Service Agreement

Sessions
The duration of all consultations is 50-minutes. Time is required at the end of each session to prepare for the next client. If you arrive late, the consultation will still end at the scheduled time to ensure other clients receive their allotted time allowance. The frequency of consultations is something you can negotiate with Calming Minds, however weekly consultations are generally recommended at the outset.

Online Sessions
When a session ends prematurely due to technical difficulty, or you are unable to connect to a session due to technical difficulty, please call or email Calming Minds. If the difficulty is unable to be resolved at the scheduled time, your consultation will be rescheduled. If you are unable to connect at all, then telephone or face-to-face counselling are other options.

Confidentiality
Confidentiality is one of our utmost concerns. Everything discussed in session, including the fact that you are a client, is kept strictly confidential. This includes from other members of your household or family, unless express written consent is given. While Calming Minds endeavours to protect your privacy at all times, is important to understand there can be limits to this. In providing counselling services we are dedicated to supporting your ongoing wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around you. If we identify that you are at immediate risk of harm, from yourself or from others, or that someone else is at immediate risk of harm, we have a duty of care to ensure your safety by making appropriate notifications or to comply with any legal obligations. If these concerns are identified we will speak with you about this and explore options.

Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
If for any reason you will be unable to attend your session, we request that you contact your counsellor (via phone, text or email) to reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. This gives other clients the opportunity to make use of that vacant spot. If notice is not given a cancellation fee may apply. If you do not show for your scheduled session your counsellor will attempt to contact you to check in and to see if you would like to reschedule. If you are late for a session, please call or text your counsellor to let them know. In most cases the session can begin when you arrive and will still end at the scheduled time.

Mental Health Care Plans (MHCPs)
You do not need a Mental Health Care Plan approved by a GP prior to counselling with Calming Minds. While MHCPs cap the number of counselling sessions you can attend each year, there are no caps with Calming Minds. So, if you require weekly consultations for six months or more, you won’t be turned away or charged a higher rate.

What we stand for
The approach our practice takes is to improve the accessibility, sustainability and acceptance of psychological services within the community. We take a holistic approach to counselling and assessment, in that we work across multiple areas of life. These include child development and life history, personal and family relationships, mental and physical health and wellbeing, stressors related to work and study, and your links and interactions with your local community and broader society. Calming Minds values and celebrates the richness of diversity and will always provide a safe and respectful space for those of LGBTIQA+ communities.