Terms & Conditions
Definitions:
"The therapist" refers to Alexandra Lawrence, Occupational Therapist.
"The client" refers to you, the service user.
"ATW" or "Access to Work" refers to the government grant scheme.
1. Definition of Online Occupational Therapy
Online/Video Occupational Therapy is a form of therapy ser Notice period vice provided over the Internet through video and audio communications. It includes consultation, assessment, intervention, referrals, and resource signposting. By signing this form, you acknowledge your agreement to be bound by its terms. The therapist provides occupational therapy, not psychotherapy or counselling.
Online therapy may include:
Video calls via Telehealth (camera on or off)
Email or messaging-based communication
Communication through voice notes, messages, or virtual documents
2. Client Responsibilities By engaging in online therapy, the client acknowledges and agrees that:
2.1. Technology & Equipment Requirements: The client will use a smartphone or computer for sessions. It is preferable to have their camera on during the sessions, but this is not required. The client will be in a quiet, private place, free from distractions, and will use a secure internet connection (not public Wi-Fi).
2.2. If another person is present during the therapy session (for example, a family member, friend, or caregiver), the client must inform the therapist beforehand. This is to ensure that confidentiality and privacy are maintained during the session. If the therapist is unaware that another person is present, they reserve the right to terminate or reschedule the session.
3. Cancellation Policy:
3.1. The cancellation policy requires the client to provide 48 hours' notice for appointment changes or cancellations.
3.2. If a client cancels their appointment with more than 48 hours ' notice and reschedules, there will be no charge for the missed session.
3.3. If a client cancels more than 48 hours in advance and chooses not to reschedule, the full session fee will be charged, as an administrative and holding fee, as the therapist cannot fill the slot at short notice.
3.4. If a cancellation is received less than 48 hours before the scheduled time—or if the client does not attend—the full session fee will be charged, as the therapist’s time has already been reserved for that appointment.
3.5. In the event of a genuine serious emergency preventing a client’s attendance and timely notification, the therapist may evaluate the possibility of exempting or reducing the cancellation fee, this is at the discretion of the therapist.
3.6. If the client arrives 15 minutes or more after the scheduled start time without having notified the therapist in advance, the appointment will be considered a no‑show and the full session fee will be applied. The therapist will wait up to 15 minutes before cancelling. If the client attends the session late, the session will still end after 50 minutes at the original end time; the session time will not begin from when the client arrives.
3.7. The therapist reserves the right to cancel an appointment on short notice, such as due to illness, and will make every effort to provide the client with ample notice. The appointment will be rescheduled for the next available slot. If the therapist must cancel an appointment, the client will be offered a new time slot. If the client had already paid for that session, the fee for the cancelled session will be credited toward the client’s next scheduled session; a cash refund will not be provided.
3.8. The therapist may decline or terminate services where necessary for safety, capacity, scope of practice, or due to abusive or inappropriate behaviour. Decisions will always align with the Equality Act 2010 and will not be based on protected characteristics. In the event that a client is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or displays abusive or aggressive behaviour before, during or after a session or via email or message (including repeated boundary-crossing messages), the therapist retains the right to immediately terminate that session and discharge the client, and the session fee will still be applicable.
3.9. The therapist will endeavour to give clients as much advance notice as possible in terms of holidays or of any need to cancel a future appointment.
4. Bookings:
4.1. The therapist works with a limited number of clients at any given time. The client agrees to have at least one session scheduled in the therapist's diary at all times during the duration of therapy. This can be done either in advance through the portal or by scheduling a follow-up session at the end of the previous session.
4.2. If a client does not schedule a session for more than four consecutive weeks, the therapist will assume the client’s slot is no longer needed and will release it to the waiting list. The client may request to resume therapy at any time. Re‑booking will be possible only after the therapist confirms that a session slot is available, which may involve a waiting period.
