What we record
Your psychologist keeps clinical notes for each session, along with any assessment results, correspondence and reports. These are held securely and are subject to the Australian Privacy Principles and NT health records legislation.
Who can see it
Your treating psychologist, and our administration team for booking and billing purposes only. Cases are sometimes discussed in clinical supervision — a professional requirement — where identifying details are minimised.
Nothing is released to anyone else without your written consent, with four exceptions:
- There is a serious and imminent risk to your life or safety, or to someone else's.
- There is a legal obligation to report suspected harm to a child.
- A court issues a subpoena for your records.
- Your file is subject to a mandatory notification about a health practitioner.
We will tell you if any of these apply, wherever it is safe to do so.
Reports to your GP
If you were referred under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare requires your psychologist to write to your GP after the initial sessions and at the end of treatment. You are welcome to read that letter before it is sent.
Young people
Adolescents are entitled to confidentiality too. At the first appointment we explain to both the young person and their parents what will and will not be shared, and we keep to it.
Accessing your records
You can request access to your file. Write to our Practice Manager. We will respond within 30 days. In rare cases access is provided through a summary or a GP where releasing raw notes could cause harm.
Concerns
Speak to your psychologist first if you are comfortable doing so, or contact our Practice Manager. You can also contact the Health and Community Services Complaints Commission (NT) on 1800 004 474 or AHPRA on 1300 419 495.