Disclaimer and Informed Consent

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

1. Parties who access your personal information

• Your treating “psychologist” will be either Julie Paton, Bianca Eastman or Steve Rushton, responsible for your assessment, treatment and clinical care.
• “You” – the client, person receiving therapy, or the parent/guardian/person arranging services.
• Administrative/billing “provider” – Changes Psychology manages bookings, billing and Medicare/private health claims.
• Practice “software” – Google Calendar/Drive/Gmail, Halaxy, NAB and other applications used to provide services.
• See our Privacy Policy for more information.

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

2. Informed consent

• Your psychologist will explain the purpose of treatment, how it works, potential benefits, risks and alternatives.
• Some interventions may involve appropriate physical contact; verbal consent will always be sought and can be withdrawn anytime.
• You may ask questions, request changes, seek second opinions or withdraw consent at any time.
• Consent may be reviewed if treatment goals, risks, fees or involved parties change.
• You may withdraw consent to share information at any time, noting that it may impact service provision.

3. How we collect and process your personal information

• We operate like a virtual clinic office, collecting and managing personal and medical information, including sensitive health information.
• Information is used to:
  • facilitate appointments
  • manage payments, Medicare and insurance claims
  • manage appointment records
• We comply with relevant laws and industry standards.
• Storage and access: Client records are stored securely in Gmail, Google Drive and Halaxy; only authorised staff can access.
• Data processing locations:
  • Changes Psychology uses staff in Australia and the Philippines under strict confidentiality.
  • Halaxy stores and processes data in Australia and Ireland.

4. Retention of your information/records and your access to them

• Client records are retained for the legal minimum—generally 7 years after your last appointment, or until age 25 for clients seen under 18.
• You may request access to your record or corrections; in rare cases access may be restricted by privacy law.
• A minimum of 21 days’ written notice is required for information requests; hourly rates may apply for collation work.
• Full privacy policy: Privacy Policy

5. Confidentiality and limits to confidentiality

• Information is confidential except when:
  • a subpoena, court order or legal requirement applies
  • there is serious risk to your safety or others (including child protection concerns—psychologists are mandatory reporters)
  • you provide written consent to share information
  • Medicare or funders require reports under their conditions
  • your psychologist receives de-identified supervision to improve support

6. Information sharing

• Written consent is required before we communicate with third parties (schools, allied health, medical providers, other caregivers, funding bodies).
• Medicare requires summary reports to the referring doctor (GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist).
• Parenting plans must be managed by the parents; psychologists and providers are not obligated to participate in parenting plan requirements.

7. Fees and payment of fees

• A $50 booking deposit is required to confirm your first session and is credited toward the first session fee.
• Session fees are confirmed via email and increase each calendar year.
• Additional work (meetings, reports, liaison) may be billed in 15-minute increments.
• You will pay the deposit and all fees using the card provided in the online form; card details are stored securely via NAB’s Transact system.
• Your stored card will be used for all future fees and cancellation charges.

8. Cancellation policy

• Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice incur the full session fee.
• Cancellation fees cannot be claimed with Medicare or Private Health.

9. Complaints and concerns

• Please raise concerns with your psychologist or the practice owner at steve@changespsychology.com.au.
• If unresolved, you may contact relevant external bodies: AHPRA, OHO (QLD) or OAIC.

By signing below, you confirm that:

• You have read and understood this document and consent to psychological services under these terms.
• If the client is under 18 or another adult for whom you are responsible, you confirm you have authority to consent on their behalf.