This document describes the policy of the practice of Esse Psychology/The Humanitarian for the management of client information. The psychological service provided is bound by the legal requirements of the National Privacy Principles from the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000. Esse Psychology abides by the Australian Psychological Society's Charter.
Consent for service
Your consent is required for us to provide a psychological service. Your psychologist will explain to you the benefits and any potential risks of accessing psychological services. Please ensure that you fully understand the service information provided and ask for further information if you are unclear as to the information outlined in this consent form.
Personal Information
As part of providing a psychological service, such as a psychological assessment or treatment, we will need to collect and record personal information that is relevant to your current situation. This information is a necessary part of the services provided and guides treatment. You do not have to give all of your personal information, but choosing not to share your relevant information may mean that the psychological service may be affected.
Purpose of collecting & holding information
Your personal information is gathered as part of the assessment, management and treatment of a client’s situation and condition at the time of seeking psychological service provision and is seen only by the consulting psychologist.
Your information will be confidentially retained to document what happens during sessions and enable the psychologist to provide a relevant and informed psychological service to you.
Information storage
Your information is stored securely. Client files are held in a secure filing cabinets, password protected hard drives & secure electronic systems which are accessible only to the consulting psychologist, or in the event of any significant injury, permanent disability or death of your psychologist, by authorised personnel. The information on each file includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone numbers, and other information which is relevant to the psychological service being provided.
Consequences of not providing personal information
Psychologists are required to keep clear and accurate client records as part of their professional obligations. If you do not wish for your personal information to be collected, we may not be able to provide the psychological service to you. Please discuss any concerns you have with your psychologist.
Requests for 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 consulting psychologist may discuss with you, appropriate forms of access, for example by discussing the contents with you. All requests by clients for access to information held about them should be lodged with esse@essepsychology.com.au or psy@thehumanitarian.com.au. These requests will be responded to within 30 days and an appointment will be made if necessary, for clarification purposes.
Confidentiality of information
Personal information gathered by your psychologist will remain confidential except for certain circumstances. In most cases, any sharing of information will only occur with your consent. Our practice asks for your consent to share information when:
Sharing information with a family member, guardian or carer.
Discussing with others, such as your GP, employer, or any agencies which may be paying for your attendance.
Providing a written report regarding your assessment or treatment to another professional or agency, such as your GP, lawyer or insurance company.
For disclosing the information in any other way not referenced in this document.
Psychologists are required to consult and receive supervision from colleagues from time to time. If your information is shared in this context, all care is taken to deidentify your information in such a way that you remain anonymous.
Exception to confidentiality
There are times when your psychologist may release your information without obtaining your consent such as:
When a court requires information by issuing a subpoena, or providing information is otherwise required or authorised by law.
When it is required because the psychologist must make a mandatory report on a concern.
When the psychologist discloses information because they believe you or someone else is at risk of serious harm.
Fees
The cost of a 50-minute bushfire related counselling consultation will be charged at the Medicare equivalent bulk-billed rate of $98.95 whether you have a GP Mental Health Care Plan or have opted to pay for the service privately.
At the end of each appointment, you will be invoiced. Once you have paid the invoice in full (either on the day by credit card or within 3 days of the appointment by Electronic Fund Transfer), your invoice will be receipted and you will be able to claim a rebate with either Medicare (if you have a GP referral & mental health care plan) or via your private health fund if you are covered for extras.
Cancellation policy
If, for some reason, you need to cancel or postpone the appointment, please give Esse Psychology/The Humanitarian at least 36-24 hours/ 1 days’ notice. The more notice that is possible, the better, for other clients wanting to schedule an appointment. If you regularly forget or cancel your appointments at very short notice, you will likely be requested to pay a cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of a session.
How to make a complaint
If you have any concerns about your contact with our clinic, please discuss these with your psychologist, if you are able. If you would like to make a complaint, you are able to do so by contacting us either by phone or in writing to Esse Psychology/The Humanitarian (esse@essepsychology.com.au or psy@thehumanitarian.com.au)
APS Charter for Clients of Psychologists
The attached Charter explains your rights as a client of a psychologist.
Period of consent
This consent is provided for the following time period. Consent will also be reviewed as required should the terms of the service change.
Consent is valid until this set date: 31/12/2026
You have a right to withdraw this consent at any time by telling your psychologist or putting your request in writing. You cannot withdraw consent for a service that has already occurred. Your psychologist can discuss with you any implications of withdrawing consent.