Disclaimer and Informed Consent

All our services and your use of this website are subject to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy related policies listed below:

1. Parties who access your personal information

• “You” – the client receiving therapy, or the parent/guardian/person arranging services for a child, adolescent or another adult.
• Your treating “psychologist” will be Amanda Elliott of Amanda Elliott Psychology, responsible for your assessment, treatment and clinical care.
• Administrative/billing “provider” – Changes Psychology manages bookings, billing and Medicare/private health claims on behalf of your psychologist.
• Practice “software” – including Halaxy, Gmail, Google Drive and other secure software applications used to deliver services.

Collectively, we refer to all parties involved in your care (except you) as “we”.

By signing this document, you acknowledge the roles of your psychologist, the provider and the software used to deliver your care.

2. Informed consent

• Your psychologist will explain the purpose of treatment, how it works, the potential benefits and risks, and any alternatives.
• You may ask questions, request changes, seek a second opinion or withdraw consent at any time by speaking with your psychologist or emailing us.
• Consent may be reviewed if treatment objectives, risks, fees or involvement of other parties change.
• You may withdraw consent for us to share your information at any time; however, doing so may limit the services we can provide or affect eligibility for rebates.

3. How we use your personal information

• We operate like a virtual clinic office, collecting and managing personal and medical information provided by you and your psychologist, including sensitive health information.
• We collect, use and (where appropriate) share this information to:
  • facilitate appointments with psychologists
  • manage payment, Medicare and insurance claims
  • maintain accurate appointment records
• We manage your information in accordance with industry standards and applicable laws.
• Storage: Client records are stored securely online in Halaxy and Google Drive using encrypted, access-controlled systems.

4. Confidentiality and limits to confidentiality

• All personal information remains confidential and securely stored except when:
  • it is subpoenaed by a court
  • your psychologist believes you pose an immediate risk to yourself or others
  • you have given prior approval to:
    • provide a written report to another professional or agency (e.g., GP, lawyer)
    • discuss information with another person (e.g., parent, employer)
  • a regulatory or funding body requests information
  • disclosure is required to comply with legal, ethical, professional or mandatory obligations

5. Information sharing

• If you want your psychologist to share or receive information about you or your child with any third party (e.g., ex-partner, teacher, health professional), written consent is required for each person.
• If you claim Medicare rebates or another organisation funds the service, summary reports must be provided to the referring GP, Paediatrician, Psychiatrist or funding body.
• By agreeing to these terms, you consent to this required information sharing.

6. Peer supervision

• Your information may be shared in a de-identified manner during peer supervision to support best practice and high-quality care.
• Please advise your psychologist if you prefer your information not be used in this way.

7. Consent for telehealth sessions

• Services may be provided via telephone or videoconference when appropriate.
• Internet-based communication carries inherent security risks; please attend telehealth sessions in a private and secure location.

8. Session fees and payment

• Session fees are advised in your confirmation email.
• Fees may increase periodically with rising practice costs.
• All new clients must complete the Claiming, Consent and $50 booking deposit form (the $50 is credited to your first session).
• By providing your card details in the online consent form, you consent to secure encrypted storage within NAB Transact, managed by Changes Psychology.
• Your stored card is used for all session fees and related charges.
• All payments will appear on statements as Changes Psychology, not Amanda Elliott Psychology.
• Payments and Medicare rebates are processed after the session, usually the next business day, and payment must be received before rebates are processed.

9. Cancellation policy

• At least 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule without cost.
• Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice incur a fee equal to the full session fee, charged to your stored card.
• Clients funded by WorkCover, EAP or other funding bodies must pay cancellation fees personally.