Crisis and Emergency

Please note that Mikayla Howe Counselling does not provide a crisis or emergency service. The contact numbers, website and email address are not monitored at all times. If you need help urgently please go to the emergency department of your local hospital or contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au; Suicide Call-back Service: 1300 659 46

Privacy in online communications

The privacy of any form of communication via the internet or a mobile device is potentially vulnerable and limited by the security of the technology. We will not make recordings of any sessions or use material from sessions for purposes other than delivering a service to you. We ask you to not make recordings of sessions and not to use materials from our sessions for purposes other than therapy. If you wish to record sessions or use session material for other purposes, you must seek your psychologist’s consent to do so.

Client Information

Personal information will be recorded as a necessary part of your assessment and treatment. The information includes personal information such as name, address, contact phone numbers, and other information relevant to the psychological service being provided. To provide you with the most effective treatment, it is often necessary for your psychologist to collaborate with other professionals involved in your care and authorised practice administration and clinical staff (especially those involved in the initial referral process or when psychologists are under supervision). The information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions, and enables the psychologist to provide a relevant and informed psychological service. Electronic and paper records are kept in secure storage.

Attendance and timing

Session times will depend on your choice of booking. All session times include 10 minutes for administration including rescheduling, booking another appointment, making payment, sending any documents or other relevant procedures.

Consultation fees

Any session fees due must be paid prior to or at the time of consultation. Please ensure that you have sufficient funds in your account on the day of the consultation, prior to your appointment time. With your consent, we use a third party provider to securely and conveniently store your credit card for future transactions, in a secure and Payment Card Industry-compliant manner. Transaction bank fees will apply for all payments.

Appointment Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your appointment, please notify us as soon as possible.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of your appointment will incur a cancellation fee of $50.

Cancellations made outside of 24 hours will allow you to:

• Reschedule your appointment at no additional cost, or

• Request a refund of your deposit, if preferred.

Rescheduling Appointments

You can reschedule your appointment at any time prior to the 24-hour cancellation window without any penalties.

Refunds

Deposits will be refunded upon request if the cancellation is made more than 24 hours in advance.

No-Show Policy

Failure to attend your appointment without prior notice will be treated as a late cancellation and the $50 fee will apply.

Agreement

By booking an appointment, you agree to the terms outlined above.