Psychological Service

As part of providing a psychological service, it is necessary to collect and record personal information about you and your health condition/s. You do not have to provide the psychologist with this information, but if you do not, this may mean that the psychological treatment may be compromised or may not be able to be fully provided to you.

Storage of Your Information

The information that you provide, or information provided by other health professionals about you (e.g. in referrals or reports) is stored electronically in a secure clinic database that can only be accessed by appropriate clinic health professionals and staff – all of whom are bound by strict confidentiality clauses. Your health and relevant personal information is retained in order for the psychologist to provide you with a relevant and informed service. You have the right to request that all, or part of your personal information be stored outside of the clinic database if you choose. If this is your preference, please advise the psychologist.

Access to Your Information

As a patient, you are entitled to access to the information about you kept on file, unless the relevant legislation provides otherwise. The psychologist will discuss with you appropriate forms of access if requested.

Confidentiality

Your personal and private information is respected, protected and treated with extreme care. The information you provide to your psychologist cannot be given out to your family, friends, work colleagues, government agencies or other third parties without your permission. However, your information may be released to other health professionals and/or clinic staff where appropriate and relevant. This may include a review with your GP, information needed to book your appointments or send mail, scanning of correspondence and so on. With your verbal consent your psychologist may also access relevant and appropriate information about your medication or associated health conditions where it is deemed to be in the best interest of your treatment. Please note that the psychologist is legally obliged to release your information if: It is requested by a court of law; or the psychologist deems that you may be at risk/ a risk to others; or if disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law (e.g., mandated reporting).

Fees and Costs

There may be fees for the psychological services provided to you. With a valid GP Mental Health Care Plan, all or some of the costs of these services may be covered by a Medicare rebate.  Any out-of-pocket costs for services are detailed on this website and also at the time of booking your appointment (if you are booking online). In most instances any costs are payable before or on the day of service. Where your fee is payable beforehand it is administered as an appointment 'holding' fee. You can choose not to pay a holding deposit for your appointment. If so, you will need to pay the full fee for service on the day and then have the applicable Medicare Rebate credited back to you (allow 2 working days). Note we require at least 3 hours' notice of cancellation. If you do not provide at least 3 hours' notice penalties may apply (i.e., loss of appt holding fee or a $25 fee).

Medicare

Where Medicare Rebates apply the default agreement when using this service is that you assign the right to the Medicare Benefit to the treating psychologist (i.e., your Medicare rebate). If you do not advise us otherwise, it is understood that you agree to this arrangement when booking your appointment. If you would prefer to receive the Medicare Rebate yourself, please let us know. We will then bill you the full fee at the time of consultation and you can submit the receipt directly to Medicare. Please note that appointment times and psychological services are all provided within strict Medicare guidelines. As such, an additional time is allocated per person / appt (where required) for administrative, treatment planning and like to ensure compliance with Medicare regulation.

COVID VACCINATION STATUS

At this point in time, in-person appointments are only available to those with an up-to-date COVID vaccination status. For those who choose not to be vaccinated, will may elect to conduct your consultation via video, telephone or outside of the consulting rooms.

It is important that you understand and agree to all of these terms and conditions at the time of booking your appointment. If you do not agree, or do not understand any of what you have read, please call the receptionist who will happily explain. Or contact Samantha (who will call you back). Thank you.