Introduction

The mental health services we offer involve evidence-based counselling, psychotherapy, treatment, or psychological assessment, with a focus on helping individuals to manage their mental and emotional well-being. It involves collaboration between the therapist and the client to achieve goals through discussions about thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. The process also includes exploring ways to cope with issues related to family, career, anger, self-development, inner struggles, stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

Therapeutic Relationship

The service(s) will be provided by an in-training, associate, or licensed mental health therapist. The relationship between the therapist and you, the client, is founded on trust and confidentiality. The therapist will attentively listen to your concerns in a safe, non-discriminatory, and non-judgmental environment. They will take notes, provide support and guidance, explore appropriate treatments, and display professional skills while adhering to the Code of Ethics of their professional regulatory bodies.

As the client, you are expected to be honest and open in your discussions with the therapist and be willing to participate in the discussions, interventions, and treatment for your ultimate benefit.

Potential Benefits and Risks for Therapy

Therapy can have many potential benefits, including increased self-awareness and reduced symptoms of mental health disorders. It is also included, but not limited to:

1. Improved mental health and overall well-being
2. Increased understanding of one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
3. Improved communication and interpersonal skills
4. Increased ability to cope with stress and difficult emotions
5. Enhanced problem-solving skills
6. Greater insight into personal strengths and areas for growth
7. Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
8. Enhanced ability to form and maintain healthy relationships
9. Improved physical health, as addressing mental health issues, can have a positive impact on physical health conditions

Therapy may not be suitable for you and may not be effective in all cases, as follows:

1. There is a risk that discussing difficult emotions and experiences may be emotionally challenging and may cause temporary discomfort.
2. There is a risk that therapy may bring up unresolved issues from the past that may be difficult to process.
3. There is a risk that therapy may cause the client to confront beliefs or behaviours that may be difficult to change.
4. There is a risk that therapy may expose conflicts or tension within relationships.
5. There is a risk that therapy may result in you feeling worse before feeling better, as the change process can be challenging.

It is essential to discuss any potential risks and benefits with the therapist before begins the session. It is also important to note that therapy should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment, and you should continue following relevant medical professionals’ advice.

Mental Health Services

MINDAKAMI offers mental health services for teenagers (13-17 years old) and adults (18-59 years old). The services offered are as follows:

A full explanation about each of the mental health services can be found in mindakami.org/FAQ.

Duration & Scheduling

• Individual Therapy: MINDAKAMI recommends 8-12 sessions for each client.
• Couples Therapy: MINDAKAMI recommends 2-6 sessions for each couple.
• Group Therapy: You are required to attend all the intended sessions. 
• Psychological & Career Assessment: You are required to attend all the intended sessions.

All clients are unique therefore further discussion with the therapist is recommended. The therapist may recommend longer, or shorter duration / sessions based on your needs.

Payment & Packages 

The client, parents, guardian, companies, or any other relevant entity will be responsible for paying in full before engaging in any of our mental health services. The offered fee and services can be found at  https://mindakami.org/services.

You can purchase a single session or package at a discounted rate. For packages, you are required to make the payment in full. Our packages is suitable if you would like to commit your sessions with a preferred therapist. It is non-transferable, non-shareable and can be renewed at anytime. Further information is as follows:

1. Individual Therapy: This package includes four (4) sessions, valid for two months. It can be renewed at any time.
2. Couples Therapy: This package includes four (4) sessions, valid for two months. It can be renewed at any time.
3. Group Therapy: The fee must be made in full once booked. You are required to attend all the sessions. If you cannot attend one (or more) of the sessions, your fee will be forfeited.
4. Psychological & Career  Assessment: This package is a 4-in-1 package that includes a Clinical Interview, Assessment Session, Review Session, and a free basic report. An extra fee may be required for additional assessment session, psychological tool, and a full report, if necessary. It is valid for two months.

If you prefer a customised package, please contact us via Telegram, WhatsApp, or email us at therapy@mindakami.org.

Reschedule, Cancellation and No-Show

You can reschedule or cancel any individual therapy, couples therapy and clinical assessment. Your fee will be fully forfeited if you reschedule or cancel the appointment less than 24 hours before the session. No-shows will also forfeit the fee. The details for rescheduling and cancellation are as follows:

1. Reschedule: You are entitled to reschedule up to one (1) session from the initial booking session. Inform us 24 hours before the session via Telegram or WhatsApp to reschedule. You will receive a follow-up email or notification once rescheduled.
2. Cancellation: Please inform us 24 hours before the session for cancellation. MINDAKAMI has a 5% processing fee due to our advanced booking system. We will refund 95% of your payment within 72 hours.

Any cancellation or rescheduling for group therapy will only be entertained if the therapist needs to reschedule or cancel the session. If you cannot attend any of the session, your fee will be forfeited.

Guidelines when Attending the Session

Both in-person and online therapy can be effective and attending in-person or online therapy will depend on your needs and preferences.

