Informed Consent Policy
Mental Health Services
EVERYDAY RESILIENCE COUNSELLING recognises that it may not be easy to seek help from a mental health professional. It is your therapist’s intention to provide services that will assist you in reaching your goals. Based upon the information that
you provide to your therapist and the specifics of your situation; your therapist will provide recommendations to you regarding your treatment. We believe that therapists and patients are partners in the therapeutic process. You have the right to agree
or disagree with your therapist’s recommendations. Due to the varying nature and severity of problems and the individuality of each patient, your therapist is unable to predict the length of your therapy or to guarantee a specific outcome or result.
Nature of Therapy & Risks
It is important to understand that there are both benefits and risks associated with participation in therapy. Therapy may improve the ability to relate to others, provide a clearer understanding of self, values, and goals, and an ability to deal with everyday stress. However, clients often learn things about themselves that they don’t like. Often growth cannot occur until past issues are experienced and confronted, often causing distressing feelings such as sadness and anxiety. Therapy can lead to unanticipated feelings and change, which might have an unexpected impact on you, and your relationships.
Relationship
The relationship you have with your therapist is a professional and therapeutic relationship. In order to preserve this relationship, it is imperative that your therapist does not have any other type of relationship with you. It is not appropriate to share gifts, barter, or trade services with your therapist.
Confidentiality
Discussions between you and your therapist are confidential. No information will be released without your written consent unless mandated by law. Possible exceptions to confidentiality include but are not limited to the following situations: child abuse; abuse of the elderly or disabled; abuse of patients in mental health facilities; sexual exploitation; criminal prosecutions; child custody cases, suits in which the mental health of a party is in issue; situations where the therapist has a duty to disclose, or where, in the therapist’s judgment, it is necessary to warn, notify, or disclose. If you have any questions regarding confidentiality, you should bring them to the attention of our therapist when you and the therapist discuss this matter further.
Your medical doctor or other people involved in your care may have referred you for therapy. It is important to coordinate with your case manager, or care coordinator/ service provider, particularly if medication is involved. Again, your permission will be obtained for a consultation to occur, as some information can be disclosed to a doctor that is not disclosed to others. The only time information can be shared without your permission is if you are engaged in harmful or risky behaviour that creates a safety concern.
Communication
By signing the Informed Consent for Counselling, you are consenting for EVERYDAY RESILIENCE COUNSELLING to communicate with you by phone, e-mail, and at the address provided on your client intake form. You agree to notify us if you need to opt out of any form of communication.
Fees & Payment Policy
- Fees are set and discussed prior to the initial intake. Medicare rebates are not available.
- NDIS participants are possible if you are an NDIS Self Managed or Plan Managed fund. We are unable to invoice NDIA directly.
- Payment is due in full at the end of each session by EFT or credit card payments. NDIS participants will need to provide fund manager invoice details prior to the first scheduled appointment.
- If for some reason you find that you are unable to continue paying for your therapy, you should inform your therapist. Your therapist will help you to consider any options that may be available to you at that time.