INFORMED CONSENT

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a way to help Client(s) in the face of emotional difficulties and personal concerns including, but are not limited to: difficulties to cope with daily life; trauma; death of a loved one; and specific mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy is a process to help Clients of all ages better understand one’s self, and how their thoughts and feelings influence the way they behave, react, and relate to others, leading an enjoyable and satisfying life.

The first psychotherapy session usually starts with an intake assessment of problematic symptoms and maladaptive behaviors that have affected the Client’s functioning in various aspects of life. Psychotherapy is a joint effort between Client and Therapist; the progress may vary based on the particular concerns or issues being addressed as well as the Client’s willingness to participate in the therapeutic process.

Risks & Benefits of Psychotherapy

Therapy sessions carry both benefits and risks. These benefits may include, but are not limited to, reduced distress in feelings and thoughts, increased self-confidence, improved interpersonal relationships, increased comfort in work, academic, and/or daily activities.

In therapy sessions, Client may experience personal discomfort or unpleasant feelings (such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, or helplessness) when recalling or discussing uncomfortable experiences / situations with the Therapist. This is one of the considered risks of psychotherapy.

During the therapeutic process, many clients may feel worse before they feel better, which is generally the normal course for psychotherapy. Personal growth and change can be easy and smooth at times, but may also be slow and frustrating. The Client should address any concerns he/she has regarding his/her progress in therapy with the Therapist.

Confidentiality

The information disclosed by Client is secure and strictly confidential. However, under certain circumstances (as described below), all Therapists are mandated (by law) to break confidentiality, if/when:

1. Client poses a danger to him / herself.
2. Client makes a serious threat of violence towards a reasonably identifiable victim.
3. Client provides written authorization to request the release of information.
4. The Court orders a release of information (*Our centre does not provide psychological services for court cases or police cases. Kindly discuss with your Therapist if you have any queries regarding this matter).
5. Client is below 18 years of age, parents/guardians have the rights to therapeutic information (*However, we hope parents/guardians acknowledge the importance of confidentiality. The therapist will brief parents/ guardians of the summary of the session).
6. A child / an elderly person is abused or neglected.

Scheduling, Attendance, Cancellation and Refund Policies

Psychotherapy requires the joint effort of both Client and Therapist. This therapeutic relationship between both parties is based upon trust and commitment, with both parties accepting responsibilities for keeping their appointments.

a) Confirmation of appointment
- Appointments are only confirmed after we have received the deposit for face-to-face sessions, or full payment for online sessions. We highly recommend that this be done after reviewing our terms and conditions and submitting the registration form.
- Unconfirmed appointments or verbal promises do not constitute a confirmation. The slots will not be reserved and are free to be taken up by other enquiries on a first come, first served basis.
- Confirmed appointments can be rescheduled without additional charges or penalties up to 24hrs prior to the appointment time by calling or contacting us via WhatsApp.

b) Attendance Policy
- Please arrive 5 minutes before appointments. Therapy sessions will begin at the appointed time.
- In the event that the Client arrives late for an appointment, only the remaining time of the session will be available (eg: Client arrives at 415pm for 4pm session, only 45 minutes will be available), but the full scheduled session will be billed.
- Please contact our centre at +6011-3311 6211 if you will be late for the session.
- We are not obligated to extend the sessions. Any extension provided to the client will be on a case by case basis based on the discretion and good will of the centre.
- The session will not take place if the Client is under the influence of alcohol or substances, or in a state that they are unable to consistently maintain coherent conversation.

c) Reschedule / Cancellation Policy
- We collect a deposit (or full payment for online sessions) to encourage commitment to fully utilise our therapist’s time to provide psychotherapy and mental health services to the public.
- The terms around the deposit (or full payment for online sessions) are also governed by the terms for the Refund Policy.
- This policy governs psychotherapy, consultation and diagnostic assessment services.
- Any payment of deposit, partial payment of session fares / quotation indicates confirmation and agreement to the scope of services stated and to all of our terms and conditions.
- Appointments cancelled or rescheduled less than 24hrs prior to the appointment time will incur a penalty equivalent to the deposit or RM100 or 30mins of credit for clients with online sessions or bundle sessions. This is regardless of the reason for rescheduling.
- Any leniencies given by the management are on a case by case basis, and should not be misconstrued as the inapplicability of the terms and conditions for future events.
- In the event that the Therapist must cancel a session, every effort will be made to reschedule a make-up session for the Client.

d) Refund Policy
- We collect a deposit (or full payment for online sessions) to encourage commitment to fully utilise our therapist’s time to provide psychotherapy and mental health services to the public.
- The terms around the deposit (or full payment for online sessions) is also governed by the terms for the Reschedule / Cancellation Policy.
- This policy governs psychotherapy, consultation and diagnostic assessment services.
- Any payment of deposit, partial payment of session fares / quotation indicates confirmation and agreement to the scope of services stated and to all of our terms and conditions.
- Any payments made to MY PSYCH PLT are non-refundable.
- Circumstances that are non-refundable include the following:
a. For payments of sessions, including bundle packages.
a. For payments of deposit, partial payment of session fares / quotation.
b. For services that have already been provided or sessions that have commenced.
c. For any chargeable documentation, assessments, evaluations, or reports conducted as part of the service once commenced or confirmed via partial or full payment.
d. Once the confirmation via payment of deposit has been made, refunds will not be issued for any change of mind by the client.
- Clients can still utilise the payments retained to schedule a session with us. However, this is governed by the terms and conditions of our reschedule / cancellation policy.
- Decisions on any cases not explicitly covered by this policy will be made at the discretion of the management.

Termination of Therapy

a) Client
Psychotherapy is a voluntary process. Client or client’s parent / guardian has the right to terminate therapy at his/her discretion. It is highly recommended for Client to discuss with Therapist before discontinuing the therapy.

b) Therapist
Therapist reserves the right to terminate therapy at his/her discretion. Reasons for termination include, but are not limited to, untimely payment of fees, failure to comply with treatment recommendations, conflicts of interest, failure to participate in therapy, Client’s needs are outside of Therapist’s scope of competence or practice, or Client is not making adequate progress in therapy.

Upon either party’s decision to terminate therapy, Therapist will generally recommend that Client participate in at least one, or possibly more, termination sessions. These sessions are intended to facilitate a pleasant termination experience and give both parties an opportunity to reflect on the work that has been done. Therapist will also attempt to ensure a smooth transition to another Therapist by offering referrals to Client.

Therapist Availability

Therapist is unable to provide 24-hour crisis service. If Client is feeling unsafe or requires immediate medical or psychiatric assistance, he/she should call emergency hotlines (eg: 999), or go to the nearest emergency room of public hospitals.

Acknowledgment

By signing this document, Client acknowledges that he/she has reviewed, fully understands and agrees with the terms and conditions in this informed consent form. Client agrees to hold the Therapist free and harmless from any claims, demands, or suits for damages from any injury or complications whatsoever, save negligence, that may result from such treatment.