āThis document explains the psychological services provided by The Sustainable Space – Psychology & Supervision. Please read it carefully and raise any questions you have. You may withdraw your consent at any time.
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Psychological Services
At The Sustainable Space – Psychology & Supervision, evidence-based counselling strategies are used to help address your concerns. Research shows these strategies can support mental health and wellbeing.
Your psychologist will:
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Assess your needs
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Develop a treatment plan
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Explain this plan to you in your first session
You can accept the proposed plan, ask for changes, or discuss alternative options.
During sessions, you may need to discuss difficult or painful topics. While this can feel uncomfortable, it often helps improve mental health, relationships, and daily life. If you experience discomfort, please tell your psychologist.
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Collection & Storage of Information
Your psychologist will collect personal information to support your treatment. All information is stored securely.
We are a paperless practice and all electronic records are in a private, secured database
Session notes are only accessible by your treating psychologist. Records are retained for at least 7 years, or 7 years after a client under 18 turns 18, in line with legal requirements.
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Access to Your Information
You can request access to your file unless:
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Access would seriously risk your or someone else’s health
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Access would breach another person’s privacy
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Access would hinder law enforcement activities
Requests must be made in writing. Your psychologist will discuss your request, and we aim to process it within 14 days. A $50 administration fee applies, plus any additional costs for time and staff required.
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Confidentiality
All personal information is kept confidential except when:
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Required by law (e.g., court subpoena)
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Necessary to prevent imminent serious harm to you or others
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Otherwise authorised or required by law
We may share information with your written consent, for example:
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Reports to your doctor, lawyer, or another professional
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Discussions with a family member, partner, or employer
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Sharing Information with Other Services
To support your treatment goals, it may help for your psychologist to share information with relevant parties (e.g., GP, specialist, insurer). This will only occur with your written consent, specifying:
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Who will receive the information
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The purpose of sharing
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What information will be shared
If you claim Medicare rebates under the Better Access scheme, your psychologist must provide summary reports to your referring GP or psychiatrist.
By using the Medicare Better Access scheme, you authorise your psychologist to release treatment updates to your referring medical practitioner.
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Fees
We do not bulk bill. Fees are $240 for a 50 minute consultation. If you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates. Private health insurance cannot be used together with Medicare rebates.
Payment is required on the day by cash or credit card. An invoice will be provided within 2 business days. Services may be suspended if unpaid balances exceed the cost of two appointments, but we will discuss this with you first.
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Cancellation Policy
We ask for at least 2 business days notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations or missed appointments will incur a cancellation fee (details on our website). Medicare or private health insurance rebates do not cover these fees.
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Additional Fees
Extra fees may apply for reports, letters, meetings, or correspondence requested by you. We will confirm these fees in writing before starting. Cancelling or rescheduling such activities after approval may still incur the full charge.
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Clinical Supervision and Case Discussion
To ensure the highest standard of care, your treating psychologist may discuss aspects of your case in professional supervision or peer consultation. These discussions are a normal and important part of professional practice and are conducted to maintain and enhance the quality of psychological services provided. Any information shared in supervision is de-identified to protect your privacy and confidentiality.
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Emergency & Crisis Support
The Sustainable Space – Psychology & Supervision is not an emergency service. For immediate danger, call 000. For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Please inform your psychologist if you access crisis services during your treatment.
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Consent
I have read and understood the information above. I have had the opportunity to ask questions and agree to participate in psychological services under these conditions. I am aware that consent will need to be renewed every 2 years.