Information Gathered

Over the course of treatment at CQ Psych Services, information is gathered that allows the psychologist to make an informed professional decision as to the most appropriate assessment and treatment methods to be used. This information will include basic demographic data (e.g. name, date of birth, address, etc), as well as other information that is deemed relevant. This will usually include the following:

  • The nature of the problem for which you are presenting;
  • Areas of behaviour related to the presenting problems;
  • A history of the presenting problem;
  • A family history of relevant information; and
  • Other information deemed necessary to make an informed clinical judgement about the nature of the presenting complaint and other relevant factors

 

Confidentiality of Information

Generally, all information gathered over the course of assessment and treatment at the Psychology Clinic remains confidential. There are several notable exceptions, however, to this confidentiality:

  • All psychologists at CQ Psych Services discuss their case load during professional supervision. Information on the nature of the case (though not necessarily full identifying information) is shared with the psychologist’s supervisor;
  • In the event that the psychologist forms the professional opinion that either the client, or another individual is a risk for significant harm, a moral obligation may exist to act on this information with the aim of preventing such harm;
  • In the event that a file is subpoenaed to court;
  • In the event that your prior approval has been obtained to:
    • Provide a written report to another professional or agency e.g. a GP or a Lawyer; or
    • Discuss the material with another person e.g. a parent or employer.

 

Use of Information

Information gathered by CQ Psych Services is used exclusively for two purposes

  • For the formation of a professional psychological opinion which is used to guide assessment and treatment for the presenting complaint; and
  • For the evaluation of the service provided by CQ Psych Services, through collation of detailed statistics about referral sources, nature of presenting problems, attendance durations, etc. In all cases where information is used for statistical purposes, no identifying information is made available.

 

Security of Information

Information provided to CQ Psych Services may be held both in the Client File and the Database. All files are held in locked filing cabinets. Files do not leave CQ Psych Services at any time.

 

Obtaining Information

Requests for information may be made to CQ Psych Services. Requests should be specific as to the exact information required and should be acknowledged within 14 days in writing. Once a request for information is received, CQ Psych Services will conduct a thorough chart review and collate the information in an appropriate manner to ensure adequate and full understanding on the part of the requesting person.

 

Procedure for Complaint/rectifying Information

Official complaints or requests to change inaccurate or erroneous information should be made to the Director of CQ Psych Services. In such cases the Director will conduct a review of the information held by CQ Psych Services and make every effort to ensure that such information is accurate.

 

Access to Privacy Policy

This document should be freely available, and accessible on request by all staff and clients of CQ Psych Services. Its availability should be announced in a prominent location and discussed with each client during their first session.