Terms & Conditions of Dr Andrew Simonton
General
This website is owned and operated by Dr Andrew Simonton. By using our website, including access through other digital platforms, you confirm that you accept these Terms of Service (“terms”) as binding upon you, including additional terms and conditions and policies referenced herein and/or available by hyperlink, and that you agree to comply with them. If you do not agree to these terms, you must not use our website.
How Dr Andrew Simonton Works with Clients
Hours of Work Dr Andrew Simonton works various hours during the week. When booking your appointment, you will be able to choose from available times. Any hours outside of those listed will only be facilitated at Dr Andrew Simonton’s discretion.
Contacting Dr Andrew Simonton
Dr Andrew Simonton respects that everyone works different hours. Emails will be reviewed daily, and queries will be responded to within 48 hours, Monday to Friday (depending on availability and excluding annual leave).
Appointments
Appointments are typically 50 minutes long. While weekly sessions are recommended at the beginning, Dr Andrew Simonton will tailor the frequency of sessions to suit your pace and needs. This may change as therapy progresses.
Remote Therapy/Online-Therapy
Video therapy sessions are available by appointment only. Please log in at least 5 minutes before your session to ensure a timely start. Virtual sessions are primarily used as a complement to in-person sessions, though in some cases therapy may be conducted exclusively online.
To prepare for video sessions, please ensure that:
* You log in and test the platform (KaraConnect).
* You are in a private and confidential space.
* Distractions are minimised by closing other apps or websites.
Storing Personal Data
Dr Andrew Simonton respects confidentiality, transparency, and privacy. All notes and forms completed during therapy are kept for seven years, after which they are deleted. If a client re-engages within this period, the seven-year timeframe will restart after the last session. Clients may access their records at any time and can request copies through a Data Subject Access Request (via email).
Rates and Fees
Fees are stated at the start of therapy. Dr Andrew Simonton reserves the right to adjust fees periodically and will provide notice of any changes. Additional fees may apply for services such as report writing, treatment summaries, extended phone calls, or travel time.
* Payment for initial consultations must be made in advance (pre-pay) to confirm the appointment.
* Payments are non-refundable. If a cancellation occurs with sufficient notice, the fee will be applied to the next session.
* Payments for ongoing sessions are usually made on the day, though pre-payment is also possible.
Cancellation Policy
Please notify Dr. Andrew Simonton in advance if you are unable to attend a session. If less than 48 hours’ notice is provided, 100% of the fee will be charged (except in exceptional circumstances).
Termination Policy
Therapy is a collaborative process, and it is important that both therapist and client feel the work is helpful and appropriate.
* Client-Initiated Termination : You may end therapy at any time. It is encouraged that you discuss your decision so we can review progress, address concerns, and ensure a thoughtful ending.
* Therapist-Initiated Termination : In rare circumstances, I may need to end therapy. This may occur if:
* There is non-payment of fees.
* Repeated cancellations or missed sessions disrupt the process.
* Your needs fall outside the scope of Dr Andrew Simonton’s competencies, in which case you will be referred to a more appropriate service.
* There are concerns about safety, boundaries, or ethical obligations.
* Mutual Agreement Sometimes, we may mutually agree that therapy goals have been met, and it is a natural time to end.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a core part of therapy, and Dr Andrew Simonton will always operate with the highest standard of security and discretion. Please see the Client Contract for further details.
Disclaimer
Dr. Andrew Simonton will only provide services within his professional capabilities, competence, and role as a private provider of mental health services. If needs arise that are outside this scope, you will be supported in finding suitable alternative providers.
Please note: Dr. Andrew Simonton does not provide emergency services. Urgent or emergency matters cannot be addressed outside of scheduled sessions, and communication channels (SMS, email, client portal, etc.) are not monitored outside business hours.
Contact Information
You may contact Dr. Andrew Simonton by e-mail at: simontonpsychotherapy@gmail.com
Contact information provided on this website is for service-related queries only and should not be used for general marketing purposes.