Psychologist no longer contactable, what happens to my records?

[Paw Prints]

Hi all,

Because I moved a few years ago I had to start again with a new Psychologist. I had been seeing her monthly, she went overseas for 2 months last August & I felt at that time I would try & manage without seeing her when she got back. I became very unwell in January & it has taken me until last month to feel able to see her and get the help I need.

I got an updated MCHP from my GP & rang my Psych. Telstra message advised her number was no longer connected & the building she had rooms in has been sold & now has new tenants. My GP has the same details for her & when I check the National Health Services Directory she is still listed with that number & address (site says updated last feb). I have googled her name, but all hits come up with what I already have.

She was not part of a practice. I don't know if she has retired/died or just moved away.

What happens to my notes/records. This is really worrying me that I have no idea who may now have access to them.

Paws

[Alexlisa]

Hello Paw Prints,

That’s so disappointing for you. I can see why you’d like more information about what now happens to your records.

I wonder if it might be worth getting in touch with the Australian Psychological Society (APS) to ask what the code of ethics is for this kind of situation. I’m not sure, but I would think that there’d be standard rules for the storage and handling of your information by registered psychologists. If they can’t help, ask if they know who else you could contact.

I hope you find what you need.

Alexlisa

[geoff]

Hello Paws, I'm sorry that this situation has happened, however, if you haven't cancelled your 'mental health record' that is for none of your health to be shown to anybody else as I have done, then what has been entered into the computer will still be there, so another psychologist will be able to look at what has been recorded.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Paw Prints,

Thank you for your post. I am so sorry that this has happened, and I'm really disappointed your psychologist hasn't thought to contact you.

Psychologists by law have to keep records for a minimum of 7 years, but there are very strict laws around how they must store the information regardless of whether they work at a practice, an office or from home.

I'd really recommend contacting AHRPA to try to help figure out what's happening and also follow up on where your files are. You can contact them here -

https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Notifications/Raise-a-concern.aspx

Good luck with this and hope it helps,

[Paw Prints]

Hello Alexlisa, Geoff, Romantic Thi3f,

Thank you all very much for your ideas, I really do appreciate them.

I will contact the services you have mentioned.

Thank you

Paws