If you are attending in-person therapy, you will expect to arrive at least 15 minutes before the appointment. Please follow any COVID-19 prevention. If you feel unwell or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, don’t hesitate to contact MINDAKAMI to reschedule the appointment.

If you are attending online therapy, please log in to the virtual therapy platform at least 5 minutes before your appointment. Please ensure that you are in a safe location for the therapy session. Please ensure that you have a stable internet connection and that your device is charged or plugged in for the duration of the session. If you experience technical difficulties during the session, please inform the therapist or MINDAKAMI, and we will assist you in resolving the issue.

Referral

Referrals can be an important part of therapy to ensure that you receive the most appropriate and effective care. You, the therapist or MINDAKAMI may refer to internal or external resources to specialize treatment, lack of progress, the therapist’s limited knowledge, conflict of interest, or your preferences. You must sign a written consent provided by the therapist or MINDAKAMI to ensure you are fully informed and aware of the reasons for the referral and the potential risks and benefits of receiving treatment from another professional or resource.

Termination of Mental Health Services

Either the therapist or you may terminate any of the mental health services at any time. If the therapist believes that the services provided are no longer beneficial or appropriate for you, they may terminate it. The therapist will discuss this decision with you and provide a reasonable amount of notice before the session ends. If you wish to end the session, you should discuss this with the therapist and provide a reasonable amount of notice for the therapist.

If you or the therapist violate the ethical guidelines or the terms of the therapeutic relationship, the session may be terminated. If an emergency or unforeseen circumstance prevents the therapist or you from continuing the mental health service, the session may be terminated.

Upon termination, the therapist should discuss with the client the options for continuing care, such as referrals to other therapists or resources. The therapist may provide you with a summary of the sessions and recommendations for ongoing care.

Legal Proceedings

All clients must remit a fee of RM350 per hour for services as an expert witness in legal proceedings, covering expenses and incidental costs. Payment is required before proceedings, and failure to pay or last-minute cancellations may result in the therapist’s inability to fulfil their obligations. The therapist also reserves the right to withdraw from proceedings if it conflicts with their duties as an expert.

Confidentiality and Privacy

MINDAKAMI is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of its client’s personal information. MINDAKAMI will take reasonable steps to protect the client’s privacy, including using a private therapy room and respecting the client’s privacy during sessions. All information shared during therapy sessions will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to any third party without your written consent except in the following circumstances:

1. There is a risk of harm to the client or others.
2. There is a legal requirement to disclose information, such as in cases of abuse or neglect.
3. The therapist must share information with their supervisor or consult colleagues as part of their professional development or ethical obligations.

All your information, including session notes, will be stored in a secure location and only accessed by authorised personnel. The therapist and MINDAKAMI will not share any identifying information about you with anyone outside the therapy relationship without the client’s written consent. The therapist will respect your rights to access personal data and provide copies of relevant records upon request and discussion.

The therapist and MINDAKAMI will take reasonable steps to protect your data from unauthorised access or accidental loss. We will regularly review and update the client data management procedures to ensure that they align with best practices and current regulations. With your approval and written consent, we will ensure that your data is deleted or securely disposed of when it is no longer needed.

Electronic communication, such as emails, messaging, and virtual therapy platforms, may not be completely secure and may be accessed by unauthorised parties. Therefore, you are advised to use caution when communicating sensitive information electronically.

Ethical Issue or Complaints Against the Therapist

MINDAKAMI took any complaints against the therapist seriously. In case the therapist has made sensitive, undesirable, and unethical remarks or action against the client’s sexuality, gender, race or any physical, health or mental conditions during the session, please lodge the complaint to therapy@mindakami.org with the heading “Ethical Issue Against MINDAKAMI’s Therapist” and please include the following details:

• The client’s full name:
• The client’s preferred name:
• Therapist name:
• Time & date of the occurred session: Explanation:

Once MINDAKAMI has open a file about the report and created suitable remedies or action plan with the therapist, MINDAKAMI will follow up with the client for the update on the case.

Limitation of Liability in Therapy

MINDAKAMI and the therapist provide the mental health services to the client on an as-is basis and make no representations or warranties. MINDAKAMI is not responsible for any actions or decisions made by you due to the services. You are solely responsible for your actions and decisions. The therapist and MINDAKAMI will not be liable for any damages arising from the use of the services, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages.

Informed Consent

The purpose of policy and guidelines is to provide you with information about the offered mental health services. As a client, you have the right to be informed about the nature and purpose of our mental health services and any potential risks or benefits associated with the services. You also have the right to make an informed decision about whether to participate in our services.

By booking a session with MINDAKAMI, you acknowledge that you have received and understood all the information relation our services in this policy and guidelines and the information listed in MINDAKAMI’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). You acknowledge that you can ask questions and receive answers to any questions. You also acknowledge that you can withdraw from the offered services at any time and may request a copy of this informed consent document for your records.