PRIVACY & CLINIC POLICY

CHARTER FOR CLIENTS OF PSYCHOLOGISTS

Before people can work as psychologists they must be registered with the Psychologists Registration Board in their State or Territory. Your psychologist is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), which is the largest professional association of psychologists in Australia, with a comprehensive Code of Ethics and complementary series of Ethical Guidelines.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All personal information gathered during provision of the psychological service will remain confidential and secure except when:

1. It is subpoenaed by a court of law; or

2. Failure to disclose the information would place the child or another person at risk of harm; or

3. Your prior informed consent has been obtained to provide or receive information from another professional or agency, such as your child's school, GP, paediatrician, legal representative, or relevant government department.

CONSENT / RELEASE FORM

As part of the provision of psychological services, your psychologist will need to collect and record personal information from you that is relevant to your current situation as a necessary part of the psychological assessment and treatment conducted. This is needed in the event that your child's case requires liaison with any third party. Your informed consent for such liaison is essential. The psychologist will discuss this portion of the form with you and advise if third party liaison (such as with a school, doctor or other party) is indicated.

FOR MEDICARE CLIENTS ONLY

If you have been referred by your doctor through the Better Access to Mental Health Scheme, it is a requirement under Medicare that a letter be sent by your psychologist to your doctor after the initial appointment, after six sessions and after ten sessions, or at the time of completion of treatment. This letter will detail the outcome or your assessment and treatment with your psychologist.

ATTENDING APPOINTMENTS

Should you choose to leave your child / adolescent at the clinic for their appointment, you are asked to return to the premises at least 10 minutes prior to the end of your allocated time. In the case of online appointments, parents and guardians are still responsible for the care and supervision for children and young people during online sessions. We are unable to supervise or take responsibility for children / adolescents whose parents do not return on time as we have other clients to cater for awaiting their set appointment time. 

SOCIAL MEDIA & SHARING INFORMATION

Please consider your privacy if you choose to share articles or information from this website or our Facebook page.

Please note that any information provided on this website and/or our Facebook page is considered as general information only, and should not be regarded as professional advice. When reading such information, you acknowldge that the provided information is not a platform for making decisions and that professional advice should be sought. Please contact our clinic if you require assistance, or consult your doctor for medical advice, and/or contact an appropriate service (see useful links).

In the case of sharing any information from this website or from our Facebook page, you acknowledge that you accept responsibility for any materials accessed and indemnify ACPC Psychology against any liability in relation to it.

ACPC aims to use social media to provide information (that may or may not be of relevance to readers), whilst ensuring professionalism in the use of social media. If you have any questions or concerns about our clinic's use of social media, please contact Ms. Azza Brown (Principal Clinical Psychologist, ACPC), or the Australian Psychological Society.