Introduction
By accessing our website or booking any services offered by Bright Minds Counselling (hereafter “BMC”), you agree to these Terms of Use. These terms outline the conditions for using our website and attending therapy sessions. Please read them carefully before booking.
Crisis Support Disclaimer
Bright Minds Counselling is not a crisis or emergency service.
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact:
- 000 – Emergency Services
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (for under 25s)
Do not use our website, email, or booking system for urgent or crisis situations.
Booking and Payment
To attend a therapy session, bookings must be made in advance through our website or by contacting us directly. You may choose your session type, practitioner, and preferred appointment time.
To secure your appointment, full payment is required no later than 48 hours before the scheduled session, unless otherwise agreed.
This ensures your session is reserved and allows our practitioners to prepare appropriately.
If payment is not received within this timeframe, BMC may cancel your booking and offer the time slot to another client. Sessions will not proceed without confirmed payment unless special arrangements have been made in writing.
We recommend paying at the time of booking to avoid delays or cancellations.
Cancellations and Refunds
To be fair to all clients and maintain availability, our cancellation policy is as follows:
- 48+ hours before the session – Full refund or free reschedule
- 24–48 hours before the session – Free reschedule only
- Less than 24 hours before the session – Session is forfeited; no refund or reschedule
- No-shows – Non-refundable and treated as cancellations within 24 hours
- If BMC cancels for practitioner illness, emergencies, or operational reasons – A full refund or free reschedule will be offered
Rescheduling follows the same timing rules as cancellations.
Exceptional circumstances (including documented medical emergencies) may be considered at BMC’s discretion.
Telehealth Sessions
If you attend therapy via video call or online platform:
- You are responsible for ensuring a private, quiet, and secure environment
- You must have a stable internet connection and functioning device
- BMC is not liable for issues caused by client-side technical failures
- If a session is disrupted due to connection issues on your end, it may be treated as a shortened or completed session depending on circumstances
Practitioners may reschedule if severe technical issues prevent a meaningful session.
Age Requirements
Our services are intended for adults aged 18 and over, unless otherwise agreed.
Clients under 18 may attend therapy only with parent or guardian consent. A guardian must be available for communication when required for safety or treatment purposes.
Code of Conduct
Bright Minds Counselling is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Clients agree to:
- Treat practitioners and staff with courtesy and respect
- Refrain from abusive, aggressive, or inappropriate behaviour
- Attend sessions in a sober, non-intoxicated state
- Follow reasonable instructions from their practitioner
If behaviour compromises safety or the therapeutic process, the session may be terminated without refund, and future services may be declined.
Safety and Wellbeing
To ensure effective and safe care, clients must:
- Inform their practitioner of any relevant mental health, medical, or personal history
- Disclose if they are receiving support from another professional (e.g., GP, psychologist, psychiatrist) when relevant
- Not attend sessions under the influence of drugs or alcohol
If a practitioner believes a client may be at risk of harm to themselves or others, BMC may take appropriate steps, including contacting emergency services or declining further sessions until safety can be assured.
Confidentiality & Privacy
All sessions are confidential. Your personal information is handled according to our Privacy Policy. Confidentiality may be broken only where legally required, including:
- When there is serious risk of harm to you
- When there is serious risk of harm to another person
- When compelled by a court order
- When mandatory reporting obligations apply
Our full Privacy Policy is available on our website here.
Changes to Services
We may occasionally update or modify our services, pricing, session formats, or practitioner availability. If an existing booking is affected:
- We will notify you as soon as reasonably possible
- You will be offered a reschedule or refund
We reserve the right to make changes to services at any time.
Limitation of Liability
Therapy may involve personal reflection and emotional discomfort. While our practitioners are qualified professionals, BMC is not responsible for:
- Emotional responses or discomfort experienced during or after sessions
- Decisions or actions you take following counselling
- Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from service use
Therapy outcomes vary, and no particular result is guaranteed.
Governing Law
These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of Melbourne, Australia, and any disputes will be handled under Australian legal jurisdiction.
Changes to This Policy
We may update these Terms from time to time. The most recent version will always be available on our website, with the date of the latest revision.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns, please contact us through our website or email us at brightmindscounselling@gmail.com.