Informed Consent for Counselling
This informed consent document is intended to provide general information about the counselling services provided by Sincere Counselling. This is a legal document; please read it carefully before signing.
Mental health services. Sincere Counselling recognises that it may not be easy to seek help from a mental health professional. It is your counsellor's intention to provide services that will assist you in reaching your goals. Based upon the information that you provide to your counsellor and the specifics of your situation, your counsellor will provide recommendations to you regarding your treatment. We believe that counsellors and clients are partners in the therapeutic process. You have the right to agree or disagree with your counsellor's recommendations. Due to the varying nature and severity of problems and the individuality of each client, your counsellor 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. For example, marital therapy may lead to the possibility of exercising the divorce option.
Relationship. The relationship you have with your counsellor is a professional and therapeutic relationship. In order to preserve this relationship, it is imperative that your counsellor not have any other type of relationship with you. It is not appropriate to share gifts, barter, or trade services with your counsellor.
Confidentiality. Discussions between you and your counsellor 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 counsellor has a duty to disclose, or where, in the counsellor'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 your counsellor.
Between sessions & emergencies. As a general rule, it is our belief that important issues are better addressed within regularly scheduled sessions. However, you may contact your counsellor in between sessions by email (or WhatsApp for urgent matters), and we will reply as soon as we can. In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency, or an emergency involving a threat to your safety or the safety of others, please call 000 in Australia, or your local emergency number if you live elsewhere, to request emergency assistance.
Communication. By signing this document, you consent for Sincere Counselling to communicate with you by phone, WhatsApp, email, and at the address provided on your intake form. You agree to notify us if you need to opt out of any form of communication.
Fees. Sessions are approximately 50 minutes. Fees are in Australian dollars (AUD), as listed on our website at the time of booking, and are payable in full when you book, before your session begins. If for some reason you find that you are unable to continue paying for your therapy, you should inform your counsellor. Your counsellor will help you to consider any options that may be available to you at that time.
Health insurance. Please talk to your counsellor if you plan to claim sessions through private health insurance (in Australia or overseas). Rebates depend on your insurer and level of cover, and we are unable to guarantee whether your insurer will provide a rebate. Ultimately, the financial responsibility is yours.
Consent to treat. By signing, you voluntarily agree to receive mental health assessment, care, treatment, or services and authorise the counsellor to provide such care, treatment, or services as are considered necessary and advisable. Signing indicates that you understand and agree that you will participate in the planning of your care, treatment, or services and that you may stop such care, treatment, or services at any time. You acknowledge that you have both read and understood all the terms and information contained herein, and that you have had the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification of anything that remains unclear.
