Your mental health record

Your mental health records

We keep track of the care and treatment we provide you in your mental health record.

When you first visit CAMHS, we create a record for you, and we add new information every time you attend our service. It includes your name, contact details, next of kin, treatment received, diagnosis, care plans, relevant reports, medications, clinical notes, and other details about your health – physical and mental. It's your health story!

Where we keep your mental health record

We use a mix of paper and digital records to keep your mental health information. This includes the secure Psychiatric Services Online Information System which links to WA Health’s Digital Medical Record (DMR).

What is the Digital Medical Record and why is it used?

The WA Health Digital Medical Record is a patient record viewable digitally on a computer screen (e.g. desktop, laptop or tablet).

The DMR provides up-to-date and complete health information, at any WA Health location that has access to it, at any time. It supports safer clinical decision-making and improves the communication between the services managing your care, reducing the need for you to re-tell your story. It provides your treating healthcare team to important information about your care.

Security first

Your digital medical record is encrypted and stored securely.

Only your healthcare team may access it, and everything they do, and access, is tracked and recorded to keep things secure and ensure your privacy.

Can I check my Digital Medical Record?

You can't log in to the DMR yourself, but you can request access to your medical records by contacting the health service that provides care to you.

Further information on how to access your medical record can be found on the HealthyWA website. 

Privacy matters

All WA Health staff have a legal duty to protect the confidentiality of information about you.

Your privacy information is regarded as strictly confidential. Permission must be given for your information to be shared with services external to WA Health (such as informing your GP of your treatment) by giving your consent. This will be collected by your healthcare team if required. Usually, you, a parent or guardian will complete  a consent form and say who the information can be shared with. Consent can be changed at any time by you, your parent or guardian.

There are specific situations where we are permitted, or required by law, to share your information to ensure your safety.

For example:

• if the clinician is concerned that you might harm yourself or someone else.
• if the clinician is concerned that you are being harmed or at risk of being harmed by somebody else, or have concerns about your safety, welfare or wellbeing.

Can I opt out of the Digital Medical Record?

If you are receiving care from a public hospital or health service in Western Australia, you are unable to opt out of having your health information being documented in these digital and/or paper records. Sharing your information helps you get better care, in real time. For example, if you're getting support from a mental health service, access to your medical record will make sure that if you see a different clinician or attend a different WA Health facility, they know how to support you.

What is WA Health?

WA Health is the public health system in Western Australia.

Got more questions?

If you have more questions, please ask a member of your healthcare team. They're here to help!

Compliments and complaints

We welcome your feedback, both positive and negative. It helps us provide you with a better service.

Please take a look at our Compliments and complaints page or ask a member of your healthcare team how you can provide feedback.