Psychological Service
As part of providing a psychological service to you, the psychologist will need to collect and record personal information from you that is relevant to your current situation. This information will be a necessary part of the psychological assessment and treatment that is provided to you during counselling.
Purpose of Collecting and Holding Information
The information is gathered as part of the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of your condition. It is the Psychologist’s responsibility to feedback information to your referring doctor and treatment progress reports will be written. The information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions, and enables the psychologist to provide a relevant and informed psychological service.
Access to Client Information
At any stage you as a client are entitled to access the information about you kept on file, unless the relevant legislation provides otherwise. The psychologist may discuss appropriate forms of access with you.
Confidentiality
All personal information gathered by the psychologist during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential and secure except where:
- It is subpoenaed by a court, or
- Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk;
or
- Your prior approval has been obtained to
a) Document information and provide written reports to other professionals or agencies. E.g. a GP or a lawyer; or
b) Discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent or employer;
or if disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.