Clinical Psychologists specialise in working with children, young people and adults experiencing a wide range of difficulties and distress.

Clinical psychologists have completed extensive training to doctoral level on an approved university training programme. Prior to this, an undergraduate degree must have been achieved at a high level and usually, as in my case, prior experience working in child and adult mental health or related settings is completed.

The title ‘Clinical Psychologist’ is protected by the Health and Care Professions Council, ensuring that those using it are appropriately qualified.

‍ Privacy Policy

‍I, Dr Natalie Walker-Samuel am a sole trader offering Clinical Psychology Services. In terms of data collection and the storage of your information I comply with the Data Protection Act 1998, and the European General Data Protection Regulations 2018.

‍I, Dr Natalie Walker-Samuel act as the Data Controller, and I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

‍What information do I collect?

‍As part of the assessment and therapy process I will collect information from you.  This will include details such as names, address, contact details, school, ethnicity, and GP. I will also collect information relating to you / your child’s physical and mental health.  I will take notes during our sessions to help me plan our work and to support my work with you.

‍Some of the information I may collect is classified as sensitive personal data.  My lawful basis for collecting this information are ‘legitimate interest’ and ‘provision of health treatment’. I will only use this information in relation to the delivery of a contract to you as a health care professional.  The ICO website contains further information on lawful basis for collecting and storing information.

‍This information will allow me to provide an assessment / therapy service to you, and to help me ensure the quality of my service.  I will not use your information for marketing purposes.

‍What information will I share?

‍There may be times when I will need to share information with third parties.  Sometimes I will share information with your child’s GP via a copy of reports that I write to you.  I may also discuss with you sharing information with other agencies (e.g. school, other professionals) if appropriate.  This is to ensure you and your child receive the best possible care. If I feel that there is a risk of harm to your child or others or that your child is putting themselves or others at risk then I reserve the right to inform outside agencies as appropriate, I will try to discuss this with you first. These agencies may be statutory bodies e.g. Social Services or may be parents if the child is under 18 years of age. If possible, I will discuss this with you/your child before sharing the information.

‍In accordance with British Psychological Society Guidelines Psychologists are required to attend regular supervision from another registered Clinical Psychologist to maintain the quality of their work. Individual issues are discussed but personal data is not shared. This Clinical Psychologist is also bound by regulatory body rules of confidentiality.

‍ How is information stored?

‍I keep information securely in accordance with ICO guidelines.  Information may be stored electronically or as a hard copy.  Hard copies will be stored in a locked filing cabinet.  The files may be transferred to clinics by car.  Electronic information will be stored on a password protected computer.  Emails will be stored in a password protected account in a GDPR compliant email account.  I will not store your number on my mobile phone although I will keep text messages whilst you are receiving a service from me.  Text messages will be used primarily to confirm appointments.  Please do not send any sensitive information via text message. I may communicate with you by post, mobile phone or email.  If I send reports electronically, they will be password protected.

‍How long will information be kept for & what rights do I have?

‍By law I am required to keep records securely for a period of 7 years (or for 7 years after a child’s 18th birthday).   Records will then be destroyed. You have the right to request access to the data that I hold about you free of charge. You also have the right to request the correction or deletion of information that you believe to be inaccurate.

‍If you have any further questions or concerns please contact me at oaktreespsychology@protonmail.com or the ICO at   https://ico.org.uk/

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Confidentiality & information sharing

As part of your sessions I will need to collect and record personal information and information about your current circumstances i.e. at our assessment session. I will also keep a written record of aspects of the sessions to support my work with you. This information will be stored securely and not divulged to third parties except when the client consents, where I believe there is a significant risk of harm to the client or others or where it is required by law. In these cases, I will discuss it with you but reserve the right to inform outside agencies as appropriate. Sometimes, private medical insurers funding therapy require a progress report to be sent to them and/or your GP, and require information to authorise treatment and process invoices. Sometimes I write assessment and closing reports or summaries to send to you or other professionals with your consent (unless I am duty-bound to break confidentiality as discussed above). 

Psychologists are required to attend regular supervision to maintain the quality of their work. Individual issues are discussed but confidentiality is maintained i.e. clients are not identified and personal information is kept to the minimum necessary for clinical understanding.

Cancellations & late or missed sessions  

If you need to cancel or change an appointment, please contact me on 07949243788. Unfortunately, if you are late it may not be possible to extend your session.  If you miss the session the full cost is payable. 48 hrs notice of cancellation is required once a session is booked, to allow the session to be offered to another client. If notice of cancellation is not given, the full cost of the session will be charged.

I welcome feedback about your experience of working with Oak Trees Psychology, whether positive or constructive. Feedback helps me to reflect on and improve the service I provide. If you have any concerns about any aspect of my work, I encourage you to raise them with me in the first instance so that I can understand and, where possible, address the issue. As a Chartered Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), you also have the right to raise concerns directly with the HCPC if you are worried about the professional standards of a registered practitioner. Information about the HCPC concerns process can be found on the HCPC website.

Where therapy is commissioned by a local authority or through the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF), families may also wish to discuss concerns about the commissioned service with their allocated social worker, adoption support worker, or commissioning team.