Confidentiality
Treatment is provided in a safe and confidential environment. Psychologists provide services in accordance with the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines, which includes guidelines on confidentiality. In accordance with these guidelines, the information you disclose during therapy is strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone without your consent.
However, in certain circumstances psychologists are required to disclose confidential information obtained during therapy – if you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, if there are child abuse concerns, or if , for some reason, your clinical notes are called for by a court of law. When possible, your psychologist will discuss with you the information that they are required to disclose prior to doing so. In addition, if you are referred to a psychologist under a mental health care plan, communication with the referring practitioner is required. When entering into the mental health care plan, consent for sharing information between your referring practitioner and psychologist will be discussed.
However, in certain circumstances psychologists are required to disclose confidential information obtained during therapy – if you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, if there are child abuse concerns, or if , for some reason, your clinical notes are called for by a court of law. When possible, your psychologist will discuss with you the information that they are required to disclose prior to doing so. In addition, if you are referred to a psychologist under a mental health care plan, communication with the referring practitioner is required. When entering into the mental health care plan, consent for sharing information between your referring practitioner and psychologist will be discussed.
Privacy
The filing system is divided into two sections. Client Service Record contains basic information including contact details, next of kin, session dates and billing information. Confidential Client File includes session details and confidential client information. The Confidential Client File will be kept in a locked filing cabinet, or if electronic, password protected. This information will only be released to others under very limited circumstances as noted above.
