Terms & Conditions
It is important that you read the following terms and conditions of our service. You will be asked to agree to these terms and conditions at your first appointment.
Online booking
Talking Heads Counselling uses a client management platform called Halaxy to book online appointments and process the booking deposit. When you successfully book an appointment you will receive a confirmation email - no email = no appointment. Halaxy then safely stores your payment details for automatic payment at the conclusion of your appointment. Each time you book an appointment the same process will occur.
Medicare & Private Health
Talking Heads Counselling does not offer Medicare rebates. Private health rebates are available for participating funds; BUPA, Phoenix Health, Police Health, Emergency Services Health and St Luke's Health. It is the responsibility of each client to check whether they have the appropriate coverage to claim counselling sessions via their health fund.
Cancellation/No-Show Policy
At Talking Heads Counselling we know that unforeseen events can happen and that you may have to cancel your appointment. That’s why you are offered the opportunity to reschedule if you cancel your appointment more than 24 hours in advance. In this instance your booking deposit will be transferred to your new appointment. Clients are sent an email reminder of their upcoming appointment (2 days in advance) which provides time to reschedule without penalty. Please be aware Talking Heads Counselling has a strict Cancellation / No-Show Policy that is enforced. If you do not notify Talking Heads Counselling of your cancellation with 24hrs notice, this will be considered a late cancellation. If you do not arrive within 15 mins of your scheduled booking this will be considered a No-Show. In both instances full payment will be automatically processed via Halaxy. It is a client’s responsibility to ensure they are providing Talking Heads Counselling with the correct information when making a booking and in sessions. If you need to cancel your booking please email info@talkingheadscounselling.com.au
Consent
If you are under the age of 16 your parents/guardian will need to sign a consent form on your behalf. If you are over the age of 16 you are considered a mature minor and can sign the consent form independently. It's important you know your rights as a client and my responsibilities as a Counsellor. Health professionals are legally required to keep what you say private unless this puts you or someone else at risk, or if obligated by law. The age by which you have automatic medical/confidentiality rights is 16 and over in South Australia. If you are under the age of 16 your counselling sessions will still remain confidential except for the reasons outlined above.
NDIS Clients
Talking Heads Counselling can offer self managed and plan managed NDIS clients counselling services. Please email us at info@talkingheadscounselling.com.au for a discussion about the service (in-school or in-clinic). All approved NDIS clients must have a service agreement in place with Talking Heads Counselling regarding payment and scheduling of the service. Talking Heads Counselling charges an hourly rate for NDIS report writing. Payment of NDIS services can be made after each appointment and the Plan Manager or nominated person/s will be invoiced.
Payments
It is your responsibility to ensure you have sufficient funds to complete payment for each session. Payment plans are not available. When booking an appointment, Halaxy processes a deposit and then safely stores your payment details for automatic payment at the conclusion of your appointment. Each time you book an appointment the same process will occur.
Children of Parents who are Separated or Divorced
The focus of Talking Heads Counselling is the emotional and psychological wellbeing of the client(s), many of whom come from separated families. It is essential that therapy provides an emotionally safe environment and is delivered by a trained professional. Talking Heads Counselling does not specialise or hold expertise in family therapy related to separation, custody disputes, or legal proceedings. Working with families in high-conflict situations or who are undergoing court proceedings requires specialised skills and training which Talking Heads Counselling does not possess. Therefore, in cases where it is assessed that a specialised service would provide more appropriate and effective support, this referral will be recommended. Please note: Talking Heads Counselling does not provide letters or reports for legal/court proceedings but if subpoenaed will provide notes as requested. ​ For further information on parenting after separation, you can visit the Australian Psychological Society’s resources at APS Parenting After Separation.
Report writing
NDIS reports, in addition to letters to your GP or School, can be provided at an additional cost. Reports or letters for family court/legal proceedings will not be provided. Please see 'Children of Parents who are separated or Divorced' for more information. Reports or letters for all other legal proceedings are also not able to be provided; however notes may be provided if subpoenaed .