Privacy
Client Information
Client files are stored in a secure electronic document management system which is accessible only to your psychologist. The information in each file includes personal information such as your name, address, contact phone numbers, and other personal information collected as part of providing psychological services to you.
Information is collected in a number of ways when receiving services from The Mind Studio, including when you provide information directly to The Mind Studio via forms, email, or when you interact directly with The Mind Studio employees. Information may also be collected when other health practitioners provide information to The Mind Studio, via referrals, correspondence, and medical reports.
Purpose of Collecting & Holding Information
As part of providing services to you, The Mind Studio will need to collect and record personal information from you that is relevant to your current situation. You do not have to give all your personal information, but should all relevant information not be made available, this may restrict the quality of the service able to be provided to you.
The information is gathered and used for the purpose of providing psychological services, including the assessment, diagnosis and management of your concerns, and is visible only to your clinician at The Mind Studio. The information is retained in order to document what occurs within sessions, and enables us to provide relevant and informed services.
Confidentiality
It is important that your privacy is protected at all times. All personal information gathered by The Mind Studio will remain confidential and secure except where:
1. It is subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law;
2. Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious risk to life, health or safety;
3. Your prior approval has been obtained to:
Provide a written report to another agency or professional, e.g., a GP or a lawyer;
Discuss the material with another person, e.g., a parent, employer, health provider, or third party funder;
Disclose the information in another way;
Disclose to another professional or agency for a purpose directly related to the primary purpose for which your information was collected.
Additionally, if you have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), Psychologists are required to report to the referring General Practitioner after six and ten sessions about your presenting concern, progress and treatment.
In the situation where a client is receiving support from multiple health professionals, it is standard practice to establish contact with these service providers to ensure coordination of your care and provide the best quality service to you. Your consent will be obtained prior to any contacts of this nature.
As part of professional development and providing the highest quality of care, your psychologist may consult an external supervisor about your presenting concerns. Your psychologist will maintain strict confidentiality of your identity during such discussions.
Assessment
As part of your care at The Mind Studio you may be invited to complete a number of questionnaires to monitor your progress. Some of these questionnaires may be completed on third-party software. If you have any questions or concerns about this software please discuss this with us.
Access to client information
At any stage you as a client are entitled to request to access and correct the information about you kept on file, unless relevant legislation provides otherwise. Your clinician at The Mind Studio will discuss with you appropriate forms of access.
Provision of telehealth services
Where appropriate, psychological services may be provided by telephone or videoconferencing. To access telehealth consultations you will need access to a quiet, private space; an appropriate device with a camera, microphone and speakers; and a reliable 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, The Mind Studio uses Halaxy Telehealth video conferences which are built on Amazon Chime. This is one of the most secure video consultation platforms in the world and is compliant with Australian standards for online security and encryption.