Fees & Terms

Effective Date: 1 December 2025

These Terms and Conditions apply to all services provided by Talk Psychology & Counselling Pty Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”) to you (“you”, “your”, “client”).

By completing a booking with us (online, by phone, or other means), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accept these Terms and Conditions in full. If you do not understand or agree with any part of these Terms and Conditions, please do not proceed with booking and instead contact us on 0458 227 653.

Important Note: Our services are not intended for crisis situations where you feel you may imminently harm yourself or others. If you are in crisis, please call 000, or use the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467 – Australia-wide), the Assessment & Crisis Intervention Service (13 14 65 – SA only), or present to your nearest Emergency Department.

1.1 Services Offered

Bookings can be made for the following services:

• Individual Psychological Therapy Consultation – Before 5pm on weekdays (in-person / videoconference / telephone) – $370/hour

• Couple Therapy Consultations (including assessment & therapeutic sessions) – Before 5pm on weekdays (in-person / videoconference) – $420/hour

• All Psychological Therapy Consultations – At or after 5pm on weekdays and/or weekends (in-person / videoconference / telephone) – $620/hour

• Full-Day Relationship Assessment (in-person / videoconference, approx. 9am–2pm) – $2,850

• Marathon Therapy Day (9am–3pm) – $2,750

1.2 Deposit for Special Sessions

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $500 is required for all Full-Day Relationship Assessment and Marathon Therapy Day bookings. This deposit will be charged within one week of booking these services.

1.3 Fees Subject to Change

All fees are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD) and are subject to change without notice.

1.4 Booking and Payment Authorisation

When you book online via our secure practice management software (see Section 2), you will be required to enter valid credit card details. By scheduling an appointment, you authorise us to process payment as set out in Section 3.

1.5 Eligibility & Scope

You acknowledge that our services are not appropriate for crisis situations (see note above). If, at any time, your psychologist assesses that the service required is outside the scope of safe psychological practice (including in relation to the Code of Conduct obligations such as cultural safety, risk, competence, or boundaries), your psychologist may suspend or terminate the service and refer you elsewhere.

2.1 Booking Process

Bookings are processed and managed through our secure practice management software, Halaxy.
When booking online you will:

1. Select a preferred appointment time and service;

2. Enter your details (Name, Email, Phone) and select the required service;

3. Enter a verification code sent via SMS to your phone number;

4. Enter a valid credit card number or PayPal account (payment will be billed per Section 3) — no payment is taken at time of booking (except as per Section 1.2).

2.2 Confirmation

You will receive a confirmation email of your booking and direct links to our Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully. If you do not understand or agree with them, please contact us before proceeding.

2.3 Non-Acceptance

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not proceed with your booking.

3.1 Timing of Payment

Payment of the full session fee will be processed on the credit card or PayPal account you provide at booking, 30 minutes after your scheduled appointment time begins.

3.2 No-Show Policy

If the appointment does not commence (and is not cancelled or rescheduled in accordance with Section 4), the full session fee will apply and be charged.

3.3 Late Cancellations

If you cancel or reschedule with less than the required notice (see Section 4), the full session fee will apply. By scheduling the appointment, you authorise us to charge either the session fee or the cancellation/rescheduling fee to your stored payment method.

3.4 Currency

All values are expressed in Australian Dollars (AUD).

4.1 Non-Transferability

All bookings are non-transferable to another person.

4.2 Standard Appointments

To reschedule a standard booking (individual or couple therapy), you must call 0458 227 653 or email admin@talkpsychology.com.au by 10 am on the previous business day. If you fail to provide that notice, you will be charged the full service fee.

4.3 Full-Day or Marathon Sessions

For Full-Day Relationship Assessment and Marathon Therapy Day bookings, a minimum of 7 days’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule without incurring the full fee.

4.4 Deposits

The deposit for Full-Day Relationship Assessment and Marathon Therapy Day bookings is non-refundable and non-transferable.

4.5 Cancellations by Us

In the event of cancellation by us (for reasons within our control), you will be offered an alternative time or a refund of any paid fees.

