Working Together: Key Policies
1. Cost
I charge $150 inclusive of GST for a 50-minute session. I will invoice via email following the session and payment via electronic banking is due within 24 hours of receiving the invoice.
2. Cancellations & Rescheduling
Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. If you need to change or cancel your session, please provide at least 24 hours' notice.
Notice given (24+ hours): No fee.
Late cancellation (-24 hours) or No-show: The full session fee will be charged.
Note: I use discretion to waive some or all of this fee. I understand emergencies happen; please contact me as soon as possible to discuss unexpected circumstances. I understand that sickness cannot always be predicted in advance. I generally allow for a one-free-miss per calendar year for any reason other than choosing not to attend, then apply my own fairness test to subsequent events.
3. Privacy & Confidentiality
I adhere to the Health Information Privacy Code 2020. Everything we discuss is confidential, with a few legal and ethical exceptions:
If there is serious and imminent risk of harm to yourself or others.
If I am legally required by a court order. This is very rare in NZ.
During professional supervision (where your identity remains anonymous).
It is allowable to liaise with other healthcare professionals involved in your care, though such liaison is very rare in private practice. I will ask you about this at our first session and you don’t have to agree to this.
4. How I Handle Your Information
What I collect: Your contact information for website queries; your DOB, address and emergency contact, and clinical notes regarding our sessions.
How I use it: To make contact with you, provide psychotherapy, ensure your safety, manage billing and to meet legal requirements.
Storage: Your records are stored electronically on a secure, encrypted platform that meets NZ health privacy standards.
Your Rights: You have the right to see your information and ask for corrections.
5. Online Sessions (Telehealth)
To ensure our online work is safe and effective, we agree to the following:
Privacy: You must be in a private space where you won’t be interrupted or overheard.
Safety: At the start of each session, please confirm your current physical address.
Tech Issues: If our connection fails, I will attempt to re-contact you via our agreed platform or on your provided mobile number within 2 minutes.
No Recording: Sessions may not be recorded by either party, except by prior written agreement.
6. Registration and Professional Affiliation
I am a registered psychotherapist and I maintain an Annual Practising Certificate with PBANZ. I maintain registration with APANZ and am the local branch convenor for Te Tau Ihu (The Top of the South Island). I am a member of the APANZ national APC (training) Supervisors’ Group. I am ACC-registered for Sensitive Claims Service. I maintain private indemnity insurance.
7. Care
You can expect:To be treated with care and respect. To have information from me about how I understand your difficulties. That we are working together for your benefit. That you don’t have to do anything that I suggest. That you can make requests to alter treatment. That you can complain and have that complaint followed through to a resolutionYour full rights are listed here: https://www.hdc.org.nz/your-rights/about-the-code/code-of-health-and-disability-services-consumers-rights/