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

There are 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. The Psychologist will provide you with a detailed information about the cost of your individual service.  Any out of pocket costs for services will be available to you at the time of booking and are payable on the day of service. A guide to approximate costs can be found on the 'Appointments and Costs' page. Note that cancellation fees apply with less than 3hrs notice.

Medicare

Where Medicare Rebates apply, and you elect bulk-billing services, the default agreement is that you assign the right to the Medicare Benefit to the treating psychologist (ie your Medicare rebate). You can choose not to assign the right to the practitioner but this will require you to pay up front for your appointment and then submit the payment advice to Medicare yourself.