4.3. The client agrees to commit to a session frequency that has been agreed upon (e.g., weekly, fortnightly, or monthly), which will be discussed and confirmed at the start of therapy. The client may request to pause sessions or change the frequency; however, this is subject to the therapist’s availability, and the therapist will confirm whether such changes can be accommodated based on their current capacity.
5. The client understands that:
5.1. Online therapy will not be the same as an in-person session due to the fact that the client will not be in the same room as the therapist. The client also understands that, to have the best quality session, they should be in a quiet place with minimal interruptions.
5.2. The client understands the potential risks of using technology to access therapy, including interruptions, unauthorised access and technical difficulties. The client understands that the therapist or the client may discontinue the online therapy session if it is determined that video conferencing or email/message-based communication is not suitable for the client's situation.
5.3. The therapist agrees to inform the client and obtain the client’s consent if another person is present during the session for any reason. The client agrees to inform the therapist if there is another person present during the session or if I wish to video or voice record the session.
5.4. The client understands that there are alternatives to online therapy sessions available, including the option of finding another provider to see in person, if available, in the clients area.
5.5. The client understands that they can direct questions about online therapy sessions at any time to the therapist.
5.6. The client understands that this consent will last for the duration of the relationship with the therapist, including any additional online occupational therapy sessions the client may have after a pause in attendance; the client can withdraw their consent at any time.
5.7. The client understands that the same confidentiality protections, limits to confidentiality, and rules around the clients records apply to an online therapy session (including the use of the chat function and email) as they would to an in-person session.
5.8. The client understands that the therapist reserves the right to discontinue therapy services in the event that the therapist's experience and expertise are not suitable for client needs, the client's needs are outside of their scope of practice or what they feel comfortable providing therapy for, the client will be discharged and, where possible, signposted to other support options.
5.9. The therapist may modify or discontinue services where required for safety, capacity, or professional standards. Reasonable notice will be provided wherever possible.
5.10. The client understands that therapy is not necessarily a fixed-duration process, and the number of sessions required may vary depending on the clients individual needs and progress.
5.11. The client has the right to terminate therapy at any time, and the client understands that providing advance notice of no less than one session allows for appropriate closure.
5.12. The client understands that therapy requires active participation, openness, and a commitment to self-reflection and growth.
5.13. The client understands that occupational therapy involves the provision of professional support that can help you address personal, emotional, cognitive, physical and mental health needs; however, not all topics and needs will be within the therapist's scope of practice and specialisms.
5.14. The client understands that occupational therapy is a collaborative process which involves guiding the conversation and working with the client to find practical solutions in a collaborative way.
5.15. The client acknowledges that therapy may involve discussing and exploring challenging or distressing emotions and experiences, which may temporarily increase the clients discomfort or emotional distress.
5.16. The client understands that the therapist's preferred method of communication is email. Response times will normally be 48 hours, when possible and dependent on the therapist's own energy levels. This does not include periods of absence when the therapist is unwell or on leave, or the weekends. The client is welcome to contact the therapist with questions between sessions; however, these should be limited to a reasonable number when possible (typically 1–2 brief queries).
5.17. The client understands that they are responsible for their own health and well-being and can direct questions about the clients medical suitability for occupational therapy recommendations to the clients GP. Should the client find themselves in a mental health crisis or emergency, they should contact 999/ local emergency services or the local crisis team https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline
5.18. The client acknowledges that the therapist is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Accurate notes of each session are kept, and client records are kept for a minimum of 7 years after therapy ends. If, at any stage, the therapist determines that the client’s needs fall outside the therapist's professional scope or that the emotional or clinical demands of a case are adversely affecting their health, competence, or ability to provide safe care, the therapeutic relationship will be terminated. Where possible, the therapist will signpost the client to an appropriately qualified provider. The therapist holds current professional indemnity insurance in accordance with HCPC requirements
5.19. The client acknowledges that, for the purpose of ongoing professional development and quality assurance, the therapist may discuss aspects of the client’s case in supervised clinical meetings. Such discussions will be limited to pseudonyms only (e.g., “Client A”). The therapist will have all supervisory conversations conducted in a secure, private setting and any written notes will be stored in accordance with applicable data‑protection legislation (e.g., GDPR). Supervision does not provide the supervisor access to clinical notes.
