Policies

Psychology Australia Policies

Confidentiality & Policies for Management of Personal Documents

We need to collect and record personal information from you so that we can provide accurate assessment and treatment at Psychology Australia (Mt Lawley). You may access the material recorded in your file by forwarding your request to your clinician (except those cases listed in national privacy principle 6). The content can be discussed with your clinician or a copy provided (a processing fee and normal consultation fee may apply). All information is strictly confidential and will only be viewed by clinical and relevant personnel (clerical) who are bound by the legal requirements of the National Privacy Principles from the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector Act 2000). All personal information gathered by Psychology Australia will remain confidential and secure except when:

Subpoenaed by a court or other bodies with similar powers, or
Failure to disclose information would place you or another person at risk; or your prior approval has been obtained to:

a) Provide a written report to another professional (E.g. GP or lawyer)

b)Discuss the material with another person (E.g. parent or employer)

For the purpose of professional development, teaching and service evaluation, case study material may be used with names and identifying features changed.

Grouped, demographic information may be used (E.g. Average age, gender, etc.). If you have been referred by you GP, or another third party, they may be advised with a few brief comments or request a report. If you have any concerns please discuss these with your clinician. For further information about the National Privacy Principles, go to www.privacy.gov.au. Should you wish to lodge a formal complaint about the use of or access to your personal information, you may do so with the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner on 13000 363 992 or GPO Box 5218, Sydney, NSW 2001.

Psychologist’s/Counsellor’s Records

In accordance with legislation, records regarding adults are kept for seven years following the date of last contact and records regarding children are kept until the child attains the age of 25 years.

Late Arrivals

If you arrive late (up to 20 minutes) for an appointment, you are entitled to receive treatment for the remainder of the hour designated in your appointment time.

Cancellation Policy

Psychology Australia (Mt Lawley) requires at least 24 hours’ notice of a cancellation or change of appointment, preferring as much notice as possible so that we may endeavour to fill your appointment time. If a cancellation occurs within the 24 hour period to your appointment, or you do not arrive for your appointment, a cancellation fee will be incurred and payable within seven (7) days. If you need to contact us to change an appointment after hours, please leave a voice message as it does record the date and time you called and we can check it as soon as we are open. We will accept extreme crisis and emergencies as reason to waive the fees, so long as you have notified before the appointment and given a reason for non-attendance. By signing our Client Intake Form you are acknowledging that you have read our Cancellation Policy and accept our terms and conditions.

Please note: Cancellation fees are unable to be rebated under Mental Health Care Plans, Bulk Billing and Workers Compensation and insurance claims. Clients are responsible for the payment of cancellation fees.

Recovery Policy

If you do not pay your fees incurred through our service (e.g. appointment fee, report fees, cancellation fees, etc.) you will be liable for any legal costs incurred by Psychology Australia to recover monies owed.