5.1 Medicare Claims

Under the requirements of the Medicare Australia scheme (or other relevant scheme), full payment of the consultation fee must be made at the time of the consultation. If you are eligible for a Medicare rebate, you or we may submit a claim for it or assign the rebate to your practitioner. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements prior to each session.

5.2 Processing of Rebates

Any applicable Medicare rebates will be electronically processed at the completion of your appointment and will be paid by Medicare either directly to you or to your practitioner, in accordance with Medicare’s rules.

5.3 Accessing Medicare Details

As part of the Medicare claim process, we may need to access your Medicare details via our Australian Government Services Australia Provider Digital Access – Health Practitioner Online Services (HPOS) account. You confirm consent for us to search for or confirm your Medicare card details for claiming purposes only. We also agree to maintain confidentiality as outlined in HPOS terms of use.

5.4 Private Health Rebates

Private Health Insurance rebates for psychological therapy sessions are determined by your policy and insurer. Please contact your insurer to confirm eligibility. We will issue a receipt at the end of your appointment suitable for private health insurance claims.

6.1 Registration and Code of Conduct

You acknowledge that your psychologist is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and must practise in accordance with the new Code of Conduct for Psychologists, effective 1 December 2025.

6.2 Professional Standards

The Code of Conduct sets out standards of professional behaviour expected of registered psychologists, including requirements for cultural safety (especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), informed consent, professional boundaries, conflict of interest, ongoing competence, and the safe delivery of psychological services.

6.3 Client Cooperation

By engaging our services, you agree to cooperate with your psychologist in fulfilling these professional obligations, including:

• Providing accurate and up-to-date information;

• Participating in informed consent processes;

• Respecting professional boundaries and responsibilities; and

• Notifying your psychologist of any changes relevant to your circumstances (e.g., risk issues, health status, cultural matters).

6.4 Referral or Termination

If your psychologist assesses that your needs or circumstances fall outside their competence or safe practice boundaries (as required under the Code of Conduct), they may refer you to another practitioner or service.

6.5 Professional Obligations

You agree that all services are subject to the terms and obligations of the Code of Conduct. You may raise any concerns, complaints, or questions with us or the relevant regulatory body.

7.1 Privacy Policy

7.1.1 Compliance

We adhere to the 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

7.1.2 Collection and Use

As part of providing psychological services, we collect and record personal and clinical information relevant to your assessment and treatment. This information is used by your psychologist and authorised staff to deliver services to you.

7.1.3 Limitation Requests

You may request that certain information is not recorded or held; however, this may limit or affect the service we can provide.

7.1.4 Anonymity

You have the option to interact with us anonymously or under a pseudonym unless impracticable or prohibited by law.

7.1.5 Storage and Security

Your personal and clinical information is stored electronically via Halaxy and secure integrations (e.g., Heidi Health) on password-protected systems within locked and alarmed premises. Access credentials are held only by authorised personnel.

7.1.6 Data Breach Notification

We will notify you if any data breach involving your stored personal or clinical information occurs.

7.1.7 Access and Correction

You may request access to your information at any time. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and may charge a reasonable administrative fee for retrieval or copying.

7.1.8 Access Limitations

We may refuse access if it would pose a serious threat to life, health, or safety, or if prohibited by law. If access is refused, written reasons will be provided. You will not be able to access couples therapy records without consent from all parties.

7.1.9 Corrections and Disclosure

If corrections are made to your information previously disclosed to another entity, we will take reasonable steps to notify that entity if requested.

7.1.10 Retention and Destruction

Inactive records will be securely destroyed after the legally required retention period of seven (7) years, or longer if required by law.

7.1.11 Complaints

You may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if you believe your privacy has been breached.

7.2 Confidentiality

7.2.1 General Principle

All information shared with us remains confidential, subject to the following exceptions:

• To lessen or prevent a serious threat to life, health, or safety;

• When disclosure is necessary to locate a missing person;

• When child abuse or neglect is disclosed or suspected;

• When firearm possession or application poses risk;

• When written consent is given by you;

• When required by law or court subpoena;

• If you are under the legal age of confidentiality as defined by your state or territory.

7.2.2 Limitations

While we take all reasonable steps to maintain confidentiality, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in all circumstances (e.g., cross-jurisdictional telehealth, mandatory reporting, or legal intervention).

