Informed Consent and Remote Session Terms

Nature of the service

The service provided is psychological assessment, counselling and psychotherapy delivered by a clinical psychologist. Medical diagnosis and drug treatment are outside the scope of this service; where necessary, a referral is made to a psychiatrist.

The process and expectations

• Sessions take place for the planned duration; the process, goals and frequency are agreed together in the first sessions.
• Outcomes in psychotherapy vary depending on the individual, the difficulty and engagement with the process. No specific outcome is guaranteed.
• The client has the right to end the process at any time.

Confidentiality and its limits

What is shared in sessions is confidential. Confidentiality may be limited in situations such as a serious and imminent risk to the life of the client or another person, suspected child abuse, or a legal obligation; these situations are discussed openly in the first session.

Conditions specific to online sessions

• Sessions take place in the session room on the site; audio and video are transmitted between devices in encrypted form and are not recorded. The client is also expected not to record the session.
• The client agrees to be in a private, uninterrupted setting where others cannot hear during the session.
• If the connection drops, the parties rejoin the room; if that is not possible, contact is made by phone.
• Online sessions may not be suitable for every situation; where the psychologist considers it necessary, they may recommend an in-person session or a referral to another service.
• The client's location may be requested at the first session so that help can be called in an emergency.

Emergencies

The online, by-appointment service is not an emergency response service. In an emergency, such as thoughts of harming yourself or others, call the 112 Emergency Call Centre or go to your nearest emergency department.

Age

Booking through the website is for people aged 18 and over applying on their own behalf. For clients under 18, the application is made by a parent or guardian through the contact channels.