Working Together and What to Expect

Psychological Services

We offer psychological assessment, counselling and therapy, usually in 50-minute sessions, delivered in-person or via secure telehealth. Together, we will:

  • Set goals collaboratively

  • Explain options, benefits, and risks in plain language

  • Adjust the pace of therapy to support your safety and autonomy

Therapy is like learning to drive, the psychologist may hold the map, but you steer. We’ll pause or adjust if the journey (and can pull over) if the road feels unsafe.

From 1 December 2025, all psychologists in Australia shifted to align with the updated Psychology Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct, which places your dignity, cultural safety, and self-determination at the centre of care.

Informed consent (your choice, your rights)

  • What consent means: You decide to access services after understanding what’s involved, the likely benefits and risks, and your alternatives. Consent is ongoing, you can review or withdraw it at any time.

  • Capacity & support: Young people 12+ who understand the service can usually consent themselves; we invite a parent/carer or support person when helpful.

  • How we record consent: We confirm consent in writing at intake, and we revisit it if your goals or service type change (e.g., moving from individual to couple/family work).

We believe clear, collaborative consent strengthens the therapeutic relationship and supports better outcomes, including in telehealth settings.

Privacy, Records & Access

We collect only what is necessary for safe, effective care and funding purposes:

  • Contact details and background

  • Health, education, and referral history

  • Session notes and communication records

Records are stored securely in encrypted electronic formats, in compliance with:

  • Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)

  • Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

Retention periods:

  • Adults: Minimum of 7 years after last contact

  • Minors: Until the client turns 25

Access & corrections

You may request access to your file. We’ll explain the process and any legal limitations. (Small admin fees may apply.) You may also request amendments to incorrect information.

Supervision

Your case may be discussed confidentially and de-identified in professional supervision to ensure high clinical standards. Please ask us if you would like clarification. For privacy laws, visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)

Confidentiality, And Its Limits

Your information is kept confidential except when:

  1. You request disclosure, such as for a GP report, support letter, or liaison with another professional

  2. Required by law, including court subpoenas or child protection obligations

  3. There is serious and immediate risk to you or someone else – we act to reduce risk and will include you in decisions when safe

  4. Funding or reporting requires it (e.g. Medicare, NDIS, insurers – only relevant information is shared)

In South Australia, Psychologists are mandatory reporters. If we suspect on reasonable grounds that a child or young person is at risk, we are required to notify the Department for Child Protection.

GP / Referrer Updates (Better Access)

If you use a Mental Health Treatment Plan under Medicare, we send clinically relevant reports to your referrer (e.g., after your initial session block and at review intervals), in line with Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) requirements.

Telehealth Appointments

Telehealth (video or phone) is effective for many people; it provides flexibility but may be impacted by:

  • Internet interruptions

  • Environmental privacy on your end

We recommend:

  • A quiet, private space

  • A reliable connection

You can:

  • Switch to in-person at any time

  • Withdraw telehealth consent at any time

Research supports the effectiveness of telehealth for many mental health presentations.

Fees, Rebates & Cancellations

  • Standard consultation (50 minutes): $210. Payable at or before each session (EFTPOS/credit/online, details provided at booking).

  • Medicare/other funding: Rebates may be available via Medicare (Better Access), NDIS, Department of Veterans Affairs, ReturnToWork SA or private health.

  • Cancellation: Please give 24 hours’ notice to avoid a $100 non-attendance fee (emergencies considered). Late cancellations may not be claimable from insurers/Medicare.

Contact us to confirm details of what can be claimed and eligibility for services.

Please note: Therapy is a personal journey, outcomes vary and no specific results can be guaranteed.

Dual or Multiple Relationships

If therapy includes more than one person or role (e.g., couples or family therapy), we will:

  • Clarify roles, goals, and confidentiality

  • Revisit consent if the structure of your therapy changes

  • Recommend separate providers if needed to manage conflicts of interest

  • Maintain separate or shared records depending on what protects everyone’s privacy

In line with APS and Psychology Board guidelines, we will talk to you to manage risks to neutrality and confidentiality in multi-person work.

Emergencies

Emma T Psychology is not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger or crisis, please contact:

  • 000 (emergency services)

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14

  • Mental Health Triage (SA): 13 14 65

We can work with you to create a crisis plan during regular sessions.

Your Rights & Feedback

If concerns arise, please raise them with us. You have the right to:

  • Ask questions

  • Request a different psychologist

  • Access or correct your records

  • Provide feedback or make a complaint

Concerns or complaints?

Start by speaking to Emma Tattersall, or contact our office - Emma T Psychology

  • Office location - 283–285 Unley Rd, Malvern SA 5061

  • Phone - 0429 469 809

  • Email - admin@emmatpsychology.com

If your situation has not been resolved, you may contact: