Confidentiality Policy

This Confidentiality Policy outlines how information shared with The Adults’ Wellness Centre is managed and protected.
Our Information Sharing and Privacy Policy sets out how information shared with us via forms, paperwork, and/or correspondence with third parties (including healthcare professionals or other relevant services) is shared internally and externally.

The Adults’ Wellness Centre recognises that adults accessing our services may also share personal and sensitive information directly with their Clinical Practitioner through conversations held in person, via email, telephone, or other agreed methods of communication. This information will be managed respectfully and in accordance with relevant data protection legislation.

Aside from the circumstances outlined in our Information Sharing and Privacy Policy, personal information shared during therapy or assessment will be treated as confidential and will not be disclosed without the client’s consent, except where the Clinical Practitioner has concerns about the client’s safety, the safety of another person, or where there is a legal or professional obligation to share information. In the case of assessments, information disclosed likely may need to be written within the outcome report. If a client specifically wants something omitted from a report, this would need to be discussed with their Clinical Practitioner.

Where possible, the Centre and/or the Clinical Practitioner will seek to discuss any confidentiality concerns with the client and explain what information may need to be shared and why, and to obtain the client’s consent before doing so. However, in some situations, including emergencies or where there is a significant risk of harm, it may not be possible to obtain consent prior to sharing information, and confidentiality may be breached in the client’s best interests or to protect others.

For adult clients, confidentiality is based on the presumption of capacity in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. If a client is assessed as lacking capacity to make decisions regarding information sharing, decisions will be made in their best interests and documented accordingly.

Clients may choose to involve a third party (such as a partner, family member, or healthcare professional) in their care. No information will be shared with third parties without the client’s explicit consent, unless one of the exceptions outlined above applies.

This policy will be reviewed as required, or if a situation occurs which necessitates any amendment.