Privacy &
Confidentiality Policy
Registered Psychologists and Social Workers working in Australia are bound by a strict Code of Ethics which includes maintaining client confidentiality and privacy. The Centre for Whole Body Health strongly adheres to professional and legal confidentiality and privacy requirements as part of our commitment to providing quality care to our clients. This includes elements of the Australian Privacy Principles as well as obligations of confidentiality outlined by AHPRA, APS and AASW code of ethics and regulatory guidelines.
At your first appointment you will be provided with a client information form which details notices about privacy and how information about you may be used or disclosed.
Ensuring client privacy and confidentiality is paramount to client care at The Centre for Whole Body Health. No information will be provided to others without your written consent. You will be asked at your initial appointment if you consent to your personal information being shared with other practitioners or medical professionals where this may enhance your treatment and provide comprehensive health care.
As part of providing a psychological service to you, personal information relevant to your current care will need to be collected and recorded. This information will be a necessary part of psychological assessment and treatment that is conducted. Paper and electronic file notes are held securely, with password protection or stored in lockable filing cabinets to protect client records.
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 and social worker may discuss with you appropriate forms of access.
All personal information gathered by the psychologist or social worker during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential and secure except where:
1. It is subpoenaed by a court, or;
2. Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk; or
3. Your prior approval has been obtained to;
a) Provide a written report to another professional or agency (e.g. a GP or a lawyer);
b) Discuss the material with another person (e.g. a parent or employer; or if disclosures is otherwise required or authorised by law).