Record keeping and storage:

As per the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics, Psychologist and Allied Health Professional must make and keep adequate client records. These records and their contents are the property of Simplify Psychology and are stored and archived in a secure digital location for a period of 7 years as required by law. At Simplify Psychology we use the Halaxy as our chosen case note system. After this time, records are destroyed.

Confidentiality:

Simplify Psychology provides a confidential mental health service to all clients. The information collected about you remains confidential except in the following circumstances:

·        When it is subpoenaed by a court

·        If a client divulges that they or another person/s intends to harm themselves or others. In such circumstances we have a duty of care to take the appropriate action to safeguard those concerned.

·        When you give your approval to discuss or provide written reports to another person, professional agency or service provider. These may include doctors, lawyers, employers or any named individual. Under these circumstances your written/verbal permission is required.

·        When cases are discussed with another Practitioner for supervision or case management purposes. In these circumstances the name of the client and relevant information is deleted.

Communication to referring Doctors:

Please note that under a Mental Health Care Plan Psychologists are required to send a report to Doctor advising them of progress. These reports are generally quite brief identifying the following in a general sense and include such things as:

·        Any risk factors including; risk of harm, substance and interpersonal issues

·        Any overlapping physical health issues

·        Any referral or medication requirements or queries

·        Specific goals for treatment as agreed with client

Individual notes from sessions are not provided to doctors ongoing, however when working as part of a treatment team, communication is sometimes required to ensure holistic management of mental and physical health concerns. Any communication made through these channels will be discussed with you during your sessions, to ensure you are aware who and why I am making communication.

Cancellation Policy:

There is a 24-hour cancellation policy to ensure that clients who want to be seen can have ongoing access to psychologist at this clinic. Each week there are a defined set of sessions available and non-attendance results in a delay in care for other clients of the clinic who require assistance.

As such we require up front payment for the initial appointments, with following appointments having a full cancellation fee in the case of non-attendance or else no fee if adequate communication is made 24 hours early.

I (print your name)

(a)    Have read and understood the details contained in the above consent form and agree to these conditions as they apply to psychological services within Simplify Psychology.

Signature                                                                                                        Date: