Client Agreement:
Consent, Confidentiality & Service Terms
Introduction
Therapy involves counselling conducted by a therapist who is registered and licensed with the appropriate councils in South Africa and provides services in line with the rules of these professional bodies.
Definition of Online Therapy
Online therapy (also known as virtual counselling) refers to the provision of psychological, emotional, or mental health support by a registered mental health professional through digital platforms.
Agreement and Understanding
I understand that my therapist acts in line with the guidelines and scope of her profession and in line with the requirements and conditions of the professional body with which she is registered.
I understand that clinical records may be required to be maintained by my therapist in line with the legal and ethical standards applicable to her profession. All records will be kept in a secure and safe space. No information will, however, be shared without the prior written consent of the client.
I understand that my therapist will ensure privacy and confidentiality of sessions at all times. Confidentiality will, however, be breached in line with legislation where there is a clear and imminent danger to:
• Self
• Others
• Any suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or abuse of people with disabilities as well as any other criminal offence or sexual offence.
Any client under the age of 18 requires parental consent before sessions commence.
Client confirmation
I/we, as the client receiving online counselling, hereby agree and understand that counselling will be provided via the following social media platforms:
• Google Meet
• Microsoft Teams
• WhatsApp Voice / Video
Sessions will be approximate one (1) hour long.
The client has the right to respectful confidential treatment as well as to ask questions about aspects of therapy. The client is responsible for securing their own hardware, internet access points, and password security.
I understand that online therapy can be both beneficial and holds risks. Such benefits include a safe and non-judgemental environment, convenience, and risks may include feelings of discomfort as certain feelings may arise during the session or unforeseen technical problems.
I will use a quiet and private place free from distractions.
I will use a secure internet connection and not a public Wi-Fi. I understand that any correspondence via email will not be secure, as emails are prone to hackers and system administrators. Your therapist will do her best to ensure the confidentiality of your communication and her email is password protected.
Together with the therapist, we will re-schedule sessions in the event of technical problems or emergencies and have a backup plan.
I understand that my therapist will wait 15 minutes for a late client. After that time, the session will be cancelled and recorded as a no-show. I will then have to book a new session should I wish to continue with therapy.
I will be on time for sessions. If I need to change my appointment time, I will inform my therapist within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment. Failure to do so means I forfeit that session. I understand that merit is considered in the event of certain emergencies.
I am aware that I can discuss the contents of this agreement with my therapist in sessions for clarity.
Should bulk sessions be booked, these need to be used within three months of the booking date, following which they expire.
Payment Terms
All therapy sessions are payable in advance. No session will proceed unless full payment has been received prior to the scheduled appointment time.
Payment confirms your booking and secures the time slot allocated. Invoices or receipts can be issued upon request.
Failure to make payment in time may result in automatic cancellation of the session. Continued delays in payment may result in suspension or termination of services.
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Reports & Letters
Reports or letters may be requested but will attract an additional fee over and above the session fee. Reports and letters are not intended for litigation, insurance, or legal purposes and will not be released without written consent from the person involved.
Letters or reports must be requested in writing with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. The therapist reserves the right to decline any request that falls outside her clinical discretion.
Letters will be strictly factual in nature (e.g., confirmation of attendance or engagement in therapy). They will not include interpretations, diagnoses, progress evaluations, or opinions intended for court or legal use.
No urgent or last-minute requests for letters or reports can be accommodated.
Scope of Practice and Legal Boundaries
This therapy service is provided within the ethical, legal, and professional scope of a registered mental health professional practicing in South Africa.
Please note:
• This is not a medico-legal or forensic service.
• The therapist does not provide court-related assessments, legal reports, custody evaluations, or legal opinions.
• The therapist will not appear in court or provide expert testimony.
• Clients are not permitted to request, submit, or use any therapy letters or communication from the therapist in legal proceedings unless explicitly discussed and agreed upon in writing.
• The therapist is not responsible for any legal outcomes resulting from the client’s use of therapeutic services or correspondence.
Cross-Border Therapy & Jurisdiction
This practice is based in South Africa. Clients residing outside of South Africa (e.g., Asia, Canada, USA, UK) acknowledge and accept that:
• The therapist operates under South African law and professional guidelines only.
• Any therapy provided is considered supportive, not diagnostic or forensic.
• The therapist is not liable for compliance with foreign laws, courts, or licensing requirements in other countries.
• The therapist cannot be subpoenaed or compelled to participate in legal proceedings outside her jurisdiction.
Use of Therapy in Legal Matters
The therapist’s role is strictly therapeutic. Therapy is not a substitute for legal, forensic, or medical evaluation.
Clients agree:
• Not to misrepresent therapy as legal advice or formal evaluation.
• Not to submit therapy notes, letters, or therapist contact details to legal counsel or the courts without prior written consent.
• That misrepresentation of therapy for legal use may result in termination of services.
Service Termination Clause
Termination of Services
The therapist reserves the right to terminate therapeutic services under the following circumstances:
• Non-compliance with treatment recommendations
• Repeated missed or late appointments without valid reason
• Disrespectful, abusive, or inappropriate behaviour
• Where therapy is no longer deemed clinically appropriate or beneficial
• When legal, ethical, or professional limitations are reached (e.g., conflict of interest, scope of practice, cross-jurisdictional concerns)
In such cases, the therapist will provide appropriate notice and, where possible, referrals to alternative service providers to support continuity of care. Clients also have the right to discontinue therapy at any point but are encouraged to discuss this decision in session if possible.
Amendment of Terms
These Terms and Conditions may be updated or amended at any time at the discretion of the therapist or practice. Clients will be informed of any significant changes, and the most current version will always be available upon request or via the practice’s communication channels. Continued use of services constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
Emergency and Crisis
Living Enliven, as a private practice, operates during office hours and is not an emergency service.
In the event of emergency, please contact one of the following resources (NB these are South African based resources):
• ADHD Helpline: 0800 55 44 33
• Gender-Based Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150
• AIDS Helpline: 0800 012 322
• Childline: 0800 055 555
• Cipla Mental Health Helpline: 0800 456 789
• Dept of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline: 0800 12 13 14
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567
• SADAG (SA Depression and Anxiety Group): 011 234 4837
• South African Police: 10111
• Crisis Line: 086 157 4747
Acknowledgement
I hereby confirm that I have read, understand, and agree to these Terms and Conditions for Online Therapy. I further understand the risks and limitations of online therapy, including the scope and boundaries of reports, letters, and legal involvement.