Is What I Say in Therapy Confidential?

Yes. What you say in therapy is confidential, and psychologists have strict legal and ethical obligations to protect your privacy. There are a small number of exceptions, mainly when there's a serious risk to your safety or someone else's, when the law requires information to be shared (such as a court order or certain child protection situations), or when you give consent. Your psychologist should explain these limits at the start of therapy, so you know where you stand before you share anything.

Why confidentiality matters

Therapy only works if you feel safe enough to be honest. Confidentiality is what makes that possible. In Australia, psychologists' obligations come from:

• privacy law, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles, which govern how health information is collected, stored and shared

• the Psychology Board of Australia's professional and ethical standards

• other laws that may require or permit disclosure in specific circumstances

Counsellors who belong to professional bodies such as the ACA or PACFA follow similar codes.

What stays confidential

In general, your psychologist won't share:

• that you're attending therapy

• what you discuss in sessions

• your records or notes

with your employer, family, partner, friends or anyone else without your consent. This includes if someone calls the practice asking whether you're a client.

The limits of confidentiality

1. Serious risk of harm

If your psychologist believes there's a serious and imminent risk to your life or safety, or to someone else's, they may need to share information to prevent harm. That might mean contacting emergency services, your GP or a support person. Where possible, they'll talk with you first and involve you in the decision.

Talking about suicidal thoughts in therapy doesn't automatically trigger a breach of confidentiality. Many people have these thoughts, and discussing them openly is an important part of therapy. Your psychologist will work with you on safety.

2. Child protection

Psychologists will act to protect children at risk of significant harm. In Queensland, all adults, including psychologists, have a legal duty under the Criminal Code to report to police if they reasonably believe that an adult has committed a sexual offence against a child under 16 (or a child with an impairment of the mind), with limited exceptions. Psychologists may also report concerns to Child Safety where a child is at risk of significant harm.

3. Legal requirements

Records can be subpoenaed or ordered by a court. This is uncommon, and your psychologist will usually let you know and may seek legal advice about what must be provided.

4. Referrals and reports under Medicare

If you've been referred under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, your psychologist is required to send a brief report to your referring GP after your initial course of sessions. This usually covers progress and recommendations rather than detailed content. You can talk with your psychologist about what's included.

5. Supervision and consultation

Psychologists, particularly provisional psychologists, discuss their work with a supervisor to ensure quality care. This is done with as little identifying information as possible, and supervisors are bound by the same confidentiality obligations.

6. With your consent

You can give permission for your psychologist to share information with others, such as your GP, psychiatrist, a family member or an employer (for example, for a return-to-work plan). You can usually specify what's shared and withdraw consent at any time.

Confidentiality for young people

For adolescents, confidentiality is balanced with parents' involvement and the young person's maturity. Psychologists generally discuss arrangements with both the young person and their parents at the start, including what will and won't be shared. Risk-related exceptions still apply.

Confidentiality in couples therapy

In couples therapy, psychologists usually agree on a policy at the start about how they handle information shared individually by one partner. Ask your therapist how they approach this.

Confidentiality in telehealth and Walk and Talk sessions

The same confidentiality obligations apply to telehealth. Your psychologist will use a secure platform, and you can help protect your privacy by choosing a space where you won't be overheard.

For Walk and Talk therapy, sessions happen in public spaces, which carries a small risk of being seen or overheard, or of running into someone you know. At Satya Psychology, we discuss this in your first telehealth session and agree on what to do if you meet someone you know, such as how you'd like your psychologist to respond. We choose established pathways and adjust our conversation as needed.

How your records are kept

Psychologists must store records securely and keep them for a minimum period set by law. You generally have a right to request access to your health records, with limited exceptions. Our bookings, communications and records are managed through a secure practice management system.

Questions to ask your psychologist

• What are the limits of confidentiality here?

• What will be included in reports to my GP?

• Who else might see my information, such as a supervisor?

• How are my records stored?

• What happens if I run into you in public?

A good psychologist will welcome these questions.

Next steps

For more practical details about our practice, see our FAQ page, or book a session. Our privacy policy sets out how we handle personal information.

This article is general information and isn't legal advice. If you're in immediate danger, call 000.