Informed Consent Form
Client Consent & Forms
If you are a new or existing client, please read the information below carefully and complete the consent form before your appointment.
Your information is handled securely and in accordance with privacy laws.
If you have any questions, we can discuss these in your session.
INFORMED CONSENT – CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES
Psychologist: Lynne Woolfson, Clinical Psychologist
Registration: AHPRA Registered Psychologist
About the Services
I provide psychological assessment and evidence-based psychological treatment, including therapy and, where appropriate, hypnosis. Sessions generally run for 50–60 minutes and may occur in person or via telehealth.
Psychological therapy may help improve understanding, coping, emotional wellbeing, and resilience. At times, discussing personal or distressing material may feel uncomfortable. You are always free to pause, slow down, or ask questions.
GP Involvement and Mental Health Treatment Plans
Most clients are referred by their General Practitioner (GP) under a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP). As part of this process, your GP remains involved in your care.
This usually involves brief letters being sent to your GP at the commencement of treatment, at Medicare review points (typically after six sessions), and at the conclusion of treatment. These letters may include your presenting concerns, treatment focus, progress, recommendations, and relevant resources to support your care.
If you would like to limit what is shared, please discuss this with me. I will respect your preferences wherever possible while still meeting Medicare requirements.
Confidentiality and Its Limits
Information shared in sessions is confidential except where:
there is a serious risk of harm to you or others
a child is at risk of harm
disclosure is required by law (e.g. subpoena, court order, Medicare audit)
you provide written consent for information to be shared
Privacy, Records, and File Destruction
Your information is handled in accordance with the Health Records Act 2001 (Victoria) and the Australian Privacy Principles.
Records are stored securely. Records are retained for 7 years after the last date of service, or until age 25 if you were under 18, whichever is later. After this period, records are securely destroyed.
Telehealth
If sessions occur via telehealth, reasonable steps are taken to protect privacy. Technology issues may occasionally occur. Sessions are not recorded without your written consent.
Fees, Cancellations, and Missed Sessions
Fees will be discussed with you prior to commencing treatment. Fees are $250. With MHCP in place you get $145 back from medicare for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed sessions where the appointment was confirmed, may be charged the full session fee. Medicare does not provide rebates for cancelled or missed appointments.
Ongoing Consent
Consent is an ongoing process and may be reviewed throughout therapy, particularly if treatment goals or approaches change. You may withdraw consent at any time.
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