Terms and Conditions of this Service

Confidentiality

Online counseling service can offer encrypted email, this is entirely up to you. Also, the computer is fire walled, spy ware and password protected. All personal information and correspondence that is received from you will be kept confidential and not be disclosed or shared with another, unless legally required. Also, records can be subpoenaed by a court of law. It is considered 'best practise' for professional counsellors to have ongoing supervision, as such counsellors may discuss sessions with a supervisor but your identity will not be revealed. We do collect statistical information including ip via the server for the site, this is not shared or disclosed with anyone, unless legally required to do so, it is simply used for security and to improve the sites performance.

It is also recommended that you protect all your online counselling correspondence on your computer. It is your responsibility to ensure that access to your computer is password protected, and any personal information is kept secure, and any online counseling correspondence printed out by you is kept secure and not shared. Additionally, you may wish to install one of the latest anti-spy ware programs and update regularly to prevent the recording of information that you may enter into forms. Also, employers may monitor internet & email activity in your place of employment.

Disclaimer - Please read carefully

Whilst reasonable care is taken, Online Counseling Service and the use of this counselling service is at the clients own risk, meaning that you as the user agrees that it is at your own risk. Online Counseling Service is not responsible for technical problems on the internet, messages accidentally lost or misdirected, Internet service providers downtime, or communications intercepted by a third party or hackers. Online Counseling Service is not responsible for any information that may not be accurate or given to Online Counseling Service by the user, thereby preventing Online Counseling Service from giving the user utmost effectiveness. Whilst, reasonable care is taken, this counselling service does not give a guarantee that the services provided meet your requirements, be error free or be successful in outcome. This online counseling service is not intended to offer crisis intervention or in-depth psychotherapy. Online counseling service or its counsellors are not responsible in anyway whatsoever for any decision, action or inaction made by you as a consequence of consultation(s) and is solely your responsibility. Online Counseling Service and its counsellors operate from within Australia and as such no legal action or personal indemnity whatsoever can be forthcoming from individuals outside of Australia, including but not exclusive to USA, Canada, UK.

You understand that this service adheres to Western Australian regulations & legislation, as it is located in Western Australia.
You must be 18 years of age or older.
You agree that in the event of a crisis or an emergency you will not rely solely on Online Counseling Service and agree to seek help within your local area.
You understand that during the process of counselling that psychological pain & distress can arise, especially as difficult issues are addressed and worked through.
You understand that if receiving couple enrichment both parties must read & agree to the Terms & conditions of this site.
You do not have a mood or personality disorder. You do not have depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia, sociopathic illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, or any disorder that requires specialized face-to-face intervention or the continuation of existing professional services or treatment.
You understand that this service does not offer clinical assessment or treatment or crisis intervention.
You understand that an alternative method of contacting clients is required in case of emergency.
You are not currently receiving counselling or are under the care of a psychiatrist or other.
You understand the security issues and technical problems that may occur on the internet. Including, messages accidentally lost or misdirected, internet service providers downtime, or communications intercepted by a third party or hackers and that online counseling service is not responsible in any way whatsoever.
You understand that email correspondence is up to the duration specified in the email type chosen, and correspondence that requires more than the specified may be continued in the beginning of the next email correspondence.
All enquiries are for personal counselling only & are not for conducting research of any kind whatsoever.
You acknowledged and accept that there are Duty of Care requirements & mandatory reporting laws. See below for details.

Mandatory Reporting Laws

There are duty of care requirements & mandatory reporting laws that may apply to your state. Do not expect immunity or acceptance as I am obliged to report the following to the appropriate authorities including law enforcement authorities:

Child abuse/neglect, child sexual abuse
Suicide
Paedophilia
Criminal intent
Criminal acts
Domestic violence
Elder abuse

If you are affected by any of the above or if you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or thoughts of harming others or have done so in the past and not receiving help, please seek professional help elsewhere immediately, please do not use this service as it is not suitable.

Emergency Contact Pages

For an emergency within Australia Phone 000, or see our Australian emergency page

For an emergency within USA Phone 911, or see our US emergency page