Privacy & Confidentiality Policy

This privacy and confidentiality policy helps to build your trust by informing you of applicable confidentiality and privacy laws. 

Aim

The aim of counselling is to talk about matters concerning you to achieve clarity, insight, improvement, development and resolution. My role as a counsellor is to provide you with a safe, secure, supportive and confidential space and to assist you through this process in a non-judgmental manner.

Confidentiality

Everything discussed in counselling sessions is private and highly confidential. I am extremely discreet. 

Privacy and confidentiality exceptions

There are three privacy and confidentiality exceptions:

1. If you are talking of harm to yourself, harm to others or from others, about a serious unresolved crime, or at-risk child/children under age 18, then we will discuss an approach given my legal obligation for safety for disclosure to authorities. 

2. If my notes are subpoenaed or called upon through a Court process.

3. There may be occasions where I de-identify you and, as part of my professional registration requirements, discuss my counselling with my Clinical Supervisor. 

Online counselling services

Online counselling services are provided through an encrypted telehealth platform Doxy.

Client records

Client records are held confidentially and safely in either electronic soft or paper hard copy formats. Two sets of professional records are kept: Client Intake  Record, which is administrative information and requires your signed informed consent, and Clinical Record with counselling notes, which may include mental health and medical information that you have provided. 

Fees

Session fees are $150 and are payable when booking your session. This will secure a counselling session at the time you want. Fees are paid by payID or bank transfer.

The fee of $150 is based on up to 1 hour sessions, and longer sessions are available on a different fee structure.

Session duration

A counselling session is up to 1 hour in duration.

Sessions are usually held weekly, in the beginning and then may move to fortnightly.

Mode of counselling session - in-person or online

Counselling sessions are face-to-face/in-person or via an online telehealth platform accessed on your mobile phone, computer, tablet, or iPad. 

For online sessions, simply click the link https://doxy.me/helenmurphy on your phone, computer, tablet or iPad.

Fees

Session fees are $150 and are payable when booking your session. This will secure a counselling session at the time you want. Fees are paid by payID or bank transfer.

The fee of $150 is based on up to 1 hour sessions, and longer sessions are available on a different fee structure.

Out-of-session therapy activities

At times, the counsellor may suggest therapy-related tasks for you to perform between sessions, referred to as out-of-session therapy activities. These activities are voluntary and optional and, with consent, will be emailed to you. They are NOT compulsory homework. 

Cancellation/re-schedule, Late Arrival, and Non-Attendance

Sessions can be rescheduled where there is 48 hours or more notice.

Where you are late, the session will commence as soon as you arrive; however, no more than 15 minutes after the session is due to commence. When possible, the full session time will be given.

Sessions cancelled or not attended with less than 48 hours' notice are non-refundable. 

Referrals

When you have been referred to the counselling service by a health professional, for example, a GP, doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, hospital or agency) Or you want me to convey information to your health professional, with your permission, I would email an acknowledgement to the service and may provide a brief clinical assessment.

Boundaries

If the counsellor meets the client outside of counselling, by prior agreement, the counsellor may acknowledge the client. However, the nature of the relationship will remain confidential.

Code of Ethics

As a counsellor registered with ACA, PACFA, and ARCAP, I align with these professional associations' ethics and code of conduct.