Privacy Policy

Introduction

I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data with the utmost care. This Privacy Policy outlines how I collect, use, store, and protect the information you provide as part of my psychological therapy services. It also explains your rights regarding your data.

Who I Am

I am Dr Russell Woodhead, trading as Thriving Teen Psychology, an independent clinical psychologist specializing in providing psychological therapy for children and young adults aged 12 to 25.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, you can contact me using the details provided at the end of this document.

Information I Collect

To provide psychological therapy services, I may collect and process the following types of personal data:

  • Personal Information: Name, date of birth, contact details (e.g., phone number, email address).

  • Health Information: Details relevant to psychological assessment and treatment, such as medical history, family history, and presenting issues.

  • Enquiry Details: Information you provide when you contact me via the website enquiry form, phone, or email.

  • Session Notes: Notes recorded during therapy sessions.

  • Professional Correspondence: Referral letters and other communications from professionals involved in your care.

Lawful Bases for Processing Information

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), I rely on several lawful bases for processing your personal data, including:

  • Consent: When you provide explicit consent for me to process your personal and health information (e.g., during the initial assessment and through signed consent forms).

  • Contractual Necessity: When processing is necessary to provide the psychological therapy services you have requested.

  • Legal Obligations: When I am legally required to process or disclose data (e.g., safeguarding or responding to court orders).

  • Legitimate Interests: When processing is necessary to manage my practice, ensure appropriate care, or communicate with other professionals involved in your treatment.

I will always ensure that the appropriate lawful basis applies and inform you when necessary.

How I Use Your Data

Your personal data is used for the following purposes:

  • To provide psychological therapy tailored to your needs.

  • To manage administrative tasks, such as appointment scheduling, invoicing, and correspondence.

  • To comply with legal obligations (e.g., safeguarding or responding to court orders).

How I Store and Protect Your Data

I take the confidentiality and security of your data very seriously. Here’s how your information is stored and protected:

  • Note Taking: I use WriteUpp, a secure and GDPR-compliant platform, to record and store therapy notes.

  • File Storage: Documents such as consent forms, reports, completed enquiry forms, and correspondence received from other professionals (e.g., referral letters) are stored securely on Google Docs, which is password-protected and adheres to GDPR requirements.

  • Email Communication: I use Proton Mail, an encrypted email service, for correspondence.

  • Enquiry Form Submissions: Information submitted through the website enquiry form is stored in Google Docs and sent to my Proton Mail account.

  • Patient-Identifiable Physical Records: Any physical records containing identifiable information are stored in a locked cabinet within a secure building and room.

  • Diary Management: I use Google Calendar, which is password-protected and GDPR-compliant, to manage appointments.

Data Retention

I will retain your data for as long as necessary to provide my services and fulfill legal or regulatory requirements. Typically, this means I will keep therapy records for up to 7 years after our work concludes (or until a client turns 25, whichever is later). After this period, your data will be securely deleted or destroyed.

Sharing Your Data

Your data will not be shared with third parties unless:

  • You provide explicit consent.

  • It is necessary to safeguard your safety or that of others.

  • I am legally required to disclose it (e.g., under a court order).

If collaboration with other professionals (e.g., GPs, psychiatrists) is necessary, I will discuss this with you beforehand and seek your consent.

Your Rights

You have rights concerning your personal data, including:

  • The right to access the information I hold about you.

  • The right to request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.

  • The right to request data deletion, where applicable.

  • The right to restrict or object to the processing of your data in certain circumstances.

  • The right to data portability, allowing you to obtain and reuse your data across different services.

If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact me using the details below.

Website Cookies

The website may use cookies to improve functionality and user experience. These cookies do not collect personal data.

Contact Details

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, you can contact me at:

Dr Russell Woodhead
Trading as Thriving Teen Psychology
Email: russell@thrivingteen.co.uk
Phone: 07553 287968

Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in my practices or legal requirements. The latest version will always be available on my website.