Disclaimer and Informed Consent

All our services and your use of this website are subject to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy related information 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 either Ana Catton, Christina Birch or our Provisional Psychologist Lyn O'Connor, of Sunlight Psychology who will be 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, Outlook, Heidi and other secure software applications used to deliver our 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 are welcome to 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 the objectives of treatment, 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 are able to provide or affect your 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.
• This naturally includes sensitive health information.
• We collect, use and (where appropriate) share this information to facilitate appointments with psychologists.
• We collect, use and (where appropriate) share this information to manage payment, Medicare and insurance claims.
• We collect, use and (where appropriate) share this information to maintain accurate records of your appointments.
• We manage your information in accordance with industry standards and all applicable laws.
• Your client records are stored securely online in Halaxy using encrypted and access-controlled systems.
• Changes Psychology uses staff in Australia and the Philippines who follow strict confidentiality requirements.
• Halaxy stores and processes data in Australia and Ireland using secure, compliant systems.

4. Confidentiality and limits to confidentiality

• All personal information gathered during the provision of psychological services will remain confidential and securely stored.
• Confidentiality may be breached if information is subpoenaed by a court.
• Confidentiality may be breached if your psychologist believes you pose an immediate risk to yourself or others.
• Confidentiality may be breached if your prior approval has been obtained to provide a written report to another professional or agency (e.g. GP or lawyer).
• Confidentiality may be breached if your prior approval has been obtained to discuss relevant information with another person (e.g. parent or employer).
• Confidentiality may be breached if a regulatory or funding body requests information.
• Confidentiality may be breached where disclosure is required to comply with legal, ethical, professional or mandatory obligations.

5. Information sharing

• Written consent is required for your psychologist to share or receive information with any third party.
• This includes ex-partners, teachers, health professionals or other individuals.
• We are not responsible for implementing the requirements of parenting plans.
• If you intend to claim Medicare rebates, summary reports must be provided to the referring GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist.
• If another organisation is funding the service, reports must be provided to meet funding requirements.
• By agreeing to these terms, you consent to this necessary information sharing.

6. Peer supervision

• Your information may be shared in a de-identified manner during peer supervision sessions.
• This supports psychologists to maintain best practice and high-quality care.
• You may advise your psychologist if you do not wish for de-identified information to be used in this way.

7. Accessing your Client Information

• You have a general right to access your records, subject to legal and privacy exceptions.
• You may request access to your records.
• A young person of sufficient maturity must consent to disclosure of their records to parents.
• A young person may withdraw consent at any time.
• Requests to view records must be made in writing with two weeks notice.
• Access options will be discussed with you once a request is received.
• Please allow 21 days for arrangements to be made.

8. Consent for note-taking software

• Your psychologist uses an AI digital scribing system called Heidi Health.
• The system supports accurate and efficient note-taking.
• Heidi provides a summary that is reviewed by your psychologist before saving.
• Heidi Health complies with Australian Privacy Principles and AHPRA standards.
• You may opt out of the use of this system at any time.
• Further information is available at https://trust.heidihealth.com.

9. Consent for telehealth sessions

• Services may be provided via telephone or videoconferencing where appropriate.
• Internet-based communication carries some level of security risk.
• You are encouraged to attend telehealth sessions in a private and secure location.

10. Session fees and payment

• Session fees are confirmed in your booking confirmation email.
• Fees may increase periodically to cover increased practice costs.
• A $1 deposit is required to confirm the first session booking.
• Your card details will be securely stored in the NAB Transaction system.
• All payments appear as ‘Changes Psychology’ on bank statements.
• Payments and Medicare rebates are processed after the session.
• DVA sessions are claimed directly through DVA.
• NDIS session fees follow the NDIS Price Guide.

11. Cancellation policy and session attendance

• Consistent attendance supports progress toward treatment goals.
• Appointments should only be booked if you intend to attend.
• Full fees apply to non-attendance.
• Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice incur the full session fee.
• NDIS late-cancellation charges follow NDIA guidelines.
• To avoid charges, admin must be notified at least 24 business hours prior.
• Appointments may be changed to telehealth as an alternative.
• Session time may be used for reports or research at your request.
• The $1 deposit is retained if the first session is cancelled.
• SMS and email reminders are provided as a courtesy only.
• By completing this form you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.