As a client, you are entitled, by law, to privacy. This means that any information provided to me, whether by e-mail, telephone, or in my office, is considered to be confidential information and cannot be revealed to anyone else without your written permission. The exception to this is my legal responsibility, as a mental health practitioner, to break confidentiality if: |
Psychological Services:
Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on various interactive aspects of the personalities of the therapist and client(s), and the particular issues brought forward. There are many different methods I may use to deal with the problems that you hope to address. Psychotherapy is not like a medical doctor visit. Instead, it calls for a very active effort on your part. In order for the therapy to be most useful, you will have to work on things we talk about both during our sessions and between.
Psychotherapy may have benefits and risks. Since therapy often involves discussing problematic aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness. On the other hand, psychotherapy has also been shown to have benefits for people who go through it. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress. There are no guarantees of what you will experience and the outcome is highly dependent on the level of active involvement on your part.
During the first session or two, we can decide if I am the best person to provide the services you need in order to meet your desired goals and objectives. Therapy involves a commitment of time, energy and money, so you should be comfortable about the therapist you select. If you have questions about my procedures, we should discuss them whenever they arise.
Appointments:
Appointments may be scheduled by calling (852) 9191-7045. You may at times get my voicemail, so please feel free to leave a confidential message containing your name, phone number and when you can be reached; I will return your call as soon as possible. Appointments start on the hour and last 50 minutes; double sessions are 80 minutes, or 1 hour 20 minutes. Please inquire about phone sessions. Most of the time, appointments will be scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Occasionally, during a crisis, you may need additional support. I do offer phone support and/or e-mail support during particularly rough times. If it is an infrequent and short (less than 5-10 min) contact, there is no charge. However, for daily or every other day support (i.e., more extreme situations), I prorate the segments of time I spend on the phone or email with you and charge accordingly, the balance of which is due at your next session.
Cancellations:
Your appointment time is set aside and reserved for you. Should you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, I would greatly appreciate three working days notice. Clients are often on a waiting list for any cancellations and they need time to adjust their schedules accordingly. Notice of cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment to avoid a charge. Full fee will be charged for missed appointments and late cancellations.
Financial Agreement:
Payment for services is due at each session and can be made by cheque or cash. Sessions are prorated at $1200HKD per hour. At the end of your first session, if we have agreed to work together to achieve desired goals and objectives, a full-session deposit will be requested against the event of a late cancellation or no-show and will be credited as your final payment if neither occurs.
Confidentiality:
All matters discussed in the therapy session are kept in strict confidence. That means that information about you cannot leave my office without your written permission. Should you want me to share information with another professional, I will ask you to sign a form giving me permission to do so. The only exception to this is if there is indication of child abuse/neglect or bodily harm to self/other.
Emergencies:
Emergency or extra appointments can be made during regular hours. I will make efforts to accommodate these requests as needed. However, in order to be fully rested for my regular office hours and in order to maintain my own personal life, I am not available for after-hour emergencies. In the unlikely event that such services are required, they may be obtained through: The Samaritans, a 24-hour Multi-Lingual Suicide Prevention Hotline, 2896-0000; or, Queen Mary Hospital, 2855-3111.
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