Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does therapy work?
I tend to work weekly, with patients attending 50 minute sessions at the same time every week. This can make for a safe, and deep working relationship when we see each other that often to explore your underlying patterns, traumas and psyche.
What are your hours?
I currently work Mondays to Fridays between 8am and 1pm.
I am not immediately available by phone as I may be in session. Email is the best way to get hold of me. I will only respond during my working hours and not over weekends or after hours unless a specific arrangement has been made in advance.
What are your fees?
I charge variable rates depending on the service.
For individual therapy, as of 2024, I will be charging R1200 per session for cash, or your medical aid’s therapy rate, and this is subject to an annual increase.
I am contracted to all medical aids and primarily run a cash practice. This means I prefer to paid cash and you submit to your medical aid for reimbursement.
I have card facilities available at the practice or you can EFT.
Cancellations
You will be charged in full for your session if you cancel less than 24 hours before.
The reason for this policy is that 24 hours’ notice gives me advance warning to schedule someone else for that time.
A missed session will be billed as such and most medical aids will not cover a missed session. Therefore, when you book a session you are accepting responsibility for the session. Accidents and sickness do happen, but try to let me know as far in advance as possible.
Late arrivals
You must please notify me if you will be late for your appointment, then your appointment will be held for you and you can use the remaining time within that 50-minute slot.
If you do not notify me of your late arrival, I will wait 15 minutes, after which I will assume that you are not coming. In that case, you will be charged in full as it will count as a non-cancelled session.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is essential for any work together. You have the right to the confidentiality of your therapy. I cannot and will not tell anyone else what you have told me, or even that you are in therapy with me without your prior written or verbal permission.
There are only very specific circumstances under which I will break confidentiality and I will lay these out in our first session. I will always discuss this first if I need to disclose anything about you for whatever reason.
Your personal information is protected in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (2013).
New patients
I work a month or more in advance and all current patients are on regular weekly/bi-weekly slots.
New patients will be added to a waiting list. Waiting times vary, as getting a slot necessitates that a current patient has changed times or left therapy. Generally getting a slot takes about 4-6 weeks.
Emergencies
I am not an emergency service.
In emergencies, if you are unable to reach me and feel that you cannot wait for me to get back to you, contact your general physician (GP) or the nearest emergency room and ask for the psychologist/psychiatrist on call. Alternatively, you can contact:
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): 0800 567 567
Akeso Psychiatric response unit (24 hours): 0861 435 787
Lifeline South Africa (24 hours): 0861 322 322