The Protection of Personal Information Act 3 of 2013 is South Africa's data legislation that regulates how your personal information is collected, processed, stored, and shared. The Purpose of the POPIA is to protect you from the misuse of your personal information, and to ensure that organisations handle your personal data responsibly, transparently, and securely.
Under POPIA, organisations that collect personal information are required to process that information lawfully and only for legitimate purposes. individuals also have rights regarding how their information is used, including the right to access their personal information, request corrections, and raise concerns about how their data is handled.
Data Protection & POPIA
Data Protection
The nature of therapy and assessments requires that personal information which is necessary is collected. Such information may include identifying information (such as your name, date of birth, medical aid information, and contact details), relevant medical or psychological history, emergency contact information, and information disclosed during consultations. Personal information may also be collected through communication with the practice, completion of intake forms, appointment bookings, or the use of contact forms from this website.
The information collected is used solely for ethical professional purposes, including scheduling appo, maintaining clinical records, providing psychological assessment and therapeutic services, communicating with clients, processing payments, as well as complying with professional, ethical, and legal obligations.
All personal information and clinical records are stored securely using ethical administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect against loss, unauthorised access, disclosure, or misuse. Access to client information is restricted to the treating practitioner, and authorised individuals where necessary for the provision of services.
Where electronic systems are used to store or process client information, appropriate security measures such as password protection, encryption, and secure storage systems are used to safeguard personal data. The practice takes reasonable steps to ensure that electronic data comply with applicable data protection requirements.
Clients have the right, subject to applicable laws, to request access to their personal information, request corrections to inaccurate information, and enquire about how their personal data is processed and stored. Requests relating to personal information may be directed to the practice using the contact details provided on this website.
Third-Party Services & Data Sharing
Tumelo Mogomotsi Psychotherapy & Assessments may make use of secure third-party service providers to support administration of the practice and website functionality. These services may include appointment scheduling systems, secure email communication, website hosting, or online payment processing platforms.
Where third-party services are sued, reasoable steps are taken to ensure that these providers implement appropriate data protection measures and process personal information in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
Personal information will not be sold, distributed, or shared with third parties for marketing or unrelated purposes. Personal information may only be shared with third parties where it is necessary for the provision of services, where the client has provided consent, or where disclosure is required by law.
Artificial Intelligence & Client Data Protection
Tumelo Mogomotsi Psychotherapy & Assessments is committed to protecting the confidentiality and privacy of all client information. Artificial intelligence systems are not used to process, analyse, store, or manage confidential client information, therapy session notes, psychological records, or personal health data.
All sensitive personal information collected as part of the psychological services is handled directly by the practitioner and stored using secure systems that comply with applicable privacy and professional standards. Client information is not entered into publicly accessible artificial intelligence tools or systems.
The handling, storage, and processing of personal information within this practice are conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Protection Personal Information Act 3 of 2013. The practice takes reasonable steps to ensure that the client data is protected from unauthorised access, misuse or disclosure, and that all personal information is obtained for legitimate professional purposes.
Maintaining confidentiality and protecting client information and protecting client information are fundamental ethical obligations within our practice. This practice is committed to ensuring that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence systems, do not compromise the privacy, dignity, or confidentiality of clients.
Digital Communication Policy
Electronic communication methods such as email, telephone, and direct messaging platforms may be used for administrative purposes such as scheduling appointments, confirming session times, or providing general practice information.. While reasonable steps are taken to maintain confidentiality, clients should be aware that electronic communication may carry certain privacy risks and may not always be secure.
Electronic communication is not intended to replace psychological consultations or therapeutic sessions. Clinical matters, sensitive personal information, or therapeutic discussion should ideally be addressed during scheduled sessions to ensure privacy, accuracy, and appropriate professional support.
Messages sent via email or digital communication platforms will be responded within a reasonable timeframe during normal working hours where possible. Immediate responses cannot be guaranteed, and electronic communication should not be used in situations requiring urgent psychological assistance.
This practice does not provide crisis or emergency services via electronic communication. If a client is experiencing a psychological emergency or is at risk of harm, they are encouraged to contact emergency services, visit the nearest healthcare facility immediately, and/or contact a crises hotline such as
Suicide Crisis Line - 080 056 7567
SADAG Mental Health Line - 011 262 6396
Messaging applications may be used for brief administrative communication only. Therapy-related discussions, sharing sensitive personal information, or therapeutic interventions will not be conducted through messaging platforms.