Confidentiality Policy
As part of providing mental health services to you, we need to collect and record personal information from you that is relevant to your situation, such as your name, contact information, medical history and other clinically relevant information.
Your personal information is gathered as part of your assessment and treatment, is kept securely and, in the interests of your privacy, used only by your practitioner and the authorised personnel of the practice (as necessary). Your personal information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions, and enables the practitioner to provide a relevant and informed service to you.
You are entitled to access your personal information kept on file at any time. Should you wish to see the information kept on your client records, please discuss this with your practitioner.
We will never share your information without your express consent, except under the following circumstances:
- There are concerns about your immediate safety or the safety of others
- Your information is subpoenaed by a court of law, or disclosure of your information is otherwise mandated by law.
- In cases of abuse, ongoing domestic violence, or neglect of a vulnerable person i.e. children, people with a disability or the elderly.
- If you are using a Medicare referral, we must periodically communicate with your referring doctor to update them on your mental health.
- If you are under 16, some information may be shared with your legal guardian. The specifics of this will be discussed during your first appointment.
- Your practitioner may consult with a colleague or supervisor regarding your case; in this case, your identity will be kept anonymous.
We may contact Medicare to enquire about your Medicare claims or your eligibility for Medicare services as relevant to our services.