Disclosure of Personal Information

Except for certain specific exceptions described below, you have the absolute right to confidentiality of your information. However, it is important to know there are exceptions in which all psychologists are required to break confidentiality. This can occur when

1

The information you have given to your psychologist is subpoenaed (officially requested) by a court of law or tribunal.
2

Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious risk of harm. When a client discloses intentions or a serious plan to harm another person we are required to warn the intended victim and report this information to the appropriate authorities. Additionally, when a client discloses or implies a serious plan for suicide we are required to notify the appropriate authorities and make reasonable attempts to safeguard life.
3

Your psychologist is made aware that a child or a vulnerable adult is being or has been abused. By law, they must report this information to the appropriate authorities.
4

Your prior approval has been obtained to (a) provide a written report to another professional or agency (e.g. a GP or a lawyer); or (b) discuss the material with another person (e.g. a parent or employer).
5

You would reasonably expect your personal information to be disclosed to another professional or agency. For example, your psychologist must meet reporting obligation under Medicare or to third party agencies (e.g., insurance companies, workers’ compensation).

Information that is often requested includes, but is not limited to, the type of services provided, the dates and times of services provided, diagnosis, treatment plan and application, a description of difficulties presented by the client, the progress of therapy, actual case notes and summaries, and billing specifics.

To maintain registration, psychologists are required to annually undertake a minimum of 10 hours of peer consultation. This can involve discussion of client cases, during which every effort is made to preserve clients’ anonymity (e.g., identifying information is not given).

Accessing Your Information

At any stage, you are entitled to access your personal information kept on file, subject to exceptions in relevant legislation. Your psychologist will discuss with your possible forms of access and associated fees that may be involved.

By law, client records are kept for seven years from the date of last contact. If a client was a minor at the time of contact, the records are kept for 7 years once the age of 18 is reached. Historical client records at Canberra Psychology Clinic are disposed of via a confidential data destruction service.

Our Services

Reception Hours Please leave a voice message if you have called out of receptions hours or your call goes unanswered, we will call you back.

Monday 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 1:00PM

Disclosure of Personal Information