GENERAL POLICY STATEMENTS

for the practice of

Josie McSkimming

Client Information

Client files are held in a secure locked filing cabinet. The information on each file includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone numbers and other information relevant to the counselling service being provided.

Confidentiality

All personal information gathered by Josie McSkimming will remain confidential and secure both during and after therapeutic work has been completed except when;

1. It is subpoenaed by a court, or
2. Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at risk, or
3. Your approval has been obtained to;
1. Provide a written report to another professional agency eg a GP or lawyer, or
2. Discuss the material with another person eg a parent, employer, GP or lawyer

Further, I am obliged as a mandatory reporter to make a report to DOCS if a person less than 18 years of age is deemed to be at risk of physical, sexual or emotional harm.

Requests for access to client information

At any stage, you may request to see your file, subject to the exceptions in National Privacy Principles 6. Josie McSkimming may discuss the contents with you and/or give you a copy of your file. Josie McSkimming will respond within 28 days to such a request. An appointment will be made, if necessary, for clarification purposes.

Concerns

If you have a concern about the management of your personal information, please inform Josie McSkimming. A copy of the Information Privacy Principles (IPP) can be accessed through the government's privacy website at:

The current cost of a standard one hour consultation is $125.00 for individual sessions and $135.00 for couples but this should be confirmed by clients at the time of making an appointment. Fees are renegotiated at the beginning of each calendar year or as determined by Josie McSkimming. Fees are payable either by cash or cheque at the time of consultation. Medicare rebates and tax deductions can apply.

If for some reason you need to cancel or postpone your appointment, please give at least 24 hours notice including one full working day. To be clear, for appointments on a Monday notice needs to be provided no later than the Friday before. If 24 hours notice is not given, the full fee will be charged. Please be aware this will not qualify for a Medicare rebate.

Copyright © Josie McSkimming 2013