Terms and conditions

Coburg Therapy – Terms of Service and Client Agreement

1. Purpose of This Agreement
This agreement outlines the terms under which Coburg Therapy provides counselling services. It is designed to ensure transparency, clarify expectations, and protect your privacy and rights as a client. By booking or attending a session, you agree to these terms.

2. Services Provided
Coburg Therapy offers individual counselling sessions, delivered in-person or online via secure platforms. Sessions are designed to support your mental health and well-being and are tailored to your individual needs. Please note that online counselling may not be suitable for high-risk emergencies.

3. Session Fees
Individual counselling sessions are AUD 90 per 50–60 minute session. Payment is required at the time of booking or prior to the session via:

  • Stripe (online payment through Squarespace/Acuity Scheduling)

  • Direct bank transfer (if arranged)

Coburg Therapy reserves the right to adjust fees with 30 days’ notice. Clients will be informed of any fee changes via email or through updates on the website.

4. Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

  • Standard Notice: Clients must provide at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

  • Late Cancellations / No-Show Fees: Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice incur 50% of the session fee. No-shows or unattended sessions are charged the full session fee.

  • Exceptions: Illness, emergencies, or unforeseen circumstances may be considered for a fee waiver at the practitioner’s discretion. Clients should notify the practitioner as soon as possible via phone or email.

5. Privacy and Confidentiality
Your privacy is very important to us. All personal and health information collected during counselling sessions is confidential and stored securely. Exceptions to confidentiality include situations where disclosure is required by law or is necessary to prevent serious harm to yourself or others. Circumstances where confidentiality may be broken include:

  • Risk of harm to self or others

  • Child protection concerns or abuse of vulnerable persons

  • Legal requirements, such as mandatory reporting or court orders

  • Medical emergencies requiring contact with emergency services

  • Professional supervision or peer consultation (with identifying information kept confidential)

6. Telehealth / Online Sessions
Online counselling sessions carry some privacy risks due to technology and internet limitations. Clients are responsible for participating in a private and secure location. Your current location is collected for emergency purposes during each session. While online platforms used (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, phone calls) are secure and encrypted, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

7. High-Risk or Crisis Situations
In high-risk situations, such as suicidal ideation, risk of harm to others, severe self-neglect, or disclosures of abuse, the practitioner may take immediate action to ensure safety. This may include contacting crisis services, emergency services, or authorised support. Follow-up sessions will be scheduled as soon as possible. All emergency actions are documented in secure records.

8. Access and Correction of Information
You have the right to access your personal and health information at any time and request corrections if necessary. Requests should be submitted via email to amiru@coburgtherapy.com. Identity verification may be required.

9. Record Retention and Disposal
Records are retained in accordance with Victorian legal requirements. For adults, records are kept for a minimum of 7 years from the last contact. For minors, records are retained until they turn 25, or 7 years after the last contact, whichever is longer. Records no longer required are securely deleted or permanently destroyed.

10. Client Responsibilities
Clients agree to:

  • Attend scheduled sessions on time

  • Communicate any changes or cancellations promptly

  • Provide accurate and complete information relevant to counselling

  • Participate in a safe and private environment during online sessions

11. Practitioner Responsibilities
The practitioner agrees to:

  • Provide counselling in a professional, ethical, and confidential manner

  • Maintain accurate and secure records

  • Notify clients of any changes to policies, fees, or services

12. Changes to This Agreement
Coburg Therapy may update these terms from time to time. Updates will be posted on the website and communicated to clients as required.

13. Contact Information
For questions or concerns regarding this agreement, session fees, cancellations, privacy, or access to your information, please contact:

Amiru Kifamunyanja
Email: amiru@coburgtherapy.com
Phone: 0423 337 250