Is psychotherapy confidential in Australia?
Confidentiality is central to therapy, but it is not absolute. A practitioner should explain the circumstances in which information may be shared.
The essential things to know
Examples can include consent, a legal requirement or serious safety concerns. Different laws and settings may apply; do not assume all providers have identical procedures.
How to use this information
Ask who has access to records, how long they are retained, whether notes are stored electronically, and how information is communicated to other professionals.
A useful next step
Our website is a referral-enquiry service, not the treating therapist. We ask for contact logistics only, not therapy notes or your detailed mental-health history.
If you are unsure what kind of provider is most appropriate, a GP or a recognised professional register can be a useful independent starting point.
Taking the next step
If you would like to explore an appointment, you can send a contact-only enquiry. We ask only for the details needed to respond about a possible introduction. This does not book or confirm a clinical appointment.
For a diagnosis, urgent need or health concerns, start with your GP or an appropriate health service. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 000.
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