5.20. Cooling-Off Period: As this is a distance contract, clients have a statutory right to cancel the contract within 14 days of signing, without giving a reason, provided they are new clients and therefore no sessions with the client have taken place. The client acknowledges that the cooling-off period ends once the service has been performed. If the client cancels, they will be liable to pay for any sessions already provided. To exercise the right to cancel, clients must notify the therapist in writing (email) within 14 days of signing.
5.21. Clients can raise concerns informally via email. If the matter cannot be resolved, a formal written complaint may be submitted and will be acknowledged within 14 working days and the therapist will provide a full written response within 30 days. If the client remains dissatisfied, concerns may be escalated to the HCPC (professional conduct) or the ICO (data protection).
5.22. The therapist does not provide reports, letters, or expert opinions for legal proceedings, court cases, or tribunal matters. Clients acknowledge that the therapist will not attend or provide evidence in any legal forum.
5.23. Details regarding personal data processing, rights, and retention are outlined in a separate GDPR and privacy form, which the client will be asked to sign in addition to these terms
5.24. The client agrees not to distribute, resell, or publish any of the therapist’s resources without the therapist’s written permission.
6.Payment:
6.1. Responsibility for Payment
The client is responsible for full payment of all sessions, letters, reports, and other services, regardless of whether funding is expected from a third party.
6.2. Self-Funded Sessions
Self-funded sessions must be paid at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time. If payment is not received, the therapist reserves the right to cancel or suspend the session.
If the payment is not received by the due time, the client will receive a written payment reminder three (3) calendar days later and will be required to make payment within 24 hours of that reminder.
If payment is not received within this four (4) day notice period, the therapist reserves the right to suspend further sessions and services until the outstanding matter is resolved.
6.2.1 Letters, Reports, and Documents
Payment for letters, reports, and other documents must be made within 30 days of receipt, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Failure to make payment within this period may result in suspension of further sessions and services until payment is received.
6.3. Payment Plans
Payment plans may be available upon request and must be agreed in writing in advance. Failure to adhere to an agreed payment plan will be treated as a late payment.
6.4. Suspension of Services
For self-funding clients, if payment is not received within the 4-day notice period, the therapist reserves the right to suspend further sessions and services until the outstanding matter is resolved.
6.5. Recovery of Debt
Where payment remains outstanding despite suspension, the therapist reserves the right to pursue recovery through appropriate legal or debt-collection channels.The client will be responsible for any reasonable costs incurred in recovering outstanding payments, including legal or debt-collection fees.
6.6. Fees and Price Adjustments
The therapist reserves the right to review and adjust fees, typically in January or April each year. Clients will be informed in advance of any fee changes.
6.7. Method of Payment
All payments must be made by BACS bank transfer in pounds sterling (GBP), unless otherwise agreed in writing.
6.8. Concessions
The agreed session rate must be paid in full unless the client has been granted a low-income concession. Any concession must be discussed and confirmed with the therapist prior to signing this contract.
6.9. Refunds and Credits
Refunds are not provided for sessions cancelled by the client or for completed sessions. Refunds will only be issued where required by UK consumer law (for example, accidental duplicate payments or where a service has not been provided).
If the therapist cancels a session that has already been paid for, the fee will be credited to a future session unless the client is legally entitled to a refund.
6.10 Overpayments and Credits
6.10.1 Definition
An overpayment occurs when the amount received exceeds the total amount invoiced for services provided to date.
6.10.2 Accidental Overpayment
Where an accidental overpayment is identified, the therapist will notify the client in writing. The excess amount will be credited toward future services and will remain valid for 12 months from the date issued.
