Introduction
This contract sets out Sma’ Glen Psychology’s terms and conditions of service.
Referrals
Professional referrals are accepted from GPs or other health, education or social work staff. Self-referrals are also accepted. For all referrals, the practice may contact you for more information before deciding whether to accept a referral.
Obligations
Sma’ Glen Psychology undertakes to provide clinical psychology interventions to the highest possible standards and to act in the best interests of clients at all times.
The Practice is not obliged to offer care or treatment. The Practice reserves the right to decline a referral or stop treatment if we determine that our service is not suitable for your needs. In such cases, we will endeavor to signpost you to alternative support.
Appointments
Assessment appointments usually last 90 minutes. Psychological therapy appointments normally last 50 minutes and take place weekly. The length and frequency of appointments can vary by agreement between practitioner and client.
Safeguarding
Sma’ Glen Psychology’s Safeguarding Policy will apply to all work done by the Practice.
Urgent care
Sma’ Glen Psychology offers routine, scheduled psychological interventions. No urgent or unscheduled care can be given. The Practice’s email and online communication channels are not continuously monitored. The Practice does not provide an emergency mental health service.
Technology
The format for all appointments will be an online video call. Clients must be able to access a device such as a tablet or laptop and a working high-speed internet connection. Video calls will be placed using secure Google Meet links. The Practice cannot give technical support for device connectivity. We reserve the right to apply cancellation charges (see below) for appointments missed due to client connectivity problems.
Payment
All fees and charges are given in the Schedule of Fees. Agreeing to this contract means that you agree these fees will apply. For self-funded clients, payment is due in full at the time of booking for all appointments. For clients using approved insurance providers, billing will be processed directly with the insurer subject to pre-authorisation. All fees not covered by insurance will be chargeable to the client. Fees may be changed from time to time. You will be given at least one month’s notice of fee changes that apply to you.
Cancellations
Appointments may be rebooked or cancelled for a full refund if more than 48 hours notice is given. A charge of 50% of the appointment fee will be payable for all appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours notice. 100% of the appointment fee will be payable for appointments that are cancelled on the day or missed without cancellation. Appointments cancelled by the Practice will be rebooked or refunded in full.
Confidentiality
All appointments are confidential. The Practice maintains confidential clinical records as required by law and professional regulations. Confidential information will not be shared with third parties without client consent, unless there are exceptional circumstances that oblige the Practice to make a disclosure (e.g. immediate risk to life).
Data protection
Sma’ Glen Limited is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as a data controller. Your personal and sensitive health data will be collected, processed, and stored securely in a GDPR-compliant electronic practice management system. Adult health records will be retained by the Practice for 7 years following the end of therapy, after which they are securely destroyed. Children’s health records will be retained until the date of the client’s 25th birthday, then securely destroyed. You have the right to request access to your clinical records at any time.
Ending
The Practice recommends making a plan with your Psychologist before ending any ongoing therapy.
Declaration
When you register as a client of Sma’ Glen Psychology you will be asked to confirm that you agree to the terms and conditions in this contract.