment to Your Privacy 🛡️

Welcome to my practice. Your trust is the foundation of our work together, and that includes trusting me with your personal information. The purpose of this policy is to explain how I collect, use, and protect your information ethically and in line with South African law, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

This is a space of confidentiality and respect, and that extends to your data.

Understanding Your Information

• "The Practice" refers to my therapy practice, Stephen Wertheim (Practice number: 0977411).

• "You" refers to you, the client, and any dependents you share information about.

• "Personal Information" is any information that relates to you. This includes your name, contact details, and background information, as well as sensitive "special personal information" about your health, beliefs, and personal life that you share with me. This information may come from you directly or from other healthcare sources with your consent (e.g., a pathology lab).

• "Processing" simply means any action taken with your information, such as collecting, storing, organising, or deleting it.

Your Consent

Engaging in therapy means you entrust me with your personal information. To provide you with care, I need your consent to process this information as outlined in this policy.

You have the right to object, but please understand that my ability to offer you therapeutic services depends on your acceptance of these terms.

If you are giving consent for a minor (under 18), you confirm that you are a parent, legal guardian, or other legally competent person with the authority to do so on their behalf.

How I Use and Protect Your Information

I will always keep your personal information confidential. My primary duty is to ensure your information is complete and accurate, and I will always try to get it directly from you.

I process your information for the following specific purposes:

• To provide you with healthcare services.

• To manage the administration of our work together, such as scheduling appointments, making referrals, or processing payments.

• To submit claims to your medical aid, if applicable and with your consent.

• To share information with other healthcare professionals or third parties when it is necessary for your care (e.g., a specialist referral).

• To comply with any legal or regulatory requirements I am bound by.

When might your information be shared?

I will only share your information with a third party if:

1. You have given your clear consent to do so.

2. I have a legal duty to share it.

If a third party requests your information, I will always seek your consent unless legally obligated to act otherwise.

Your Rights Over Your Information ⚖️

You have the right to manage your personal information. You can ask me to:

• Access the personal information I hold about you.

• Update or correct any inaccuracies.

• Delete your information, unless the law requires me to keep it for a certain period.

The Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) gives you the right to access information held by myself or the state. I will take all reasonable steps to verify your identity before providing this information and may charge a legally permissible fee for this service.

Your Right to Complain

I take your privacy very seriously. If you believe I have used your information in a way that is contrary to this policy, I encourage you to contact me first so we can resolve the issue together.

If you are not satisfied with the resolution, you have the right to lodge a complaint with The Information Regulator of South Africa.

• Address: JD House, 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001

• Postal Address: P.O. Box 31533, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017