6.10.3 Intentional Overpayment / Pre-Payment
Where a client intentionally overpays in order to pre-pay for future service. Such amounts will be retained as credit and will be subject to the same 12-month validity period.
6.10.4 End of Therapy
If therapy ends and a credit remains, refunds will be issued where required by UK consumer law. Any refund will be made via the original payment method. Where therapy is terminated, the therapist reserves the right to deduct a reasonable administrative fee to cover processing and closure costs, which will not exceed the cost of one session and will be proportionate to the work required.
6.11. Outstanding Balances
Sessions and services may not proceed where previous invoices or fees remain outstanding, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
6.12. Administrative Time
Time spent by the therapist or therapist’s PA on administrative tasks relating to late payments, missed deadlines, or payment disputes is not included in session fees and may be chargeable where appropriate.
7. Access to Work Funding Responsibilities:
7.1. Client Responsibility
Where sessions are funded by Access to Work (ATW), the client remains responsible for ensuring that all administrative requirements are completed accurately and within required timeframes. ATW funding does not remove the client’s responsibility to ensure the therapist is paid.
7.2. Uploading: The client must upload each therapist invoice to the ATW portal within five (5) working days of receiving it and must forward the ATW confirmation email to the therapist, showing that the claim has been submitted.
7.3. Employer approval: The client is responsible for obtaining their employer’s approval of each uploaded claim, by the employer/workplace contact submitting their part of the claim, when requested by Access to Work via email
If the therapist has not received confirmation that the employer has submitted their part of the claim within fourteen (14) calendar days of the client receiving the invoice, the session will be treated as unapproved.
7.4. Self-Funding of Unapproved Sessions: Where a session is treated as unapproved due to failure to upload, submit, or obtain employer approval within the required timeframes, the client will be required to self-fund the session in accordance with the payment terms set out in Section 6.
7.5. Unfunded or Partially Funded Sessions
The client remains financially liable for any session that is:
not funded,
declined, or
only partially funded
by ATW, regardless of the reason.
7.6. Resolving ATW Payment Issues: If ATW does not pay an invoice or raises a query, the client agrees to cooperate with the therapist and the therapist’s PA to resolve the issue within fourteen (14) calendar days of being notified.
7.7. Late Cancellation or Non-Attendance (ATW-Funded Sessions)
Where an ATW-funded session is cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, or the client does not attend, the client will be personally responsible for the full session fee unless they elect to forfeit the session as an ATW-funded session and submit a claim accordingly (i.e. the session will count as used within their ATW allocation).
Where the client is required to self-fund a missed session, payment must be made within thirty (30) days of the original appointment date.
7.8. Self-funded top-ups: where the client agrees to pay a self-funded top-up, the client must make payment in full within 30 days of the invoice date.
7.9. Continuation After ATW Grant Ends: Clients may request to continue therapy after their ATW grant has been fully used. The therapist will consider such requests, but cannot guarantee the availability of future sessions.
7.10. Suspension of Services: Failure to meet any of the above obligations (including invoice submission, employer approval, or required payment) may result in suspension of further sessions and services until the matter is resolved.
7.11. Accurate Information: The client must keep the therapist informed of any changes to employer contact details, ATW reference numbers, or other information required for invoicing. Failure to do so may delay payment and may trigger the self-funding and suspension provisions above.
8. Recording:
The client will not record the session without written or verbal permission from the therapist.
9. Confidentiality & Privacy:
9.1 .All information shared during therapy sessions is considered private and confidential. Confidentiality may be overridden when the therapist is legally or ethically required to disclose information. This includes, but is not limited to:
A) A court order requiring disclosure
B) Risk of harm to yourself or others (e.g., safeguarding concerns)
C) Suspected abuse of a vulnerable adult or child
D) Serious criminal activity (e.g., terrorism, money laundering)
E) Public health risks, such as reporting certain communicable diseases
10. Heidi Health and BizzyAI Scribe Integration:
10.1 Heidi Health and BizzyAI Scribe are digital healthcare platforms utilised to enhance the efficiency of therapy sessions by transcribing and summarising discussions.
