Privacy and Security.
Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services maintains confidentiality of the highest standards in protecting the privacy of our service users and clients. All Services provided by Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services meet the Australian health services requirement to comply with legislation and regulations which protect the use and disclosure of personal information.
Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services adheres to the Guidelines for Federal and ACT Government World Wide Websites developed by the Australian Privacy Commissioner and the Australian Privacy Principles.
Australian Privacy Principles can be found at: https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/australian-privacy-principles/read-theaustralian-privacy-principles/
Private Information and National Privacy Principles
Personal and health related information is collected by Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services for administrative and professional services purposes. Occasionally non-identifiable and identifiable client information need to be disclosed for referral or reporting purposes. In order to provide professional face to face and remote services information is collected. A client has the right to refuse to disclose personal information; however, it may prevent provision of services in some instances.
Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services practitioners do not require individual consent to disclose information when such information is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious or imminent threat to the client or any other person (adult or child) directly or indirectly associated with the client where their health, life or safety or well-being is, or may be, placed at risk.
All information gathered by Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services through our online, telephone and or face to face counselling services remain confidential, except under specific circumstances where we are mandated to disclose information:
– It is evident that you, an identifiable third party (another person) or the general public may be at imminent or immediate risk of serious harm or injury.
– It is revealed that a criminal act under the Commonwealth or State law has been committed;
– We have a legal obligation to disclose information, such as a court order;
– It is subpoenaed by a court;
– Failure to disclose the information would place you and/or another person at risk;
– Your prior written approval has been obtained to;
– Provide a written or verbal report to another professional or agency. eg. a Medical General Practitioner or a Barrister and/or Solicitor (lawyer); and or
– Discuss the material with another person. e.g. a parent/carer/guardian, advocate or employer.
Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services protects personal information and all data is stored securely.
All client information collected is kept either in a secure data storage facility, device or a secured electronic server facility where sensitive information can only be accessed by appropriately qualified and authorised personnel in possession of security access codes.
The National Privacy Principles may give clients the right to access their own client records, however, costs incurred in the processing of the request, including photocopying and time taken to photocopy will be passed on to the client.
There are a limited number of situations when a request for access to client records may be denied in part or in full by the Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services practitioner.
These include where:
– Access would pose a serious threat to the life or health of any individual;
– The privacy of others might be affected;
– The request is frivolous or vexatious;
– Information relates to existing or anticipated legal proceedings;
– Access would prejudice negotiations with the individual;
– Access would be unlawful;
– Denying access is required or authorised by or under law;
Client Services Agreement
Your Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services counselling practitioner will seek your consent to record data at the commencement of your counselling sessions.
The Client voluntarily consents to participate in services provided by Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services practitioners upon signing of and the entering of this Client Services Agreement (Agreement). Methods to be used in the provision of these services will be explained to you by your Practitioner. All such processes are hereafter referred to as “services.” The Client understands and agrees that the practitioner’s services will address only the mutually agreed upon and specified concerns. The Client agrees to inform the Practitioner of changes in their circumstances, mental health and/or medical status that may adversely affect their ability to participate fully in the services provided.
The Practitioner agrees to render ethical, competent services to the Client, to the best of their ability and within the limits of their professional knowledge and training. The Client understands and agrees that they are unable to assure or predict the results or outcomes. The Client has the right to ask questions about any process and to discuss any concerns before, during, or following these services. The Client has the right to cease engaging at any time and noncompliance with services provided may reduce the probability of successful outcomes.
Accessing services provided by Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services, and signing the Counselling Consent form indicates that they have read, understand and accepted the terms and conditions of this Agreement and have entered into it voluntarily.
Use of Audio Recordings
The Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services practitioner may make audio, video and/or digital recordings of sessions conducted with the Client. The Client accepts that the acceptance of professional services by the practitioner and the signing of this Agreement is an automatic approval to audio, video and/or digitally record all sessions conducted with the client directly or over any telecommunication or electronic communication service or secure computer equipment.
Risk
The Client acknowledges and accepts that there may be a risk associated with the Practitioner’s services. In that during the provision of these services, the Client may experience some uncomfortable emotions or review some unpleasant memories. The Client acknowledges and accepts these risks.
Disclaimer of Liability
The Client acknowledges and accepts all responsibility and risks associated with the provision of these services provided by the Practitioner. The Client hereby releases and discharges the Practitioner, Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services and its employees, subcontractors, representatives, directors, officers shareholders or agents or those of its affiliated organisations or agents or anyone else involved with the Practitioner, Wellness & Co. Counselling & Psychology Services jointly or separately from any and all liability and from each and every complaint, demand, claim or cause of action existing, including but not limited to negligence or direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, or loss which may hereafter arise resulting directly or indirectly from the conduct of these services. In jurisdictions (States or Territories) which do not allow some or all of the above limitations of liability, liability shall be limited to the greatest extent allowed by the law of that jurisdiction. The client further agrees that if any part of this Agreement is found to be invalid by a Court of Law or any Tribunal, all other sections will be deemed as still applying and be valid.