Legal

Consent & Telehealth Policy

Last updated: September 2026

This policy explains what you are agreeing to when you book and attend an online session with Shital Gedam ("the Practitioner"). Please read it before your first session. Booking a session confirms that you (or, for a minor client, their parent/guardian) have read, understood, and agreed to this policy.

1. Nature of this service

This is an online-only behaviour therapy and counselling practice. Sessions are conducted by secure video call. No in-person assessment, physical examination, or emergency service is provided under this practice.

2. Scope of practice

The Practitioner is a Behaviour Therapist and Counsellor holding a PG in Psychotherapy, Art and Play Therapy, with specialisation in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). The Practitioner is not currently registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and is not a psychiatrist or a licensed clinical psychologist. Accordingly, this service:

• Does not provide medical diagnosis or prescribe medication;
• Does not replace assessment or treatment by a psychiatrist, licensed clinical psychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, or special educator where one is needed;
• Will refer you to an appropriate qualified professional where your situation falls outside this scope.

The 2020 Telemedicine Practice Guidelines issued by the Government of India apply specifically to Registered Medical Practitioners (doctors). As a non-medical practitioner, the Practitioner instead follows applicable professional ethics codes for counsellors and behaviour therapists, and the practices set out in this policy.

3. Consent to online (telehealth) delivery

By booking a session, you acknowledge and accept that:

• Online sessions carry inherent limitations compared to in-person care, including the Practitioner's reduced ability to observe body language, environment, or physical cues, and the possibility of technical/connectivity disruptions;
• You are responsible for finding a private, quiet space for your session, and for a stable internet connection;
• Video sessions are delivered by secure video call using a unique link generated per session; sessions are not recorded by the Practitioner unless you are informed and agree in advance;
• You may end the therapeutic relationship at any time; the Practitioner may also decline or discontinue services where continuing is not in your best interest, with a referral provided where appropriate.

4. Consent for minors (children & teens)

Where the client is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent on their behalf, remain reasonably available during sessions where clinically appropriate (particularly for ABA sessions, which rely on active caregiver involvement), and may be involved in reviewing progress and home-practice plans.

5. Confidentiality & its limits

What you share in sessions is kept confidential, in line with the Privacy Policy. Confidentiality does not apply where there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, where required by law, or as permitted under Section 18 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which allows disclosure in emergency situations to protect a person's safety.

6. This is not an emergency service

This practice does not provide crisis intervention or emergency response. If you or someone you know is in crisis, experiencing thoughts of self-harm, or at risk of harm, please call 112 (India's national emergency number) or Tele MANAS on 14416 / 1800-891-4416, a free, 24/7 mental health helpline run by the Government of India, immediately, rather than waiting for a scheduled session or a reply on WhatsApp/email.

7. Communication channels

WhatsApp and email are used for scheduling, reminders, and logistics, not as a substitute for a session, and not for sharing sensitive clinical details. Please keep clinical discussion for scheduled sessions.

8. Cancellations & rescheduling

Please message on WhatsApp or email as early as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. Repeated late cancellations or no-shows may affect future scheduling priority.

9. Fees & payment

Current session pricing is listed on the Pricing page. Payment is confirmed only after your slot is agreed. You will never be asked to pay before a slot is confirmed.

10. Changes to this policy

This policy may be updated from time to time; the version in effect at the time of your session applies. Continued use of this service after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.