The Emotional Wellness Initiatives

Informed Consent for Online Therapy Services

Please take a moment to go through the entire document.

Definition of Online Therapy

Online therapy services involve the use of electronic, video & audio, mobile and other communications, software, Internet based tools & utilities and generally Internet to enable the mental health professionals and the Team at The Emotional Wellness Initiatives (TEWI) to connect with individuals and deliver psychotherapy services. Online therapy includes the practice of psychological health care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, referral to resources, education, and the transfer of medical and clinical data over the Internet.

I understand that I have the following rights with respect to Online Therapy:

  • The laws that protect the confidentiality of my personal information also apply to online therapy. As such, I understand that the information disclosed by me during the course of my sessions is generally confidential. However, there are both mandatory and permissive exceptions to confidentiality, including, but not limited to, reporting child, elder, and dependent adult abuse; expressed threats of violence toward an ascertainable victim; and where I make my mental or emotional state an issue in a legal proceeding. I also understand that the dissemination of any personally identifiable images or information from the online therapy interaction to other entities shall not occur without my written consent.
  • I understand that I have the right to withhold or withdraw my consent to the use of online therapy in the course of my care at any time, without affecting my right to future care or treatment.
  • I understand that there are risks and consequences from online therapy, including, but not limited to, the possibility, despite reasonable efforts on the part of the therapist / counsellor, that: the transmission of my personal information could be disrupted or distorted by technical failures.
  • I understand that if my therapist / counsellor believes I would be better served by another form of intervention (e.g., face-to-face services), I will be referred to a mental health professional that can provide such services. Finally, I understand that there are potential risks and benefits associated with any form of psychotherapy, and that despite my efforts and the efforts of my therapist / counsellor, my condition may not improve, and in some cases may even get worse.
  • I understand the alternatives to counselling through online therapy as they have been explained to me, and in choosing to participate in online therapy, I am agreeing to participate using video conferencing technology. I also understand that at my request or at the direction of my therapist / counsellor, I may be directed to “face-to-face” psychotherapy.
  • I understand that I may expect the anticipated benefits such as improved access to care and more efficient evaluation and management from the use of online therapy in my care, but that no results can be guaranteed or assured. 
  • By signing this document, I agree that certain situations, including emergencies and crises, are inappropriate for audio-/video-/computer-based psychotherapy services. If I am in a crisis or in an emergency, I should immediately call an emergency helpline or seek help from a hospital or crisis-oriented health care facility in my immediate area.

I understand the following policies regarding booking, scheduling, and termination of sessions:

Rescheduling of sessions:

  • Rescheduling can only be done prior to 2 hours of scheduled session time.
  • I am allowed up to two (2) rescheduling of appointments after which I will be charged a no-show fee which will be equivalent to the session fee.
  • Any such rescheduling will have to be done within 15 days from the session date of the original booking.
  • If my therapist reschedules my session, she/he will also inform 2 hours in advance and offer to reschedule.
  • If my therapist cancels within 2 hours of the scheduled session time, I am not liable to pay any charges for the session and it will be rescheduled at the earliest convenience.

No show:

  • No show into 15 minutes of the scheduled session time will result in the session being cancelled. No refund shall be processed in such a situation and a new session will have to be booked.

Cancellation Policy (not applicable to rescheduling of sessions):

  • A previously booked session can only be cancelled if informed in writing (on TEWI email or TEWI WhatsApp number) at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled session time.
  • Session/s cancelled up to 72 hours in advance – 95% refund. Session/s cancelled between 72 to 24 hours – 50% refund. No refund can be processed if cancelled within 24 hours. 
  • If the session is cancelled by the therapist, she/he will also inform 24 hours in advance and offer to reschedule.
  • If the therapist cancels within 24 hours of the scheduled session time, you are not liable to pay any charges for the session and it will be rescheduled at the earliest convenience.

Technical difficulties:

  • In case, of technical difficulties during or at the time of the session, TEWI will check with their service providers. If the case is adjudged by TEWI to be genuine, the appointment shall be rescheduled. However, there shall be no refund on account of technical difficulties at the time of the session.

Right to termination:

The Therapist / TEWI has the right to terminate the session without explanation in case of (but not limited to) inappropriate behaviour such using foul / unparliamentary language, being abusive, being rude, intimidation, threatening, sexual innuendos, disrespectful or harmful behaviour, or showing up for the session while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Data Protection:

  • TEWI operates under strict principles and rules of confidentiality and non-disclosure. All information that you share with your therapist and TEWI Team is kept confidential.
  • All personnel working with TEWI are bound with ‘non-disclosure’ and ‘Protected Personal & Health Information of Clients’ agreements.
  • Case scenarios, therapy insights, case and demographic trends may be used internally for learning purposes, for building business insights and for developmental purposes. Such details at any time will not contain any direct and absolute identity disclosures.
  • Reviews, recommendations, testimonials, and social media interaction is out of scope of the above.
  • You may read the ‘Privacy Policy’ and ‘Terms and Conditions’ for a more detailed information.