8.1 Purpose and Scope

We may use Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) and automated technologies to support the safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of psychological services and practice administration. These tools are used only to assist clinicians and staff — they do not replace the professional judgment, expertise, or direct care provided by your psychologist.

AI tools may be used for:

• Clinical documentation – e.g. session summarisation or transcription using Heidi Health AI Scribe integrated within Halaxy;

• Form generation – e.g. preparation of consent forms, intake forms, questionnaires or follow-up templates tailored to your needs;

• Resource and psychoeducation generation – e.g. creation of handouts, therapy resources, or summary materials relevant to your treatment goals;

• Administrative and communication efficiency – e.g. appointment reminders, feedback forms, and secure communication templates.

8.2 Heidi Health AI Scribe

We make use of the automated tool Heidi Health AI Scribe (“AI Tool”), integrated with Halaxy, to streamline case-note keeping. The tool assists with transcription and session summaries. Audio of your session is never recorded or stored unless separately agreed to in writing.

8.3 Privacy and Data Security

AI tools used within our practice operate under strict privacy, security, and confidentiality standards, including compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and, where applicable, ISO 27001 or equivalent data security frameworks.

• No identifiable session recordings are stored or used to train external AI models.

• Where information is temporarily processed (e.g. for transcription or form generation), it is de-identified, encrypted, and processed only within secure Australian servers.

• Access to any AI-generated output is limited to authorised clinicians and administrative staff.

8.4 Your Choice

If you prefer that the AI Tool not be used during your sessions, you may opt out by notifying your psychologist at the beginning of any session. Your psychologist will then take manual notes instead.

8.5 Human Oversight

All AI-assisted content (such as session notes, forms, or educational materials) is reviewed, edited, and approved by your treating psychologist or authorised staff before use or inclusion in your clinical record. AI tools are never permitted to provide clinical advice, diagnostic opinions, or automated decision-making about your treatment.

8.6 Transparency and Consent

By engaging with Talk Psychology & Counselling Pty Ltd, you acknowledge and consent to the limited use of AI tools as described in this section for legitimate clinical and administrative purposes.
If you prefer not to have AI-assisted tools used for any aspect of your service (e.g. session documentation or form generation), you may opt out by notifying your psychologist at any time. Manual alternatives will then be used.

8.7 Ongoing Review and Compliance

All AI tools and integrations are regularly reviewed to ensure ongoing compliance with the Psychology Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct for Psychologists (effective 1 December 2025), privacy legislation, and emerging best-practice standards in digital health ethics.

8.8 Consent

By booking with us, you provide consent to the use of AI tools as described. If you choose to opt out, please advise your psychologist.

9.1 Purpose and Process

Couples therapy aims to support both partners in improving communication, understanding relationship patterns, and resolving conflict. Therapy is not designed for crisis intervention or as a replacement for individual therapy when significant risk, violence, or coercive control exists.

9.2 Gottman Method Disclosure Statement

Our practitioners have undertaken training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. However, Talk Psychology & Counselling Pty Ltd and its psychologists are independent providers of clinical services. The Gottman Institute (and its agents) bear no responsibility for the services you receive.

9.3 Confidentiality in Couples Therapy

• Joint confidentiality: Information disclosed in couples therapy is considered part of a shared record between partners.

• No-secrets policy: To maintain transparency and therapeutic integrity, we do not hold secrets between partners. Any information shared privately with the psychologist that is relevant to the therapeutic process (e.g. ongoing affair, financial concealment, or safety concern) may be disclosed at the psychologist’s professional discretion.

• If one partner requests an individual session, it will be conducted with the understanding that any relevant information may later be shared with the other partner.
  You acknowledge that full confidentiality between partners cannot be guaranteed, and you consent to these terms as part of engaging in couples therapy.

9.4 Record Access

Records from couples therapy form one joint file.
Access requires written consent from both partners. Individual access will be refused unless both provide consent, except where required by law or ethical obligation.

9.5 Risk and Safety Obligations

If the psychologist becomes aware of actual or potential violence, coercive control, or risk of harm, they have an ethical and legal duty to act in accordance with the Code of Conduct (2025) and mandatory reporting obligations. This may include referral, reporting, or termination of therapy to ensure safety.

