Effective December 2025
Our aim is to ensure you always feel informed, supported, and empowered in your care. These updates reflect new national standards designed to enhance safety, transparency, and ethical practice.
This FAQ covers the following changes at Breathe Psychology:
1. New Informed Consent Form
AHPRA has introduced a new Code of Conduct for Psychologists (2025), and all clients are now required to complete an updated consent form before their next appointment at Breathe.
Once you receive the form, your psychologist will review it with you in session so you can ask questions and feel confident in your understanding.
2. Transition to Stripe Payments
From 1 January 2026, all payments will move to Stripe, a secure platform used across Australia. This means:
- your card will be stored and encrypted securely
- payments will be processed automatically
- a small credit card surcharge of 1 78%will apply
Stripe is PCI DSS Level 1 certified, which is the highest global standard for card security.
If you have any questions or need support with these changes, our team is here to help. You can contact us at (03) 9989 0107 or [email protected].
FAQ:
Why am I being asked to complete a new consent form?
AHPRA has released a new Code of Conduct for Psychologists (2025) and updated competency requirements. All psychology practices must update their informed consent process to meet these standards. The new form provides clearer information about your rights, privacy, fees, communication, and data security.
Will my psychologist help me understand the new consent form?
Yes. After you receive the form, your psychologist will check in with you during a session to make sure you understand the information, feel comfortable, and have space to ask any questions.
At any point if you have questions, your psychologist can explain the form, clarify anything that’s unclear, and support you to make an informed decision.
Do I need to complete the new consent form before my next appointment?
Yes. The form needs to be completed prior to your next session so that your psychologist can discuss any questions or concerns with you in session. If you need support completing it, please contact our admin team and we can help guide you through the process.
What happens if I forget to complete the new consent form?
If the form has not been completed before your next appointment, we will ask you to complete it before you arrive – if this is the case, please arrive early.
Do these changes affect my access to care?
No. These updates are administrative and do not affect your ability to attend sessions or receive support.
However, it is important to know that all clinicians are required to participate in professional supervision to ensure safe, high-quality care. This supervision involves discussing client work in a de-identified way (meaning your name and identifying details are not shared).
If a client does not consent to their clinician discussing their care in supervision—even in a de-identified manner—this may limit the clinician’s ability to provide support. In some cases, a clinician may not be able to take on or continue working with a client without this consent, as supervision is an essential part of ethical and safe practice.
Do the changes mean my clinician is changing?
No. Your clinician, treatment plan, and the way psychology sessions are delivered all remain the same.
Only the consent and payment processes have been updated to align with national standards and best practice.
What if I want to withdraw consent in the future?
You can withdraw or change your consent at any time. Simply speak with your psychologist, who will help you update your consent safely and appropriately. Some changes may affect what services we can offer (e.g., opting out of supervision discussions), and your psychologist will talk this through with you.
Why is Breathe Psychology moving to Stripe?
Stripe provides a secure, streamlined payment system that:
- encrypts your card details
- meets the highest global data security standards
- reduces administrative delays
- ensures consistent and timely processing of payments
This helps us maintain high-quality, reliable service across the practice.
Is Stripe safe?
Yes. Stripe is:
- PCI DSS Level 1 certified (the highest global payment security standard)
- fully encrypted
- compliant with Australian privacy and data protection laws
Your payment details cannot be viewed by Breathe Psychology staff.
Why is there a surcharge?
A small credit card surcharge of 1.78% plus GST will apply. This change is being introduced to cover the increasing bank processing fees associated with card payments. These fees have risen significantly, and introducing a surcharge allows us to manage these costs while continuing to provide high-quality, accessible services. The surcharge will be added automatically to each invoice.
Can I change my card details later?
Absolutely. You can update your payment details at any time by contacting our administration team or simply updating them via the payment link when you receive an invoice.
Does Stripe store my card forever?
Stripe securely stores your card details until you request that they be removed. You can update or remove your card at any time by contacting our administration team. Removing your card simply means we will arrange an alternative payment method for future sessions.
Can I pay using another method?
We use Stripe for card payments, as it is the most secure and efficient option for processing fees and managing appointments. This is our preferred payment method and helps keep administrative processes smooth and reliable.
If you are unable to pay by card, we can arrange a direct bank transfer instead. Please note that cash payments are not accepted, and no cash is kept on the premises.
Can I opt out of automatic payments?
Automatic payments are the standard process at Breathe Psychology because they ensure secure, timely, and accurate processing. If this creates difficulty for you, please contact our administration team so we can discuss your options,
What if I feel unsure about any of these changes?
You’re welcome to discuss your concerns with your psychologist or our administrative team. We’ll make sure you feel supported and informed throughout the process.
I’m new to the practice—do I need to do anything different?
New clients will complete the updated consent form as part of the onboarding process. Payment setup and Stripe card storage will also occur before your first appointment.