Terms of Service
As part of providing a Psychology service, Sparkle Psychology will need to collect and record personal information from clients that is relevant to their current situation and practice. This information is a necessary part of services provided, and ensures the services provided are appropriate and supportive.
Purpose of collecting and holding information
Personal information is gathered as part of the services offered, is kept securely and, in the interests of client’s privacy, used only by the psychologist and authorised personnel of the practice (as necessary). Personal information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions and enables the psychologist to provide a relevant and informed psychological service for clients.
A more detailed description is provided in the practice’s “Privacy policy for management of personal information” is also available on this website. The Privacy Policy contains information about how to access and seek correction of personal information, and how to lodge a complaint about our management of personal information.
Consequence of not providing personal information
If you do not wish for your personal information to be collected in a way anticipated by the Privacy Policy, Sparkle Psychology may not be in a position to provide the requested psychological services. Client’s may request to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym, unless it is impracticable for Sparkle Psychology to deal with the client or if Sparkle Psychology is required or authorised by law to deal with identified individuals. In most cases it will not be possible for clients to be anonymous or to use a pseudonym.
Access to client information
At any stage clients are entitled to access personal information kept on file, subject to exceptions in the relevant legislation. Further information about accessing this and methods of access are described in our Privacy Policy.
Disclosure of personal information
An explanation of the limits to confidentiality, and when personal information may be disclosed is detailed in the Sparkle Psychology Privacy Policy. You can find the link in the menu bar at the bottom of this page.
Telehealth
To access telehealth, you will need access to a quiet, private space and an appropriate device (such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer, with a camera, microphone and speakers) as well as a reliable internet connection.
To get the best services from Sparkle Psychology it is important that you are engaged in your session and free of distractions to get the most out of your telehealth sessions. Sessions are not recorded, and we ask that you do not record sessions for your confidentiality and privacy.
Should you be unable to concentrate and participate effectively at the time of your appointment, the psychologist will speak with you and discuss whether the session should end or be rescheduled. Your session will not go ahead if you are driving under any circumstances.
Fees
Fees for assessments will be sent as a quote after an initial intake session where details of the client’s individual needs are discussed. All fees are payable as outlined in the quote. The initial appointment fee is $300, payable immediately after the initial session. Half of the total assessment fee must be paid prior to assessment commencing, with the full amount required before receiving feedback. Fees will be processed through practice management software or direct deposit to the Sparkle Psychology bank account. Clients are responsible for making claims through private health insurance if applicable.
Prices are subject to change.
Cancellation Policy
If, for some reason a client needs to cancel or postpone their appointment, 2 full-business days notice is required otherwise the fee will apply.
Concerns, disputes or disagreements
Clients are asked to communicate openly, respectfully and with kindness when they have concerns. Psychologists at Sparkle Psychology will listen to clients, and request that clients also listen with open minded reflection. Should this not resolve the issue, we request that written communication directed to the psychologists via email or post is provided respectfully, in an honest and professional manner. If concerns are substantial and have not been resolved after multiple attempts to communicate, we request that clients inform us in writing should they wish to take the matter further.
You can also refer to the Health Complaints Commissioner if you are not happy with the service you have received: https://hcc.vic.gov.au/
Accepting these terms & conditions
When clients book an appointment, they are agreeing to these terms and conditions. Clients are asked to sign consent forms prior to their first session to formalise this process, if the consent form has not been signed, it will be discussed and signed during the first session.