Online Consultation / Teletherapy Informed Consent
Welcome to HOPE - A Centre for Mental Well-Being and Child Development.
This document explains the nature, benefits, limitations, and responsibilities associated with online psychological consultations and teletherapy services. By scheduling or participating in an online consultation, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the following terms.
Nature of Teletherapy
Teletherapy involves the provision of psychological consultation, counselling, psychotherapy, behavioural intervention, parent guidance, or developmental services through secure online communication platforms such as video conferencing. While teletherapy can be effective for many individuals, it may not be appropriate for every clinical concern.
Voluntary Participation
Participation in online consultation is entirely voluntary. You may withdraw your consent or discontinue teletherapy at any time. However, doing so may affect the continuity of your treatment or therapeutic progress.
Confidentiality
Reasonable measures are taken to maintain confidentiality during online consultations. However, no internet-based communication system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Confidential information may be disclosed only with your informed consent, where required by law, where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or where otherwise permitted under applicable ethical or legal obligations.
Technology Requirements
The client is responsible for ensuring access to a stable internet connection, using a suitable device with audio and video capabilities, choosing a private and quiet location, and maintaining confidentiality of their surroundings. HOPE shall not be responsible for interruptions caused by technical failures beyond our reasonable control.
Session Environment
Clients are encouraged to attend sessions from a private, distraction-free environment. Participation while driving, travelling, or from public places is strongly discouraged.
Recording of Sessions
Audio recording, video recording, screenshots, or any form of recording of therapy sessions by the client or accompanying persons is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from the treating psychologist. HOPE will not record sessions without your prior informed consent except where required by law.
Emergencies
Teletherapy is not appropriate for emergency or crisis situations. If you experience suicidal thoughts, self-harm, severe psychiatric symptoms, or any medical emergency, please immediately contact your nearest emergency medical services or hospital.
Suitability of Online Services
The treating psychologist may determine that teletherapy is not clinically appropriate for your circumstances and may recommend an in-person assessment or referral.
Fees, Cancellation and Missed Appointments
Online consultations are subject to HOPE's Cancellation & Refund Policy. Appointments cancelled less than 12 hours before the scheduled session and missed appointments (No-Shows) will attract the full consultation fee.
Child and Adolescent Consultations
For clients below 18 years of age, informed consent must be provided by a parent or legal guardian. Parents or guardians may participate where clinically appropriate, and confidentiality will be maintained within professional ethical and legal limits.
Limitations of Teletherapy
The client understands that online consultations may have limitations, including technical disruptions, reduced observation of non-verbal communication, dependence on internet connectivity, and limitations in responding to emergencies remotely.
Consent
By booking, attending, or continuing an online consultation with HOPE, you confirm that you have read and understood this Informed Consent, had the opportunity to ask questions where applicable, voluntarily consent to receive psychological services through teletherapy, and confirm that the information you provide is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
Client Acknowledgement
I have read, understood, and agree to the Online Consultation / Teletherapy Informed Consent, Privacy Policy, Cancellation & Refund Policy, and Terms & Conditions of HOPE - A Centre for Mental Well-Being and Child Development.
Contact Us
HOPE - A Centre for Mental Well-Being and Child Development
Website: hopehealingendlessly.in
Email: hope.healingendlessly@gmail.com
Phone: +918999960733 & +918788467377