Terms, Conditions and Service Agreement

 Counselling Service Agreement

 

This agreement outlines the comprehensive terms and conditions of counselling services provided by Annie Horton Counselling.

 

 1. Purpose of Counselling

 

Counselling aims to provide a safe, confidential, and supportive environment to:

- Explore personal issues

- Develop effective coping strategies

- Enhance overall personal wellbeing and mental health

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 2. Confidentiality and Data Protection

 

Annie Horton adheres to the ACA Code of Ethics and maintains strict confidentiality with the following provisions:

 

 Confidentiality Boundaries

- Confidentiality is maintained within professional and legal parameters

- Potential breaches may occur in the following circumstances:

  - Identified risk of harm to the client or others

  - Legal requirements, including court orders or mandatory reporting

  - With explicit written client consent

 

 Digital Confidentiality

- All electronic records are stored using encrypted, secure digital storage systems

- Communication platforms comply with Australian privacy standards

- Client information is protected against unauthorized access

 

 3. Sessions and Fees

 

 Session Details

- Each counselling session is approximately 60 minutes

- Cost is $100 per session

- Payable via the online booking link before each session

 

 Cancellation Policy

- Minimum 24 hours' notice required for cancellations

- Late cancellations or missed appointments will be charged the full session fee

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 4. Clients Under 18 Years

 

 Consent and Involvement

- Parental or guardian consent is mandatory before counselling commences

- Initial consultation may involve parents/guardians to establish therapeutic context

- Ongoing parental involvement will be determined collaboratively between the counsellor, client, and guardian

 

 Privacy Considerations

- Privacy of minor clients will be maintained

- Exceptions to confidentiality follow the guidelines established in Section 2

- Communication with parents will be limited and purposeful, focusing on supporting therapeutic goals

 

 5. Professional Insurance and Credentials

 

- Current professional insurance held with Focus Insurance (www.focusinsurance.com.au)

- Does not currently bill through health insurance plans

- Professional credentials available upon request

 

 6. Nature of Counselling

 

 Client and Counsellor Roles

- Counselling is a collaborative process

- Clients are responsible for their decisions and actions outside sessions

- Counsellor provides professional guidance and support

 

 Professional Boundaries

- Counselling is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care

- Referrals to other professionals will be made when necessary

- In emergencies, clients are advised to contact:

  - Emergency Services: 000

  - Local Hospital

  - Crisis Support: Lifeline 13 11 14

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7. Record Keeping

 

- Secure, confidential records maintained in compliance with:

  - Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth)

  - Relevant Australian privacy legislation

- Records retained for 7 years as legally required

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 8. Rights and Responsibilities

 

 Client Rights

- Treated with respect and dignity

- Right to withdraw consent at any time

- Ability to ask questions about counselling methods

- Access to own records upon request

 

 Counsellor Responsibilities

- Provide ethical, professional services aligned with ACA guidelines

- Maintain professional boundaries

- Respect client autonomy

- Engage in regular professional supervision

- Commit to ongoing professional development

 

 9. Communication and Contact

 

 Contact Information

- Email: ahortoncounselling@gmail.com

- Phone: 0414413807

 

 Communication Guidelines

- Response time: Within 1 business day

- Excludes weekends and public holidays

- Emergency support not provided

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 10. Termination of Services

 

- Either party may terminate the agreement

- Counsellor may recommend alternative support if services become ineffective

- Referral options will be discussed professionally

 

11. Feedback and Complaints

 

 Resolution Process

- Clients encouraged to discuss concerns directly with the counsellor

- Formal complaints can be lodged with:

  - Australian Counselling Association

  - Complaint process: https://theaca.net.au/complaints/

 

FAQ

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About Our Services

 

 What can I expect from counselling?

Counselling provides a safe, confidential environment to:

- Explore personal issues

- Develop effective coping strategies

- Improve your overall mental health and wellbeing

 

 How long are the counselling sessions?

Each session is approximately 60 minutes long.

 

 What is the cost of a session?

Sessions are $100 per session, payable via the online booking link before each session.

 

Confidentiality and Privacy

 

 How do you protect my personal information?

- We use encrypted, secure digital storage systems

- All communication platforms comply with Australian privacy standards

- We follow strict confidentiality guidelines in line with the ACA Code of Ethics

 

 Are there any limits to confidentiality?

Confidentiality may be temporarily suspended in rare circumstances, such as:

- Identified risk of harm to you or others

- Legal requirements (court orders, mandatory reporting)

- With your explicit written consent

 

Booking and Cancellations

 

 What is your cancellation policy?

- Minimum 24 hours' notice is required for cancellations

- Late cancellations or missed appointments will be charged the full session fee

 

 How quickly do you respond to messages?

We respond within 1 business day (excluding weekends and public holidays).

 

Special Considerations for Minors

 

 Do you offer counselling for individuals under 18?

Yes, but:

- Parental or guardian consent is mandatory

- An initial consultation may involve parents/guardians

- Ongoing parental involvement will be determined collaboratively

 

Professional Details

 

 Are you insured?

Yes, we hold current professional insurance with Focus Insurance.

 

 Do you accept health insurance?

We do not currently bill through health insurance plans.

 

 Emergency Support

 

 What should I do in an emergency?

In case of emergencies, please contact:

- Emergency Services: 000

- Local Hospital

- Crisis Support: Lifeline 13 11 14

 

Feedback and Concerns

 

 What if I have a complaint?

- We encourage direct communication about any concerns

- Formal complaints can be lodged with the Australian Counselling Association

 

Contact Information

 

Email: ahortoncounselling@gmail.com

Phone: 0414 413 807

 

Note: Counselling is a collaborative process and is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care. We may refer you to other professionals if necessary.