T&C

Terms & Conditions

Counselling and therapy

We deeply value both our clients and psychologists and aim for each session to be maximally beneficial. Therefore, client attendance is crucial, and we maintain a strict policy against frequent absenteeism or tardiness. All clients are expected to familiarize themselves with the Terms & Conditions, which are designed in the best interest of the clients. By booking or making payment (via our website, phone, email, or any other means), clients indicate their agreement to these Terms & Conditions, outlined as follows:

  1. Clients who come in late for the appointment, will get only the remaining time of the session. The payment will remain that of one hour.
  2. In case, the client wants to extend their session, the extension is subject to availability of the psychologist.
  3. In case, the client wants to take up more than 5-10 minutes of the next session, this is subject to additional charges, as per session rates.
  4. 24 Hour Cancellation Policy: If a client wishes to cancel their appointment, they must do so at least 24 hours prior to the appointment time. Any cancellation done after that will be chargeable amounting to fees for one session. The client must make this payment before their next session at Vichaaran.
  5. Suicide, or ending one’s own life, is a tragic event with profound emotional impacts on survivors and the families of victims. Every therapist strives to prevent such unfortunate occurrences. However, because it is often an impulsive act, neither a therapist nor Vichaaran can be held liable. Please note that Vichaaran is not a crisis intervention center and does not provide emergency services. Services are available only during scheduled sessions. Clients experiencing an emergency should use local and available emergency resources.
  6. Everything that happens in our therapy session remains confidential between us, with the following exceptions:
    • We will discuss aspects of our work in supervision with another qualified clinical psychologist, but your identity will remain protected.
    • In rare cases where required by law, we may contact another medical professional and/or your emergency contact if we believe you are likely to cause serious harm to yourself or others. We may do this without consulting you if you are unable to discuss other options with us.
    • The administration & therapist will have your name & number for the purposes of scheduling.
  7. Confidentiality is paramount in the field of psychology, and we highly value it in our organization. However, please be aware that the information you provide on our website forms will be managed by our administration team. They need access to client names and contact information to maintain records and appointments. Rest assured, confidentiality is strictly maintained in the therapeutic space, and your discussions with your psychologist will remain private.
  8. Therapists at Vichaaran reserve the right to discontinue therapy owing to their mental health and sense of security.

Web based services++

  1. Since it is an internet based tele-mental health service it is imperative to know that complete confidentiality may not be ensured due to logistical limitations. However, as a part of our ethical practice, it will be our attempt to strive for complete confidentiality. Feel free to further address this with the psychologist during the session.
  2. A thorough informed consent at the start of services shall be performed.
  3. The consent will include all information contained in the consent process for therapeutic care including discussion of the structure and timing of services, record keeping, scheduling, privacy, potential risks, confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and billing. In addition, the informed consent process will include information specific to the nature of video call/telephonic conversation. The information shall be provided in language that can be easily understood by the client.
  4. The following will be addressed with the client : the potential for technical failure, procedures for coordination of care with other professionals; a protocol for contact between sessions; and conditions under which telemental health services may be terminated and a referral made to in-person care.
  5. The consent will either be taken through electronic signatures, manually signed printout of the consent form, or a verbal consent obtained during the session from the client.
  6. In event of equipment failure or technical glitches, the session timings will be adjusted and no extra charges shall be incurred. This can further be discussed with your psychologist.
  7. In case, the client wants to extend their session, the extension is subject to availability of the psychologist. In case, the client wants to take up more than 5-10 minutes of the next session, this is subject to additional charges, as per session rates.
  8. 24 Hour Cancellation Policy: If a client wishes to cancel their appointment, they must do so at least 24 hours prior to the appointment time. Any cancellation done after that will be chargeable amounting to fees for one session. The client must make this payment before their next session with Vichaaran.
  9. Psychologists shall maintain an electronic record for each patient for whom they provide remote services. Such a record will include an assessment, client identification information, contact information, history, treatment plan, informed consent, and information about fees and billing.