Australian Psychological Society
NSW Psychologist’s Registration Board
As part of the psychological service to you, the Counsellor, Tony Williams, will need to collect personal information that is relevant to your situation. This will include details of your medical practitioner.
Therapy sessions are normally weekly at the agreed time. Sessions can be varied by consent for financial reasons, or for other commitments or holidays.
Contact is usually strictly limited to the 50 plus minutes of the therapy session unless there is a need to cancel or change an appointment by SMS, phone or email.
As the client, you are entitled to access the personal information kept about you at any time. Appropriate access can be discussed if required.
Confidentiality refers to the secrecy of information obtained in a relationship of trust between you and the psychologist.
The APS Code of Ethics General Principle III[a] states “Psychologists must respect the confidentiality of information obtained from the client in the course of their work as psychologists”.
All personal information gathered about you by the psychologist remains confidential and secure except in any of the following circumstances:
1. Subpoena by a Court.
2. Failure to disclose the information would place you or other individuals at serious or imminent risk of harm.
3. Disclosure or otherwise required or authorised by law.
4. Your prior written approval, at intake, has been obtained to provide a written report to another medical, legal or other professional or discuss the material with another person e.g. a parent, supervisor or employer.
5. Your therapy includes a Mental Health Care Plan referral from a Medical Practitioner which requires the psychologist to report back to the G.P. after six and then at twelve sessions. At these times brief information is supplied about treatment and progress.
As will be discussed at the time, the scheduled time set aside for you each week or other time as agreed is specifically reserved for you. The expectation is that you will attend the appointment as this is your time and you have made a commitment to the therapeutic relationship. Unfortunately if you do not attend and alternative arrangements are not made beforehand the full fee for this appointment is expected to be paid.
There are some occasions when unforeseen circumstances intervene and these can be discussed with the psychologist and alternative arrangements agreed to beforehand. Please feel free to discuss this with me if you have any questions.
The Australian Psychological Society Charter for Clients of Psychologists outlines the services a client can expect from an APS psychologist.
© 2009 Anthony Williams
Information you should know
Psychological Services
Access to Client Information
Confidentiality
Appointment and Cancellation Policy
Charter for Clients of Psychologists
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