This document contains important information about the psychological services provided at Pucinischi Psychology. Please read the following information carefully. Please raise any questions or concerns that arise. You may withdraw your consent at any time.
Psychological services provided at Pucinischi Psychology
We use evidence-based counselling strategies to help you with your concern(s). Research has shown that these counselling strategies can help most people with their mental health. Your psychologist will evaluate your needs, develop a treatment plan, and provide strategies and techniques to help you with your concern(s). Your individual treatment plan will be explained in the first session. Please feel able to choose whether you want to follow a treatment plan developed by your psychologist or ask for an alternative option. You are encouraged to raise any questions about your treatment plan with your psychologist.
It is usual to talk about unpleasant areas of your life when working with a psychologist. This can be uncomfortable or painful at times so please let your psychologist know if you experience discomfort during a session. While it can be difficult at times, psychological services can improve your mental health, assist with relationship difficulties, and help with many practical issues you may face. Research has demonstrated that not accessing psychological services may result in ongoing distress or impairment. Your psychologist will explain how psychological services may help you.
How your information will be collected and recorded
Your psychologist will need to collect and record personal information about you. This information is kept to record the activity undertaken in each session and to help your psychologist address your concern(s). You can expect to be asked for general contact information by your psychologist. This information will be recorded in a private and secured database at Pucinischi Psychology. Only staff at Pucinischi Psychology will have access to your information. Specific information about your concern(s) will only be collected by your psychologist and recorded in your file. Furthermore, any letters, emails, or other information related to you will also be recorded in your file. All files are kept private and confidential.
How your information is stored and who can access to your information
Any information collected during the course of your treatment is stored in a secured online database and any handwritten notes are temporary stored in a filing cabinet until being digitised. Only authorised personnel will have access to your file. All records are held for a minimum of 7 years in accordance with relevant legislation. Records of clients aged 18 years and under are held for a minimum of 7 years after they have reached adulthood (18 years).
Any information regarding your contact details and appointment times are only made available to relevant administration staff and your treating psychologist(s). The information collected during counselling sessions are only accessible by your treating psychologist. You are allowed to access the material recorded in your file, unless relevant legislation states otherwise.
How to access your information
A client has a general right of access to all information in their file, unless one of the exceptions to National Privacy Principle 6 applies. These exceptions restrict access where:
giving access would pose a serious threat to the physical or mental health of any individual, or
giving access would jeopardise the privacy of others, or
giving access would hinder any law enforcement activities.
If you wish to view the information recorded in your file then, by law, it is necessary to make the request in writing. Upon receiving your request, your psychologist will contact you to discuss your options and to confirm your request. Please allow 14 days for these arrangements to be made, but we will strive to make your file available earlier if possible. Please note that any request for access to your file will incur a $50 administration fee and additional costs depending on the time taken and the staff necessary to complete the request.
The expected frequency and duration of psychological services
The frequency and duration of your psychological service will depend on the severity and quantity of your concern(s). In general, psychological services tend to conduct sessions on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Sessions are usually 1 hour in length and treatment plans are usually created for 10 sessions. You have the right to cease treatment before the completion of the psychological service however we request that you discuss this decision with your psychologist before taking action. A psychological service may also be ceased by your psychologist to maintain professional and ethical standards in practice. Your psychologist will discuss the specific frequency and duration of your treatment in the first session.
Confidentiality of your information
All personal information gathered about you during 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 imminent and serious risk, or
Disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.
Information can be released when your approval has been obtained. This is usually initiated by clients and allows the psychologist to:
Provide a written report to another professional or agency e.g. Doctor or Lawyer
Discuss the information with another person e.g. A parent, partner, or employer
Exchanging your information with other parties:
There may be times where, as part of the psychological service, it may be helpful for your psychologist to liaise with other people or agencies that are relevant to your therapy goals (e.g., your treating GP, specialist, parent, partner, WorkCover). No information will be exchanged without prior written confirmation that details:
The intended recipient of the information
The purpose of the exchange of information
The information that is to be exchanged
If you intend to claim rebates from Medicare or another organisation (such as WorkCover or TAC) then your psychologist must provide summary reports to the relevant external agencies regarding your treatment progress. Under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health scheme, these reports will normally be sent to your referring GP or psychiatrist.
Please note: By agreeing to have sessions conducted under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health scheme you authorise your psychologist to release information regarding your treatment to your referring medical practitioner.
Sharing non-identifiable information during supervision:
To ensure optimal service delivery, there are times psychologists need to consult or seek supervision with fellow psychologists regarding a client and their treatment. By engaging in services from Pucinischi Psychology, you are providing consent that your psychologist can engage in supervision with their peers regarding your presentation and treatment. Please note that your psychologist will not disclose identifiable information and will only share information relevant to treatment.
Fees of psychological services
We are not a bulk billing service. Sessions fees are available on our website and can be confirmed by our administrative staff. If you have a valid Mental Healthcare Plan from your GP or psychiatrist, then you will be able to claim a Medicare rebate. If you are not eligible for Medicare you may use private health insurance or pay the full fee. Please note you cannot use your private health insurance ancillary cover in conjunction with Medicare rebates for psychological services.
Pucinischi Psychology accepts payment by cash or credit card for clinical services. Payment is required on the day that the service has been rendered. You will receive an invoice for your session within 2 business days of the service being rendered. Please note that your psychological service may be suspended or terminated in the event that your outstanding balance exceeds the cost of two appointments. Pucinischi Psychology will ensure that issues with fee payments are highlighted with you before suspension or termination occurs.
Cancellation Policy
Pucinischi Psychology requires notice of at least 48 hours if you need to change or reschedule an appointment. If the need to cancel or reschedule arises, please contact us by phone or email during business hours. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled within the 48 hour window prior to your appointment will incur a cancellation fee. The fees are available on our website and can be confirmed by our administrative staff.
Please note: Medicare or health insurance rebates are not applicable to cancellation fees.
Additional Fees
Any additional fees that may arise from activities such as producing reports for third parties, briefings with other parties (such as lawyers or schools), correspondence with other medical professionals, or written reports of treatment methods or outcomes will be discussed with you prior to the commencement of these activities. All activities that result in additional fees must be approved by you in writing before the activity is initiated. Any cancellation or rescheduling of activities that you have approved in writing will incur the full charge due to time spent in preparation and any materials utilised.
Quality Assurance
In order for Pucinischi Psychology to maintain a high level of service delivery, you may be asked to provide feedback regarding your experience at Pucinischi Psychology. Feedback will usually be sought within 6 months of the conclusion of your treatment. The information collected through the quality assurance program is de-identified and may be used for service quality evaluation or marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be contacted, please provide your request in writing to your psychologist.
Emergency and Crisis Support
Pucinischi Psychology is not an emergency or crisis response service. In the event of immediate danger, contact emergency services at 000. If you require crisis support or immediate counselling, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for free and confidential assistance. Lifeline is able to refer you to additional emergency support services where further support is required. We recommend that you to notify your psychologist if you do access any emergency or crisis support services during the course of treatment.