Your rights as a patient:

We respect the human dignity of our patients and wish to provide treatment that is empowering and non-judgmental. We have developed a bill of rights for our patients and ensure that this is adhered to by all of our consultants. Your rights as a patient are:

To participate in developing an individual plan of treatment.
To receive an explanation of services in accordance with the treatment plan.
To participate voluntarily in and to consent to treatment.
To object to, or terminate, treatment.
To have records protected by confidentiality and not be revealed to anyone without my written authorization.
Confidentiality may only be broken under the following conditions:

If the therapist has knowledge of child or elder abuse.
If the therapist has knowledge of the client's intent to harm oneself or others.
If the therapist receives a court order to the contrary.
If the client enters into litigation against the therapist.

To have access to one's records.
To receive clinically appropriate care and treatment that is suited to their needs and skillfully, safely, and humanely administered with full respect for their dignity and personal integrity.
To be treated in a manner which is ethical and free from abuse, discrimination, mistreatment, and/or exploitation.
To be treated by staff who are sensitive to one's cultural background.
To be afforded privacy.
To be free to report grievances regarding services or staff to a supervisor.
To be informed of expected results of all therapies prescribed, including their possible adverse effects (eg.- medications).
To request a change in therapist.
To request a another clinician for a second opinion.

Your responsibilities as a patient

If you feel that there is any risk you will harm yourself or others then please contact Lifeline on 086 132 2322 or visit their website.

It is your responsibility to be honest with your therapist. You cannot be helped unless you are honest.

If your therapist makes a suggestion it is your responsibility to ensure that you understand that suggestion and its implications. You are always responsible for your behaviour and should not follow advice that you do not agree with.