10.2 All data is handled in compliance with UK data protection laws, including GDPR, ensuring your information remains confidential and secure. The client has the right to withdraw their consent for the use of Heidi Health and BizzyAI Scribe at any time, which will not affect the quality of care they receive.
11. Risk of Harm:
If there are concerns for the client's safety, the therapist may need to share information with emergency services, your GP, or other relevant parties. This is done with the aim of ensuring your well-being and safety.
12. Risk Management & Emergency Procedures:
In the event of an emergency or safety concern during the session, the therapist reserves the right to terminate the session immediately. When possible, the therapist will remain on the call with the client until emergency services arrive.
13.Legal Information:
Alexandra Lawrence, a sole trader, trades as Navigate Neurodiversity Occupational Therapy (OT). Any dispute the client may have with the therapist will be dealt with under UK law, where the therapist resides and trades.
14. Data Protection & Privacy:
Personal data will be processed and stored in compliance with GDPR and the therapist’s privacy policy. Confidentiality applies to all client data shared during online therapy.
15. Appointment Structure:
A) Initial Assessments:
Initial assessments last on average 60 minutes.
B) Therapy/ATW Sessions or Body doubling:
Standard sessions are 50 minutes long, with up to 60 minutes available if needed. The last 10 minutes of each session are reserved for questions, invoicing, session winding down & bookings.
C) 30-minute Sessions or Body doubling:
These sessions last for 25 minutes, with the last 5 minutes reserved for questions, invoicing, session winding down & bookings.
D) 10 minute check in:
These sessions last for 10 minutes
16. Session Notes:
The therapist will write detailed notes on each session, which will be written up after the session. The therapist may make small notes during the session or use the Heidi Health & Bizzy AI software for record-keeping.
17. Fees:
17.1 Session Rates (Effective January 2026):
A) Self-funded
My fees are structured using the Green Bottle Sliding Scale Method, developed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. This is a trust-based, flexible pricing model designed to support equitable access to occupational therapy services.
The bottle descriptions are intended as a guide rather than a test. If you find yourself somewhere between two bottles, you are welcome to choose a fee between the listed rates.
Current rates for 50-minute sessions:
The bottle is low £65 per session
The bottle is tipped £75 per session
The bottle is steady £85 per session
The bottle is full £100 per session
Employer or grant funded: tailored quote provided
Self-selection and good faith
Clients are asked to self-select the rate that honestly reflects their current financial circumstances. No proof of income, financial documentation, or formal means-testing is required. This model operates on a basis of trust and mutual accountability.
By selecting a tier, you are confirming that your choice reflects a genuine assessment of your financial circumstances. If your financial situation changes significantly, you are encouraged to review your chosen tier so that lower-cost places can remain available to those who need them most.
Availability of reduced-rate places
The lower tiers are offered as part of my commitment to improving access to specialist neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy. While I aim to maintain availability across all tiers, the number of reduced-rate places may be limited at times to ensure the long-term sustainability of the service.
If reduced-rate places are temporarily unavailable, you may choose an alternative tier, join a waiting list, or discuss other options with me.
Employer and grant-funded work
Where sessions are funded by an employer, Access to Work, a local authority, grant provider, charity, or other third party, a tailored quote will be provided.
Please contact me before booking to agree fees and confirm any invoicing, reporting, or administrative requirements associated with the funding arrangement.
18. Access to Work-funded sessions:
Prices vary depending on various factors, usually the rate invoices for will be your full allocation If the rate you have been given is below the therapist's minimum ATW fee (£90), you may be asked to self-fund a top-up.
18.1. Additional Fees:
Workplace Adjustments:
These are priced as tailored packages, based on the individual needs.
18.2. Written Reports & Recommendations:
Where a client requests a letter, report, form, supporting statement, or other written work outside of scheduled sessions, this will be charged separately.
