Policies

Any late payments run the risk of a 5% late fee being applied to the service fee per each week the payment has not been made. If we do not receive payment or make multiple attempts to contact you for payment with no success, we will refer your account to our debt collection service. Non-payment will result in service termination and debt collection.

Full payment is required when a report is requested in order for us to proceed. We do not start the assessment process or report writing process until the requested report is fully paid for.

If you are referred under a Mental Health Care Plan, please note that if you are late to an appointment, you may not be able to claim a Medicare rebate. This is as per Medicare’s Item Number policies.

It is the responsibility of the client or parent of child clients to ensure that the referral is valid if you wish to receive a Medicare Rebate. Please ensure you check with Medicare how many sessions you have used or keep track of this yourself.

In cases involving children, we extend a warm welcome to the participation of both parents. It is important to note that, in the absence of court-issued directives, both parents possess the authorisation to attend appointments. Should you possess a court-issued mandate stipulating shared parental responsibility, we will secure consent from both parents before commencing therapy sessions. This ensures that we adhere to legal requirements and uphold the best interests of the child.

We value our client’s privacy. We are guided by Privacy Laws and do not release any information without Informed Consent for our client or unless subpoenaed by a Court of Law. When a third party contacts our clinic and requests information, this message is conveyed. In the case of separated families, we encourage both parents to be involved when possible unless a Court Order has stated otherwise. However, it is not our role to share information relating to appointments or to take a mediator role between parents. We believe children have the right to have access to a safe place to share their feelings and thoughts that is safe.

The Australian Psychological Society has ethical guidelines for psychologist working with young people in child and adolescent mental health. Young person means a child under the age of 18 years. The following are the legal and ethical considerations for psychologists when working with young people and are based on extracts from the APS guidelines. All personal information is subject to the Privacy Act of 2002. All client records are kept securely.

Information on diagnosis and intervention suggestions is provided to the referring practitioner (GP, psychiatrist, paediatrician). Confidentiality is needed between children, and adolescent and their psychologist. This means that the parent will not be told from the psychologist information shared by the child/adolescent. However, this is discussed further with the child and adolescents, in most cases a general overview of what was covered may be provided (e.g., today we focused on helpful thoughts, strategies to increase mood etc) where deemed appropriate. This is discussed in your first session with the psychologist. Clinicians will encourage a teenager to talk with their parent but will break confidentiality only when the child’s safety is at risk.

• EFTPOS Machine (credit or debit cards) • Cash • Payment online via link or at time of booking online • Bank Transfer We do NOT offer Bulk Billing.

Our team is committed to delivering services within a secure and psychologically safe environment. We hold a duty of care not only to our team members but also to all clients who access our services, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved. As part of maintaining this environment, we do not tolerate antisocial behaviour. Any individuals found engaging in the following conduct will regrettably be denied services at our clinic. Our practice policy dictates that we maintain the right to refuse service to anyone displaying: 1. Abusive Behaviour: This includes but is not limited to aggressive verbal communication, yelling, insults, slamming doors, written threats, and any aggressive non-verbal behaviours. 2. Intimidation or Humiliation: Any conduct that intimidates, humiliates, or involves threatening emails or actions. 3. Harassment: Any intimidating or harassing behaviour directed towards our team members or other clients. 4. Threats: Any form of verbal or nonverbal aggression directed towards our team members or other clientele is strictly prohibited. 5. Unrealistic Demands: Persistent or unrealistic demands that result in stress to our staff will not be accepted. 6. Property Damage or Theft: Causing damage or stealing from the practice’s premises, staff, or patients. Any actions resulting in property damage. We maintain the unequivocal right to refuse service to individuals who compromise the physical or psychological safety of our staff. Our commitment is to foster a kind and welcoming environment, and there is no justification for aggressive behaviour. We emphasise: There is absolutely no excuse for abusive or threatening behaviour. THERE IS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ABUSE!