Greater protection for patients’ rights
Psychologists who are members of the Federation of Swiss Psychologists (FSP) commit to respecting the Code of Conduct and are subject to compulsory professional development. Therefore, the rights of patients and clients of FSP psychologists are better protected.
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Clients must have the necessary information concerning their treatment. During the initial consultation, psychologists are required to specify the cost, duration and frequency of sessions, as well as their rates and payment methods. Furthermore, patients have the right to know which disorder they are affected by, as well as the chances of recovery, treatment options, possible risks and side effects (in general, a diagnosis can only be made after several sessions).
Clients have the right to receive suitable treatment. Psychologists are required to advise and treat their clients in a professional manner with integrity and diligence.
In return, the patient’s personal contribution to the recovery process is essential. In order to best identify the disorder, psychologists rely on information provided by the patient, and this information must be as comprehensive and detailed as possible. Therefore, there is no sense in withholding important information.
In return, the patient’s personal contribution to the recovery process is essential. In order to best identify the disorder, psychologists rely on information provided by the patient, and this information must be as comprehensive and detailed as possible. Therefore, there is no sense in withholding important information.
All psychologists are bound by the obligation of professional secrecy and are subject to the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection. Information communicated to psychologists can only be shared with the explicit agreement of the client.
In agreement with the psychologist, clients may be accompanied by a trusted person of their choosing for the diagnosis, the choice of therapy and/or analysis. Clients can refuse this right if they feel they are able to speak freely and frankly to the psychologist in the absence of the person in question.
The treatment or therapy may be interrupted at any time. In the event of a cancellation at an inop-portune time, a payment may need to be made as compensation. For example, if a family therapy session is cancelled just a few days before it is scheduled, the planned session fee and the cost of cancelling the rented space will be charged.
Psychologists are required to keep patient files for ten years before destroying them. Current can-tonal data protection laws may provide for longer retention periods for medical records. Patients can request access to information concerning them and consult their personal file.