Terms and Conditions

Psychological Service

As part of providing a psychological service to you, Dr Richard Merrett will need to collect and record personal information from you that is relevant to your current situation.  This information will be a necessary part of the psychological assessment and/or treatment that is conducted.  You may choose what you disclose but if you withhold information it may limit the psychological service that can be provided to you.

Purpose of Collecting and Holding Information

The information is gathered as part of the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of your condition, and is seen only by the psychologist.  The information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions, and enables the psychologist to provide a relevant and informed psychological service. With adults this information is stored for seven years. With children it is kept until they are 25 years of age (statutory requirements).

Access to Client Information

At any stage you as a client are entitled to access the information about you kept on file, unless the relevant legislation provides otherwise.  The psychologist may discuss with you appropriate forms of access.

Confidentiality

All personal information gathered by the psychologist during the provision of the psychological service will remain confidential and secure except where:

  1. It is subpoenaed by a court; or

  2. Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk; or

  3. Your prior approval has been obtained to:

    1. Provide a written report to another professional or agency. eg. a GP or a lawyer; or

    2. Discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent or employer; or

  4. Disclosure is otherwise required or authorised by law.

Fees

The cost of a one hour consultation (50 minute session time) is $230 for clinical services ($245 on Saturday) and $280 for forensic services, which is payable at the end of the session. Reports are an additional cost.

Cancellation Policy

If, for some reason you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours notice, otherwise the full fee of $230 will be charged.

If you provide more than 24 hours notice then no fee will be applicable.