Written work is charged according to the client's chosen Green Bottle tier:
Bottle Low (A) £30 per hour
Bottle Tipped (B)£40 per hour
Bottle Steady (C) £50 per hour
Bottle Full (D) £60 per hour
Time is calculated based on the actual time required to review records, draft, edit, and finalise the document.
Where possible, an estimate of the anticipated time and cost will be provided in advance. However, longer or more complex pieces of work may require additional time. Clients will be informed if it becomes apparent that the original estimate is likely to be exceeded.
Alternatively, the client and therapist may agree on a flat rate for the services.
Payment for written reports must be made before the finalised copy is sent. Edits requested within 14 days are included; further edits are subject to an additional charge.
18.3. Message-based sessions:
These charges are applied per session as above, regardless of the number of messages exchanged within the specified time frame.
19. Acceptance of Terms:
By using the therapist’s services, the client agrees to be bound by the most recent version of the terms and conditions & agrees to sign an updated version of the form within 7 days of receiving it.
20. Liability:
The therapist provides services, recommendations, resources, signposting, and product suggestions based on professional judgement. However, all information and guidance are offered for general support & education purposes only. The therapist makes no guarantees regarding outcomes.
20.1. The therapist is not responsible or liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, losses, injuries, or adverse outcomes arising from the use or misuse of any services, recommendations, resources, or products created or suggested by the therapist, except where caused by negligence or breach of statutory duty.
20.2. Clients remain responsible for their own decisions, actions, and safe implementation of any strategies or recommendations provided, and are advised to seek further professional or medical advice where appropriate.
20.3. The therapist is not responsible for the content, safety, accuracy, or quality of any external resources, services, or products provided by third parties.
20.4 .At times, administrative or organisational support may be provided by the Personal Assistant (PA), who is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, or representative of the therapist. The PA operates as a separate entity and is solely responsible for their own conduct, decisions, and actions.
20.5. The therapist is not responsible or liable for any acts, omissions, advice, communications, errors, or outcomes arising from any interaction between the PA and clients. Any support provided by the PA is limited to administrative assistance and does not constitute occupational therapy, clinical advice, or professional guidance.
20.6. The client acknowledges that any engagement with the PA is voluntary and undertaken at their own discretion and risk.
20.7. The therapist is not liable for failure to perform due to circumstances beyond reasonable control (e.g., natural disaster, pandemic, internet outage).
21.Technical Issues:
If technical issues are exclusively and clearly due to the therapist’s equipment, the session will be rescheduled or the remaining time allocated to a future session at the therapist’s discretion. If a client experiences technical difficulties, they should attempt to reconnect within 10 minutes. After this point, the session may be considered cancelled.
22. The Occupational Therapist’s PA:
The occupational therapist has a Personal Assistant (PA) who supports with administrative tasks. They do not view clients’ clinical notes, which are stored securely, but they do have permission on the clinic management software to see bookings and client details such as full name, phone number, email address, address, date of birth. This is strictly to enable the PA to assist with bookings and admin duties. The PA also has access to the therapist's email account. Although the PA will not purposely read the content of any correspondence, unless it is addressed to them using the Admin@NavigateNeurodiversityOT.com email address, or if emails are written directly to them, or if the occupational Therapist requests it in order for them to carry out their administrative duties. They may view the content while performing administrative duties, such as creating bookings and uploading emails to the secure clinic software. The PA may sometimes contact clients on behalf of the therapist. The PA is registered with the ICO and is fully insured. For ATW-funded clients, the PA may assist clients directly with uploading invoices for sessions and completing the necessary forms to ensure timely payment to the therapist.
22.1. The PA's role is to support the administrative side of therapy sessions, including payment, bookings, and Access to Work invoices. If a client is working with the therapist's PA, they are only authorised to support with questions and issues related to the therapist's services; this means they cannot provide support with questions related to friends and family, work, or personal life. If a client requires support that exceeds the standard and the PA has availability, the client may request self-funded support through the PA's private business. Any work undertaken by the PA's private business is separate from the therapist's services.
