T&Cs

Terms & Conditions

Initial consultation & arrangements for therapy

The initial consultation explores the current difficulties your child, young person or family are experiencing and you may be asked to complete one or more standardised questionnaires. Depending on the child's age and the difficulties it can sometimes be helpful for the first meeting to be a parent only consultation. Typically, the assessment lasts 90 minutes.

At the initial assessment we will discuss goals and explore treatment options and how many sessions may be required. This will be reviewed at regular intervals, approximately every 6 sessions but can be more frequent and dependent on the input being offered. The approach offered will most often be primarily evidence based, and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Time slots and availability will be discussed, typically therapy sessions last 50-60 minutes.

There is no commitment to attend a set number of session but request you give a session's notice of your decision to stop as it is best practise to plan for an ending, if possible.

Cancellations

If you are unable to attend an appointment we request you give us at least 48 notice and Dr Howe will organise and alternative slot. Cancelling appointments with less than 48 hours will result in you being charged for the session in full as we will not be able to fill this slot at such late notice.

If Dr Howe is unable to conduct the appointment she will give you as much notice as possible and will only cancel at short notice (less than 48 hours) because of urgent unforeseen circumstances.

Fees & Payment

Dr Howe will send you or your insurance company an invoice following each appointment. This will continue until notified; a change may be necessary if you reach your health insurance limit or change health insurer. We encourage you to be informed as to what your insurer will cover; Dr Howe will contact you if your health insurer refuses to pay an invoice to request payment.

Health insurers sometimes request brief clinical reports or updates to continue or extend sessions. Dr Howe is happy to provide such updates at no extra cost if this is required.

Private Health Insurance

Dr Howe is a specialist health provider for a number of health insurers including BUPA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA. She will send invoices directly to Private Health Insurers if this method of payment has been agreed with you.

Please have authorisation prior to commencing sessions. Clients are liable for no payment or excess or shortfall not covered by their policy (we advise you enquire about the limits of your policy). It is uncommon for healthcare providers to cover cancellation charges therefore you will be liable if this charge is incurred.

Confidentiality

WBCP is committed to ensuring your privacy is protected and confidentiality is maintained.

The exceptions to this are:

• when we discuss your care with a colleague in supervision , in accordance with the British Psychological Society (BPS) Professional practise Guidelines on supervision and in line with Health Care Professions Council guidance (and we then will withhold or disguise identifying details)
• when withholding information could result in harm to you, your child or others.
• a requirement by a court of law.

Should any of these circumstances occur Dr Howe will follow the appropriate procedures as stipulated by the professional and ethical guidelines set by the HCPC and the BPS.

Ethical practice

Dr Howe is a Clinical Psychologist with Chartered status, British Psychological Society (BPS) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and as such abides by their standards of conduct, performance and ethics.

Data Protection and Privacy

Please refer to WBCP Data Protection & Privacy policy

Emergencies

If you are concerned about your child or young person's safety and required urgent assistance please contact your GP, call NHS 111 or attend the accident and emergency department at your local hospital.

Completion of the Registration Form and attendance, at an appointment will constitute agreement of these Terms and the Data Protection and Privacy Policy.

If you have any queries please raise these with Dr Howe who is happy to discuss them further.