The short answer
Privacy and your records: who sees what
What you share with a psychologist is confidential. It's protected by the Privacy Act and the psychologists' code of ethics. Under Medicare, your psychologist sends your GP a short progress update. Employers using an EAP see only de-identified numbers. Confidentiality has limits in rare situations, such as a serious risk to someone's safety or a court order. If you'd prefer nothing goes to your GP, private sessions at MeHelp ($180) need no plan or referral.
A look inside
From the guide
Who sees what
Your information, mapped
| Who | What they usually see |
|---|---|
| Your GP (Medicare) | Your plan, plus a short written update from your psychologist after each course of sessions. |
| Your employer (EAP) | De-identified usage numbers only. Not your name or what you discussed. |
| WorkCover insurer | Treatment plans and progress reports needed to manage your claim, with your consent on the claim form. |
| Private health fund | That you claimed a psychology service, the date and the amount. Not session content. |
| Medicare | That a session took place, for billing. Not session content. |
| Your family | Nothing, unless you agree. Different rules can apply for younger teens. |
Common questions
What people ask
Is everything I say to a psychologist confidential?
Almost always. The limits are rare and your psychologist will explain them at the start, such as a serious risk to someone's safety or a court order.
Does my employer find out if I see a psychologist?
Not unless you tell them or give consent. With EAP, employers get only de-identified statistics.
Can I see my psychology notes?
Yes. You can ask for access to your records under the Privacy Act. There are limited exceptions.
Will my GP see everything I discuss?
No. Under Medicare your psychologist sends a short update on progress, not session details.
Evidence
Sources we checked
- Australian Privacy Principles, OAIC
- Mental health and your privacy, Queensland Government
- EAP privacy and workers, ABC News (2022)
- My Health Record, Australian Digital Health Agency
Last reviewed 21 October 2026 by Phillipa Brown, registered psychologist and founder of MeHelp. This page is general information, not individual advice.
