Terms and Conditions
Confidentiality
Everything you share with your therapist is confidential. However, there are specific circumstances in which your therapist may have a duty of care to share information with others. These circumstances include:
If your therapist considers you to be at immediate and serious risk of harm either to yourself or others
If you tell your therapist about current child abuse (including, physical, sexual or neglect)
If you tell your therapist about childhood sexual abuse (current or historic)
If your counselling records have been requested by a court of law
If your therapist discusses your case during supervision (in which case, no identifier will be used)
If another party or agency has requested your information, and you have agreed and provided your written consent for this information to be shared.
Counselling/Expressive Therapy/Occupational Therapy Contract
Sessions
Appointments range from 50 – 90 minutes duration. This is your time where you work with your therapist in a safe space to discuss or work through the issues you choose. Appointments are usually weekly, but in some circumstances fortnightly arrangements can be made.
Payments & Cancellations
Please refer to the fees and charges applicable to the service you are seeking. Payment is required on the day. Methods of payment include cash and EFTPOS or credit card. Late cancellation fees are payable with the following notice periods:
If you cancel within 24 hours of your schedule session, there will be a fee of $100.
If you are an unsupported student accessing professional supervision and you cancel within 24 hours of your schedule session, there will be a fee of $50.
If no notice is provided the full fee will be charged and payment required prior to next scheduled session (unless an alternative payment agreement has been arranged).
Record Keeping
Your therapist may or may not take notes during your session. They will, however, always record notes afterwards. These are called case notes and are a mandatory requirement of our practice. Case notes are stored on a password protected device. All client records are kept, as required by law, for a period of 7 years. For children, once they turn 18, their records are kept for 7 years from the date of their last contact with the service.
Email & Telephone Contact
Email and telephone contact with your therapist is limited to practical arrangements only. Your therapist is not permitted to enter into telephone or email therapy unless permission is provided in advance by the Principal Practitioner. If you are faced with a situation where you require an urgent appointment, please call the office to request an alternate appointment time 0438 011 553.
After hours or in a crisis
If you urgent assist after hours or you are experiencing a crisis (and you cannot contact me while I am in with other clients), please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or in a life-threatening situation call 000 without delay.
Ending Counselling
Normally, the end of therapy would be by mutual prior agreement. However, you have the right to end your sessions at any time. We would ask that you let your therapist know in advance when you anticipate your sessions ending. If you are unable to return, for any reason, please provide a minimum of 48 hours’ notice.
If it is felt that our service is no longer appropriate, your therapist will discuss this with you and may make referrals to a more appropriate service.
Complaints Policy/Procedure
If you are unhappy with the service you have received please contact us here or email beconscious.isp@outlook.com.