how have your procedures changed in response to COVID-19?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vivid Life Psychology are offering therapeutic services via phone and video consultations. We will provide detailed instructions so you don’t need to be a tech expert to access our services from the safety and comfort of your home. Telehealth has been found to be as effective as face-to-face services but it may not suit everyone. As such, we are still able to provide face-to-face sessions if Telehealth is not appropriate. Please contact us to discuss which option is best for you. Telehealth services will be available until 30 September 2020 unless extended by Medicare.
When providing face-to-face services we practice social distancing and thorough room cleaning procedures are in place. We will continue to update our procedures in line with the latest advice from Medicare and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
If you are unwell, have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, or have travelled within the last 14 days please arrange for a telehealth appointment or call to cancel or reschedule your appointment giving at least 24 hours notice.
what are the fees?
The fees will depend on the service being provided. Please contact us via phone, email, or head to the CONTACT page to send an instant enquiry message. We will contact you as soon as possible to inform you of our rates and to discuss which of our services might suit you best.
What is the cancellation policy?
If for some reason you need to cancel or postpone your appointment, please give your psychologist as much notice as possible so the appointment can be offered to someone else and room hire can be cancelled where necessary. If you fail to attend your appointment or give less than 3 hours notice of cancellation, you will be charged the full cost for the session. If you provide less than 24 hours (but more than 3 hours) notice, you will be charged a cancellation fee of $80 ($40 for those receiving concession rate). Please note, Medicare do not provide refunds for sessions not attended.
Why do you gather information in the first session?
As part of providing a psychological service to you, your psychologist needs to collect and record personal information from you that is relevant to your current situation and history. This collection of personal information will be a necessary part of the psychological assessment and treatment that is conducted. It is up to you what information you disclose, however if your psychologist feels they do not have enough information they may be unable to provide you with the psychological service. Speak to your psychologist if you have any concerns regarding information provided to us.
How do you store and use my information?
Your personal information will be kept securely in an electronic filing system that is protected by 256-bit bank grade security and encryption, meaning your data is protected to the same level required by banks. Your information is used only by your psychologist and authorised personnel of the Practice (as necessary). Your personal information will be retained for 7 years from your last contact with the service (or 7 years after a child’s 18th birthday), as per the legal requirement.
Can I access my information?
At any stage you are entitled to access your personal information kept on file, subject to exceptions set out in Health Privacy Principal 6 of the Health Records Act (2001). This means that your request must be serious in nature, i.e. “the request must not be frivolous or vexatious”. Any request to access your information must be lodged with your psychologist in writing. Your request will then be responded to within 14 days and an appointment may be made for clarification purposes at the cost of a standard consultation.
are there circumstances where you might share information about me?
All personal information gathered by the psychologist during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential except when:
- It is subpoenaed by a court, or disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law;
- Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious risk of harm;
- Your prior approval has been obtained to share information with others, if deemed appropriate by your psychologist and for a purpose which is directly related to the primary purpose for which your personal information was collected.
- You have been referred by a GP with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) as the psychologist will be required to exchange written/verbal correspondence with your GP regarding your treatment and progress. This can also apply when your treatment is being paid for by a third party such as NDIS, where the psychologist is required to report on progress to the funder.
As per the requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia, psychologists are required to engage in professional supervision and peer consultation throughout their career. This may involve discussing non-identifiable client information (i.e. names and identifying information omitted or changed to protect client confidentiality). Your personal information will not be used, sold, rented or disclosed for any other purpose.
If you have any further questions please get in touch. Head to our CONTACT page for our contact details or to send a message.