4thought psychology respects the privacy and confidentiality of all clients. Psychologists are bound by the legal requirements of the National Privacy Principles from the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000. Your records are kept strictly confidential. No information is released about any client to anyone without the client's permission. If a health practitioner referred you, a brief review letter is sent advising them of the therapeutic support provided. Permission is sought from the client if personal content of the session is to be reported.
Privacy for management for personal information
This document describes the policy of 4thought educational psychology for the management of client information. The psychological or counselling service provided is bound by the legal requirements of the National Privacy Principles from the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000.
This document describes the policy of 4thought educational psychology for the management of client information. The psychological or counselling service provided is bound by the legal requirements of the National Privacy Principles from the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000.
Client information
Client files are stored in a secure filing area which is accessible only to authorised employees/contractors. In addition, our building is protected by a security system. The information in each file includes personal information including client name, address, date of birth, and contact information. These files will also hold all clinical notes made by your psychologist/counsellor in session and any correspondence sent or received which is relevant to the service being provided. Our files are stored for a minimum of five years following your last visit, and disposal of old files is by on-site confidential shredding. Files for children are kept until they reach the age of 23 (i.e., until they reach the age of 18, plus an additional five years).
Client files are stored in a secure filing area which is accessible only to authorised employees/contractors. In addition, our building is protected by a security system. The information in each file includes personal information including client name, address, date of birth, and contact information. These files will also hold all clinical notes made by your psychologist/counsellor in session and any correspondence sent or received which is relevant to the service being provided. Our files are stored for a minimum of five years following your last visit, and disposal of old files is by on-site confidential shredding. Files for children are kept until they reach the age of 23 (i.e., until they reach the age of 18, plus an additional five years).
Purpose of holding information
The information is gathered as part of the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the clients' condition or the other psychological services provided. The information is retained in order to document what happens during the sessions and enables the psychologist/counsellor to provide a relevant and informed service.
The information is gathered as part of the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the clients' condition or the other psychological services provided. The information is retained in order to document what happens during the sessions and enables the psychologist/counsellor to provide a relevant and informed service.
Requests for access to client information
Adults
At any stage, clients may request access to the information kept about them on file. The psychologist/counsellor may wish to discuss the contents before providing a copy if they deem it necessary. All requests by clients for access to information should be directed to the psychologist/counsellor through our practice manager. These requests will be responded to within seven days and an appointment will be made if clarification is necessary.
Couples & Relationships
In the case of couple/relationship counselling, access to the joint file will not be given automatically to one partner as a provision of access would have an unreasonable impact upon the privacy of the other individual. Therefore, information will only be released that pertains to the client making the request. If the third party affected provides written consent, the information may be released. If this is not available, copies of records will only be made available after all information pertaining to the other individual has been removed; extra time is required for this process.
Children & Adolescents
In the case of an adolescent or under-aged client, parents are not necessarily able to have access to their child's file. National Privacy Principle 6 applies only to individuals accessing information about themselves. Under NPP 2.4, a psychologist or counsellor may disclose health information about a client to the client's parents if:
Adults
At any stage, clients may request access to the information kept about them on file. The psychologist/counsellor may wish to discuss the contents before providing a copy if they deem it necessary. All requests by clients for access to information should be directed to the psychologist/counsellor through our practice manager. These requests will be responded to within seven days and an appointment will be made if clarification is necessary.
Couples & Relationships
In the case of couple/relationship counselling, access to the joint file will not be given automatically to one partner as a provision of access would have an unreasonable impact upon the privacy of the other individual. Therefore, information will only be released that pertains to the client making the request. If the third party affected provides written consent, the information may be released. If this is not available, copies of records will only be made available after all information pertaining to the other individual has been removed; extra time is required for this process.
Children & Adolescents
In the case of an adolescent or under-aged client, parents are not necessarily able to have access to their child's file. National Privacy Principle 6 applies only to individuals accessing information about themselves. Under NPP 2.4, a psychologist or counsellor may disclose health information about a client to the client's parents if:
- The client is incapable of giving consent or cannot communicate consent; and
- The psychologist/counsellor is satisfied that disclosure is necessary to provide appropriate care or treatment of the client, or, the disclosure is made for compassionate reasons and the disclosure is not contrary to any wish expressed by the client before the client became unable to communicate consent, and of which the psychologist/counsellor is aware, and the disclosure is limited to the extent reasonable and necessary for a purpose as mentioned in point number 2.
Disclosure of information to other professionals
Should communication between professionals be essential for client welfare or services, this will be addressed with the client beforehand. For instance, confidential discussions with school teachers, counsellors, or general practitioners. Requests for client reports from insurance companies or solicitors must be accompanies by a permission to release form signed by the client. In the case of court subpoena, we are required by law to supply contents of the client's files. In the case of unpaid fees, confidential information will be disclosed in pursuit of debt. This will include releasing identifying information of services and service dates.
Should communication between professionals be essential for client welfare or services, this will be addressed with the client beforehand. For instance, confidential discussions with school teachers, counsellors, or general practitioners. Requests for client reports from insurance companies or solicitors must be accompanies by a permission to release form signed by the client. In the case of court subpoena, we are required by law to supply contents of the client's files. In the case of unpaid fees, confidential information will be disclosed in pursuit of debt. This will include releasing identifying information of services and service dates.
If you have a concern about the management of your personal information, please contact reception and ask to speak with our Practice Manager or your provider. Further information can be obtained from the office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner.