Confidentiality Information Statement
The University of Adelaide Counselling Service provides confidential and professional support to students enrolled at the University of Adelaide. The Counselling Service is located at The University of Adelaide Counselling, Disability & Elite Athlete Services (CD&EAS).
Confidentiality
Information regarding consultation details or attendance will generally not be disclosed without your consent.
In accordance with professional responsibilities and legislation, disclosure may occur where:
- there is a perceived risk to your safety or that of another person
- there is a legal requirement to do so
In these instances, where possible, permission from you would be sought prior to disclosing any information.
Case discussion and staff consultation within the CD&EAS do not constitute a breach of confidentiality. Confidentiality is ensured within the CD&EAS.
Information and Record Keeping
Personal information is gathered from you for the primary purpose of providing services to you. In addition, this information may also be utilised for:
- verification of eligibility for services
- administrative and planning purposes
- correspondence with you
- providing information about the range of services available to you
- preparing statistical reports
No identifying information will be included where information is collated for planning or statistical purposes.
To enable the Counselling Service to provide effective support to you, a record outlining contact, key discussion points, outcomes and other relevant information provided during consultations is kept in a Student File. Additional relevant correspondence and copies of documentation are also kept in the Student Files. Student Files are secured for a period of 7 years at the Counselling Service, after which time they are destroyed.
Access to Information
You may access your file by submitting a written request to the Manager: Counselling, Disability & Elite Athlete Service. You will then be notified and your counsellor will discuss the content of the file with you before releasing the information. A Receipt of Personal Case Notes form will be completed when the information is provided to you.
Files may be subpoenaed by an authorised legal or court office. You will be notified in such cases.
Related Policies:
- The University of Adelaide Privacy Policy
- The University of Adelaide Record Management policy
For further clarification regarding confidentiality, please speak with the person providing the service to you or the Manager: Counselling, Disability & Elite Athlete Service.
