Applicability

1.1. These general terms and conditions apply to all psychological assessments, therapy, counseling, and coaching agreements, entered into both verbally and in writing, between the sole proprietor of Sage Mental Health (SMH) and the client.

1.2. An agreement is established by written submission of the intake or acceptance of the contract. The contract reflects the content of the agreement.

1.3. An agreement can also be established verbally, such as an appointment for an intake or the purchase of a coaching series.

1.4. As a member of the Nederlands Instituut van Psychologen (NIP; Dutch Association of Psychologists), Sidra Gifford DBA Sage Mental Health complies with the NIP Code of Ethics to ensure a professional treatment process. 

1.5. In the event of a situation that is not covered by the terms and conditions, or if there is any uncertainty about the explanation of these terms, then this situation must be assessed in the spirit of these terms and conditions as consistent with the NIP Code of Ethics.

1.6. If any of these Terms and Conditions are considered invalid, the remaining terms and conditions will continue to be valid. 

Confidentiality and privacy

2.1. All information provided by the client will be treated completely confidentially, meaning it will not be shared with any third parties except with explicit client permission or in exceptional circumstances, i.e., when obligated by statutory provisions or court order, and/or where there is a threat of imminent danger to the client or others.

2.2. Treatment records will be kept for the requisite number of years after termination of treatment, in accordance with Dutch law. These records are also treated confidentially and will not be shared with third parties, except when legally bound to do so. Treatment records are encrypted and stored safely, ensuring confidentiality.

2.3. The client has a right to access all treatment records pertaining to themselves. Because of the time involved in compiling records, a small fee may be charged to provide a copy of your file. Similarly, fees may be charged to provide records or testimony in a court of law.

2.4. Personal and identifying information about the client is obtained only insofar it is relevant for treatment. Information about the client is only obtained from sources other than the client when deemed necessary and with a client’s written consent.

2.5. SMH complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in handling client data. 

2.6. Therapy sessions take place virtually on platforms with end-to-end encryption (i.e. Zoom, Google Meet with BAA). These sessions will not be (video or audio) recorded.

2.7. The website sagementalhealth.nl uses cookies solely for functional and analytical purposes. These cookies are used in order to improve user experience and collect anonymous information about the use of the website. The website does not use cookies that collect identifying information such as IP addresses.

Obligations of the Provider

3.1. All services provided by SMH are performed to the best of our abilities. 

3.2. SMH treats the client with respect.  

3.3. The client will receive the most appropriate guidance to achieve the agreed upon set goals, without guaranteeing the result. These results will also very much depend on the cooperation of the client. 

3.4. The care to be delivered and progress of the treatment will be evaluated on a regular basis.  

Obligations of the client  

4.1. The client is obliged to provide all the details and documents, in a timely manner, in the desired format as required by SMH for the proper implementation of the agreement. 

4.2. The client is obliged to inform SMH of facts and circumstances that may influence or be important for the proper execution of the agreement.  

4.3. The client is responsible for the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the data and documents provided to SMH. 

Liability

5.1. SMH provides therapy in such a way that the client is supported with their own decision-making processes and to help clients come to their own conclusions. All decisions made by a client are their own responsibility. SMH cannot be held liable for any damage resulting from the decisions and actions a client has made or will make. 

5.2. SMH can only be held liable for direct damage, for an amount not exceeding the total costs of treatment that the client has paid for thus far. The only exception is in the case of intentional gross negligence.

5.3. SMH is not liable for any damage to third parties resulting from the decisions and actions of the client. 

Payment

6.1. Whereas SMH is a private practice that does not work with insurance companies, clients must pay the invoices in full themselves without any expectation of reimbursement.

6.2. Payment is due at the time services are rendered. If the invoice is not paid within 48 hours, a reminder will be sent. If the invoice is not paid within 24 hours of your next scheduled service, we reserve the right to cancel all subsequent services and you may lose your preferred time slot if there is a waitlist. Please be aware that repeated conflicts about payment can put strain on the relationship of trust between the client and the therapist. This may ultimately lead to the therapist being forced to suspend or terminate the professional relationship.

6.3. If payment is not made within one month of the original invoice date, debt collection may be pursued including collection fee and statutory monthly interest rate. The costs of these measures will be added to the total amount owed by the client.

6.4. A planned session may be rescheduled or canceled free of charge, as long as it is done more than 24 hours in advance. If a planned session is canceled less than 24 hours in advance or if the client does not show up, the standard fee may be charged. If the provider cancels the appointment, client is released from any obligation to pay for the session.

6.5. Session fees are shown on the ‘Affordable Care’ page of sagementalhealth.nl. These may be changed yearly, accounting for rising wages and inflation. SMH is committed to providing services to those who are most likely to benefit from our particular expertise and scope of practice, regardless of ability to pay. Fees will be agreed to during the initial discovery call.

Complaints

7.1. If the client has any complaints they should first discuss them with the therapist. This can be done via email, call, or during a session. If the outcome is still not satisfactory then a client may file a complaint with the Supervisory Committee of the Nederlands Instituut van Psychologen (NIP). 

7.2. Making a complaint does not release the client from payment obligations.

Presiding law

8.1. By starting treatment with SMH, the client agrees and accepts these terms and conditions. All agreements between SMH and the client are governed exclusively under Dutch law. Therefore any disputes that cannot be solved privately shall be resolved in front of a court in the Netherlands.

8.2. All judicial and extrajudicial costs related to the resolution of such disputes shall be at the expense of the client.

8.3. This agreement can only be deviated from in writing.