The first few therapy sessions will involve a comprehensive evaluation of your needs. Information about you informs how a psychologist formulates a working hypothesis of the "presenting problem", guiding them toward a proposed intervention and creation of a treatment plan. You can cease assessment and/or therapy with your clinician at any time, even during your session. This will not disadvantage you in subsequent help-seeking efforts.
Therapy outcomes are often “dose-dependent”, meaning that your psychologist will help you to understand the importance of the timing, consistency, and frequency of your sessions, and the importance of "homework" to make the most meaningful changes. You are welcome to discuss any barriers to therapeutic outcomes at any time.
Confidentiality is important; however, with your permission, Jayne can speak with others involved in your care. Your consent must be "informed" - that is, a discussion around consent has occurred, and Jayne is satisfied that you understand the limits of confidentiality and can sign a consent document. Please read the document and our Privacy Policy, available on this website, carefully. Your Consent enables Jayne to release information when consulting with others with the intention of providing you with the best service. Conversations around consent also aim to ensure you understand some exceptions;
Risk of harm. Where you disclose information that gives concern for your safety, or that of others, including suicidal ideation, psychologists are ethically obliged to take action, which may include contacting your family member, referring to your GP or a psychiatrist, the Mental Health Crisis Team in your area, or other agencies.
Child protection. Where there is reason to suspect that a child is at risk of harm, including sexual assault, physical abuse, emotional harm or neglect, psychologists are ethically required to notify the appropriate authorities.
Subpoena. Clinical notes may be subpoenaed by a court.
Collaboration for client care. When there is a need to liaise with another health professional, schools, or other institutions concerned with providing you with additional or specialist care, this would occur in consultation with you, and in these cases, you will be asked to provide signed consent for this disclosure.
GP referral. If referred by your GP under Medicare’s Mental Health Care programme, psychologists are obliged to send your GP an acknowledgement letter when you first begin treatment and a brief summary report about your progress after 6 and 10 sessions.
Separated parents. If parents are separated, both parents agree to share limited information between them (unless the Court orders otherwise), primarily appointment times for the child and/or parent and information deemed necessary to share for the welfare of the child.
Occasionally, the psychologist may determine that the individual's presentation and/or psychiatric profile may present greater complexity than their service can support, and we may refer you to an alternative practitioner with your consent.
Emergency. We are NOT an emergency service. We are not able to respond to urgent or emergency matters outside of business hours. In case of an emergency, we recommend that you contact your general practitioner, psychiatrist, attend your nearest Hospital Emergency Department, or one of the following 24 hour services:
Mental Health Emergency Response Line: 1300 555 788
Emergency Services: 000
Crisis Care: 9223 1111
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Alcohol and Drug Information Service: 1800 198 024
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Telehealth This practice offers telehealth sessions delivered via videoconferencing software. Psychologists providing telehealth services apply the same ethical and professional standards of care and practice that are required when providing in-person psychological services. To participate in a telehealth service, clients will need to ensure they can log on to the platform from a safe, private, comfortable environment. The person should be free from distractions, such as children. The psychologist requires emergency contact details for you, and be aware of your physical location (address) at the time of the session.
Telehealth may improve your access to our service, reduce your need to travel, and decrease exposure to infectious diseases.
Telehealth may experience technical issues that negatively impact your session, does not offer the same experiential support required with observation and modelling, may require you to have a support person, and may expose you to privacy and digital security risk.
Abuse/damage to property. We respectfully advise you that any form of disrespectful or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated towards any of our team. Abusive or threatening behaviour (whether in person or via electronic means) will result in services being discontinued.