22.2. Clients may withdraw consent for the PA’s access to their administrative information at any time by contacting the therapist in writing.
23.Right to Withdraw:
Both the client and the therapist can suspend or terminate services at any time if further intervention is not in the best interests of either the client or the therapist. Clients have the right to withdraw consent for therapy at any time.
24.1. The therapist is committed to ensuring that clients’ information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, they have put in place secure electronic systems to safeguard and secure the information collected. This includes two-factor secured clinic management software, use of a VPN, GDPR-approved transcription software, two-factor secured email, and an encrypted email account.
24.2. If clients opt to utilise instant messaging via WhatsApp, or text, email, or video call for communication purposes, they do so entirely at their own discretion and assume full responsibility for any risks associated with such usage.
24.3. If a client chooses to have message-based sessions:
As part of maintaining confidentiality and the therapist's record-keeping responsibilities, the therapist will need to export all messages to the client’s secure file and promptly delete them from their (the therapist’s) phone/WhatsApp at the end of each session. Additionally, any voice notes may be transcribed using dictation software for record-keeping purposes before deletion from the therapist's phone. As with all appointments, the therapist's clinical note writing is not charged for, but any additional admin time (in this case, exporting the data and deletion) makes up part of the session time charged for.
24.4. The therapist cannot guarantee the security or confidentiality of information transmitted through platforms such as email and messaging (text, WhatsApp, social media), and clients are advised to exercise caution when sharing sensitive or confidential data. Any consequences arising from the use of these platforms will be the sole responsibility of the client. By using this communication method, clients agree to these terms and acknowledge that the therapist shall not be held liable for any potential risks or breaches that may occur during such interactions.
24.5. It is impossible to ensure the security of information sent via third-party service providers such as Tik Tok, Facebook, and Instagram. Due to this, please do not provide any identifying, personal, or private information by social media or instant chat, but rather solely via email.
25.Exclusion Criteria:
Online therapy services are available only for clients aged 18+ and based in the UK, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands.
25.1. Sessions are not available for individuals who have attempted suicide within the last month due to the need for specialised mental health support.
25.2. All prospective clients are required to complete the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) screening tool before proceeding with the therapist's services.
25.3. If a client discloses a recent suicide attempt, plans for self-harm, or anything which causes concern for the safety of themselves or others, during the C-SSRS screening or at any time during the therapeutic relationship, the therapist is legally and ethically bound to act in their best interest. In such cases, they may be required to contact relevant professionals or authorities for the client’s safety.
25.4. If clients are experiencing a crisis or recent suicide attempt, they are encouraged to seek immediate help from emergency services or crisis intervention professionals. The therapist’s services may not be appropriate during such times.
26. Professional Boundaries & Therapeutic Relationship:
The therapeutic relationship is professional and limited to therapy sessions and agreed-upon communication (e.g., emails). If the client encounters the therapist in public, they can greet them, but the therapist will not initiate contact to protect client privacy and confidentiality. The client may not add the therapist on their personal social media accounts; they may only interact with the therapist's business accounts.
26.1. Gift Acceptance:
The therapist may accept tokens of minimal value (generally £25 or less), such as cards or small, inexpensive items. However, the therapist is ethically obligated to decline any gifts that could be seen as seeking preferential treatment or that might compromise our professional relationship. The therapist reserves the right to kindly decline any gifts that are not ethically appropriate or could compromise professional boundaries in line with RCOT and HCPC guidelines.
27. Emergency Contact & Safety Plan: Together with the therapist, we will establish a safety plan of at least one emergency contact in case of crisis. In the event of an emergency, if the client cannot be reached after the risk has been discussed, the therapist may contact the client's GP or emergency contact at their discretion. Occupational Therapy is not a crisis service. Clients who agree to therapy also agree to contact emergency services or crisis teams if they are in immediate danger.