9.6 Consent and Engagement

By attending couples therapy, both partners:

• Acknowledge that therapy is a joint process;

• Consent to information sharing as described above;

• Understand that the psychologist remains impartial and does not advocate for either partner; and

• Acknowledge that sessions are not admissible as evidence in family or custody proceedings unless required by law.

10.1 Commitment to Cultural Safety

In accordance with the Code of Conduct, which emphasises cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other groups, we are committed to providing culturally safe, inclusive, and respectful psychological services.

10.2 Respect for Cultural Identity

We respect your cultural identity, values, and beliefs, and we welcome the inclusion of cultural support persons or interpreters. If you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or belong to another cultural or marginalised group, please notify your psychologist to ensure culturally responsive care.

10.3 Shared Responsibility

You agree to participate in a therapeutic relationship based on mutual respect and understanding that we have obligations under the Code of Conduct to engage in self-reflection, ensure cultural safety, mitigate power imbalances, and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

11.1 Professional Standards

Our psychologists must maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients, as required by the Code of Conduct — including avoiding or managing multiple relationships and conflicts of interest.

11.2 Client Responsibilities

You agree to respect the professional boundaries established within sessions. If a psychologist identifies a potential or actual conflict of interest (e.g. dual relationship, social contact outside therapy, business connection, or secondary role), they will act in accordance with the Code, which may require referral or cessation of the service.

11.3 Concerns

If you believe a boundary has been breached, you should raise this with us immediately. We will address it in line with professional and regulatory standards.

12.1 Information Provided

You will be informed of:

• The nature and expected course of therapy or assessment;

• Fees, cancellation and rescheduling policies (see Sections 1, 3, and 4);

• Confidentiality, privacy, and its limits (see Section 7);

• Use of AI tools (see Section 8); and

• Your rights to withdraw consent, ask questions, and participate in decisions about your care.

12.2 Right to Information

You may ask for clarification about any aspect of your service at any time.

12.3 Discontinuing Services

You may discontinue therapy at any time, subject to appropriate closure and safe termination arrangements.

13.1 Limitations and Responsibilities

Telehealth may be affected by technological limitations (e.g. connection issues, reduced non-verbal cues). You agree to participate in a private, safe, and uninterrupted location.

13.2 Location Changes

You must inform us if your physical location changes (e.g. interstate or overseas) as this may affect legal and regulatory requirements. We may decline to continue services outside our approved jurisdiction.

13.3 Technical Responsibility

You are responsible for ensuring suitable equipment, internet connection, and punctual attendance.

14.1 Right to Terminate

Either you or we may end services at any time. If we determine continued service is inappropriate (e.g. due to risk, boundary, competence, or cultural safety concerns), we may discontinue and provide appropriate referral.

14.2 Payment Obligations

If you terminate, payment remains due for sessions provided. Cancellation terms apply for future appointments (see Section 4).

14.3 Practice Right to Suspend

We may suspend or terminate services if you fail to comply with these Terms, including non-payment, repeated cancellations, or behaviour compromising the therapeutic environment.

15.1 Internal Feedback

We welcome feedback and encourage open discussion of any concerns with your psychologist or our administration team.

15.2 Formal Complaints

If you are unsatisfied with our response, you may lodge a written complaint with the practice. We will respond in a timely and professional manner.

15.3 External Complaints

You also have the right to raise concerns with the Psychology Board of Australia or AHPRA, in accordance with the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.

16.1 Amendments

We may revise these Terms & Conditions periodically to reflect changes in legislation, regulation, or practice standards. Updates will be published on our website and apply from the date of publication.

16.2 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of South Australia, Australia. Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of South Australian courts.

16.3 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Service Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding the provision of services.

16.4 Capacity

You confirm that you are over 18 years of age or otherwise have legal capacity to engage in these services.

By proceeding with your booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms & Conditions in full. You provide informed consent to the service, to the limited use of AI tools (unless you have opted out), and agree to abide by the policies and fees described.

If you have any questions, please contact us on 0458 227 653.

Thank you for choosing Talk Psychology & Counselling Pty Ltd. We look forward to working collaboratively with you.