Agreement to Terms
By accessing and using the Sandstones Psychology website and services ("Services"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Services.
These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Sandstones Psychology Pty Ltd.
Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years of age to book services independently. Services for persons under 18 require parental or legal guardian consent. By using our Services, you represent that you meet these eligibility requirements.
Professional Services
All services are provided by qualified professionals in accordance with:
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) standards
- Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics
- Psychology Board of Australia guidelines
- Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and applicable health privacy legislation
Our psychologists maintain professional indemnity insurance and adhere to continuing professional development requirements.
Scope of Services
Services are provided for assessment and therapeutic purposes only. We do not provide:
- Emergency crisis intervention
- Legal advice or court testimony (unless separately contracted)
- Medical prescriptions
- Guarantees of specific treatment outcomes
Emergency Situations
Our Services are not for emergency situations. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please:
- Call 000 (emergency services)
- Visit your nearest emergency department
- Contact Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Contact Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Contact Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Appointments, Cancellations & No-Shows
- Appointments must be booked in advance through our booking system or by phone
- We require 48 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling
- Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice may incur a fee
- No-shows (failure to attend without notice) may be charged the full appointment fee
- Repeated late cancellations or no-shows may result in termination of services
- We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule appointments due to illness or emergency
Payment, Fees & Billing
- Payment is due at the time of service unless otherwise arranged
- Fee schedule is available upon request and will be provided prior to your first appointment
- Medicare rebates are available with a valid Mental Health Care Plan from your GP
- Private health insurance claims can be processed for services covered under your policy
- You are responsible for verifying your insurance coverage prior to appointments
- Outstanding accounts may be referred to debt collection agencies
- A fee may apply for late payment or dishonoured payments
Telehealth Services
If you participate in telehealth (online) sessions:
- You must have a stable internet connection and private space
- You consent to the use of video conferencing technology
- Sessions are conducted via secure, encrypted platforms
- You are responsible for ensuring your technology is compatible
- The same professional standards and confidentiality apply to telehealth as in-person services
Confidentiality & Privacy
All client information is kept strictly confidential in accordance with professional and legal requirements. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information.
Exceptions to confidentiality include:
- Risk of serious harm to yourself or others
- Suspected or disclosed child abuse or neglect
- Court orders or subpoenas
- As otherwise required or permitted by law
Your Responsibilities
You agree to:
- Provide accurate and complete information
- Attend scheduled appointments or provide adequate notice of cancellation
- Engage honestly and actively in the therapeutic process
- Follow treatment recommendations to the best of your ability
- Pay fees on time
- Maintain respectful and professional conduct toward staff
Our Rights
We reserve the right to:
- Refuse or discontinue services if we believe it is not in your best interest
- Terminate services for non-payment, aggressive behavior, or breach of these Terms
- Refer you to another provider if we cannot adequately meet your needs
- Update these Terms at any time (changes will be posted on our website)
Records & Reports
- Clinical records are maintained for a minimum of 7 years as required by professional guidelines
- You have the right to access your records (fees may apply for copies)
- Reports are provided as contracted and remain our intellectual property
- Third-party report requests require your written consent
Limitation of Liability
While we strive to provide the highest quality care:
- We cannot guarantee specific outcomes from therapy
- Therapy involves risks, including temporary distress or worsening of symptoms
- Our liability is limited to the extent permitted by Australian law
- We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
- Our maximum liability is limited to the fees paid for the services in question
Intellectual Property
All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of Sandstones Psychology or its licensors and is protected by Australian and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use any content without our written permission.
Dispute Resolution
If you have a complaint or concern:
- Contact us directly to attempt informal resolution
- If unresolved, you may lodge a formal complaint with our complaints officer
- You have the right to lodge a complaint with AHPRA or the Psychology Board of Australia
- You may also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (privacy matters)
Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Sandstones Psychology regarding the use of our Services.
Changes to Terms
We may modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. Your continued use of our Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.
Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, please contact Sandstones Psychology at legal@sandstonesglobal.com