Purpose of Counselling

This form aims to inform you about your rights regarding confidentiality during counselling and the handling of information shared in therapy. Understanding how your personal information will be treated is essential for building a trusting relationship with your counsellor.

Confidentiality Agreement

All communication between you and your counsellor is generally confidential. This means that your counsellor will not share any information you disclose during sessions without your explicit consent, except in specific situations as described below.

Confidentiality ensures the therapeutic process remains safe and effective. Your counsellor is committed to keeping your personal information private and will only disclose it under the circumstances listed below.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

There are certain circumstances where your counsellor may be required to disclose information about you, even without your consent. These exceptions include:

1. Risk of Harm: If there is a risk of harm to you or others (such as threats of suicide, self-harm, or harm to others), your counsellor may need to share relevant information with appropriate authorities to ensure safety.

2. Child and Elder Abuse: Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 and other relevant laws, if the counsellor suspects child abuse, neglect, or exploitation, or abuse of elderly individuals, they are legally required to report it to the authorities.

3. Mental Health Laws: Under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, if your counsellor believes that you have a mental illness that may pose a danger to yourself or others, they may be required to share this information with appropriate mental health professionals or authorities to facilitate necessary treatment or hospitalization.

4. Court Orders and Legal Obligations: If a court issues a subpoena or order requiring the disclosure of your records or information, your counsellor may be required by law to provide such information. This could occur in cases involving legal disputes (e.g., divorce or custody cases) or criminal investigations.

5. Supervision and Consultation: Your counsellor may discuss aspects of your case with other licensed professionals within the organization for the purpose of improving treatment. These discussions will be done in a manner that protects your identity and confidentiality.

6. Other Legal Requirements: In some cases, such as knowledge of ongoing criminal activity, your counsellor may be obligated to report to law enforcement authorities in accordance with applicable Indian laws.

Client's Rights

1. Right to Confidentiality: You have the right to confidentiality regarding your counselling sessions unless an exception listed above applies.

2. Right to Informed Consent: You have the right to understand how your information will be handled. You can ask your counsellor any questions regarding the confidentiality of your records.

3. Right to Withdraw Consent: You have the right to withdraw your consent to counselling at any time. However, this will not affect information already shared or actions taken before the withdrawal of consent.

4. Right to Access Records: Under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, you have the right to access and review your counselling records. Your counsellor will explain the process for accessing these records.

Informed Consent

By checking the box, you confirm that you have read and understood the confidentiality guidelines as outlined above. You also understand that in certain circumstances, your counsellor may be required or permitted to disclose information to protect your safety, the safety of others, or to comply with legal obligations.

If you have any questions about this confidentiality consent form or the counselling process, please do not hesitate to ask your counsellor.

***These confidentiality guidelines apply to both offline and online counselling sessions.