All of these terms will need to be agreed to prior to your initial consultation. Thank you
Confidentiality
Purpose of Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a fundamental part of the therapeutic relationship. It helps create a safe and trusting environment where clients can speak openly and honestly. This policy explains how information shared in therapy is protected and the limited circumstances under which it may be disclosed.
What Is Confidential
All information shared during therapy sessions is confidential. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Verbal discussions during sessions
- Written records, notes, and assessments
- Treatment plans and progress notes
- Emails, messages, and other communications related to therapy
Client information will not be shared with others without the client’s written consent, except in situations required or permitted by law.
Limits to Confidentiality
I will endeavour to have a discussion together before breaking confidentiality, and together we will come up with a plan to support you. However, confidentiality may be broken without client consent in the following circumstances:
1) Risk of Serious Harm
If there is a reasonable belief that the client poses an immediate danger to themselves or others, information may be disclosed to appropriate parties to ensure safety.
2) Abuse or Neglect
I am legally required to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult to the appropriate authorities and raise safeguarding concerns.
3) Legal Requirements
Confidential information may be disclosed if required by a court order, subpoena, or other legal process.
4) Professional Consultation and Supervision
To ensure evidence-based and regulated practice, I engage in supervision. I may consult with supervisors or professional colleagues to improve the quality of care. In these cases, identifying information is anonymised.
5) Billing and Insurance
If insurance or third-party billing is used, limited information (such as diagnosis and dates of service) may be shared as required for payment.
Children & Adolescence
When therapy involves a minor, parents or legal guardians may have certain rights to information. However, therapists aim to balance these rights with the young person's need for privacy, sharing only what is clinically or legally necessary.
Electronic Communication and Records
Reasonable measures are taken to protect electronic records and communications. However, electronic communication (such as email or text) carries some risk to confidentiality, and clients should be aware of these limitations.
Client Rights
Clients have the right to:
- Ask questions about confidentiality and its limits
- Access their own records, as permitted by law
- Request corrections to their records
Acknowledgment
By participating in therapy, clients acknowledge that they have been informed about and understand this confidentiality policy.
Cancellation Policy
Appointment Scheduling
Therapy sessions are scheduled in advance and reserved specifically for each client. Because this time is held exclusively for you, a cancellation policy is necessary to ensure fairness and availability for all clients.
Notice Required
Clients are required to provide at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Notice may be given by phone, voicemail, email, or other agreed-upon communication method.
Late Cancellations and Missed Appointments
- Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice may be charged the full session fee.
- Missed appointments (“no-shows”) will be charged the full session fee.
- Insurance companies typically do not reimburse for missed or late-cancelled appointments, so clients are responsible for these charges.
Exceptions
Late cancellation fees may be waived in cases of genuine emergencies, such as sudden illness or unforeseen circumstances, at the therapist’s discretion.
Repeated Cancellations
Frequent late cancellations or missed appointments may impact the ability to continue scheduling ongoing sessions and may result in changes to appointment availability.
Client Responsibility
It is the client’s responsibility to remember scheduled appointments and to provide timely notice if a change is needed.
Acknowledgment
By scheduling and attending therapy sessions, clients acknowledge and agree to this cancellation policy.
Fee's and Payment
Payment for therapy services is due 24h before your session, unless other arrangements have been made in advance. Fees are discussed prior to the start of therapy, and clients are encouraged to ask questions at any time.
Payment Methods
Accepted forms of payment may include cash, credit/debit cards, electronic payments, or other approved methods. Returned or declined payments may result in additional fees.
Insurance
If insurance is accepted, the client is responsible for understanding their coverage, including copays, deductibles, and session limits. Any portion not covered by insurance is the client’s responsibility. Insurance companies do not guarantee payment, and clients are responsible for all charges incurred.
Late Payments
Unpaid balances may result in suspension of services until the account is brought current. Continued non-payment may require additional steps, such as changes to scheduling or referral to outside billing services, as permitted by law.
Fees for Missed or Late-Cancelled Appointments
Missed sessions or late cancellations may be charged according to the cancellation policy. These fees are not typically covered by insurance and are the responsibility of the client.
Fee Changes
Fees may change periodically. Clients will be notified in advance of any changes to session fees.
Financial Concerns
Clients are encouraged to discuss financial concerns as soon as they arise. Open communication allows for planning and avoids misunderstandings.
Acknowledgment
By participating in therapy services, clients acknowledge and agree to this payment policy.