Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Established in 2013 Integrated Psychology Centre (IPC) is a collective of independently practicing AHPRA registered psychologists.

We offer evidence-based comprehensive psychological services for adults, young people and children, including assessment, formulation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and psychotherapy for a range of mental health conditions. Services are tailored to individual needs and may be delivered in-person or via telehealth.

The terms of service and rights and responsibilities in relation to information security, access and confidentiality are outlined below.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: All information obtained during your treatment is kept confidential and secure. Limitations to confidentiality occur when:

  1. It is subpoenaed by a court;

  2. Failure to disclose the information would place yourself or another person (including children) at risk of harm;

  3. Your prior approval has been obtained to

    • Provide a written report to another professional agency – e.g. to a lawyer; or

    • Discuss the information with another person – e.g. a parent or employer;

  4. Disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.

  5. If you claim rebates from funding bodies, doctors and health practitioners, it may be a requirement to provide summary reports to referring doctors, specialists and/or agencies regarding your progress.

INFORMATION SECURITY AND ACCESS: In the course of your treatment, personal information about you is collected at intake and by your treating psychologist to enable your treatment. Your intake information is securely stored in Halaxy, our practice diary management system. All notes taken during your treatment and all communications relating to your treatment become a part of your clinical records. Your clinical records are stored electronically or in other secure locations held by your treating psychologist alone, which you consent to as a client of this practice. You have a general right to access your records (subject to some exceptions which mainly relate to privacy, health or legal considerations) and you can request access to your records. Your request must be made in writing, after which your treating psychologist will discuss your request with you. It is a requirement that your treating psychologist stores your clinical records for 7 years after ceasing engagement, and up to age 25 years for a young person under the age of 18.

CONSENT TO SHARING OF INFORMATION: Permission is given for Integrated Psychology Centre to obtain and exchange appropriate written, electronic or verbal information with the following persons / agencies:

  • Referrer 

  • Psychiatrist 

  • GP

  • Melanie Colhoun - for the purpose of diary management and/or triaging within IPC

Our practice does not provide court reports for family, criminal, or civil litigation matters. If a formal medico-legal or forensic report is required, we are able to recommend appropriately qualified forensic psychologists who specialise in this area.

We are able to provide WorkSafe, TAC, and NDIS reports where required. If a report is requested by an insurance company or funding body and agreed to by the client, we will invoice the relevant provider directly. Fees apply for all report preparation. We do not provide clinical notes to third parties. Clinical records will only be released where the client provides informed written consent directly to us, following a discussion about the potential implications and limitations of releasing such information.

In certain circumstances, we may provide a brief letter confirming attendance for university, school, employers, insurers, court, or other purposes. These requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, and fees may apply.

APPOINTMENTS: We will endeavour to contact you via SMS to confirm appointments; however, it remains your responsibility to be aware of your scheduled appointments. A consultation will usually last 50 minutes.

PROVISION OF TELEHEALTH SERVICES
To access telehealth consultations you will need access to a quiet, private space; and the appropriate device, i.e. smartphone, laptop, iPad, computer, with a camera, microphone and speakers; and a reliable broadband internet connection.

The privacy of any form of communication via the internet is potentially vulnerable and limited by the security of the technology used. To support the security of your personal information this practice uses platforms which are compliant with the Australian standards for online security and encryption.

Limitations of telehealth

A telehealth consultation may be subject to limitations such as an unstable network connection which may affect the quality of the psychology session. In addition, there may be some services for which telehealth is not appropriate or effective. Your psychologist will consider and discuss with you the appropriateness of ongoing telehealth sessions.