Psychotherapeutic Counselling

No additional premium.

The following Endorsement(s) apply:

Parental/Guardian Consent.

It is hereby noted and agreed that Exclusion (xxiii) is cancelled.

Further it is a condition of this insurance that a CRB/DBS/PVG Disclosure* is held by those working with anyone aged under 16 or who is deemed to be a vulnerable adult.

When it is considered to be appropriate parental/guardian consent should be obtained. This does not apply when the client is deemed to be capable of making their own decision in respect of their health and wellbeing.

* Garda Vetting in Ireland

This policy will not respond to claims arising from reports made to Social Services (other than ethical disclosure).

All other terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations in this policy remain unaltered

Interactive Therapy/Counselling Conducted via Synchronous Distance Communication

For the purposes of Synchronous Distance Communication sessions, Exclusion XX (d) of the policy is hereby deleted and of no effect. Cover is hereby extended to include Synchronous Distance Communication sessions subject to:
i. Activities restricted to “Talking Therapies” excluding manual/physical therapies.
ii. Activities are restricted to the following synchronous methods of communication only:
a. Telephone: counselling where the context is verbal exchange between client and practitioner
b. Generic voice applications: Communication through conversation conducted in real time via the internet
c. Generic video applications: Communication is both verbal and visual and is conducted in real time via the internet
Synchronous communication is defined as methods of communication that are conducted in real time. For the avoidance of doubt, cover hereunder excludes any Claims arising from Therapy/Counselling sessions conducted via forums, email, instant messaging and text.
iii. The application of a legal disclaimer acknowledging limitations to Synchronous Distance Communication sessions
iv. Qualified and Student therapists can conduct counselling/therapy sessions via Synchronous Distance Communication. For the avoidance of doubt, Students are only to be covered in respect of case study work and such work is to be supervised as per the requirements of the appropriate approved awarding body.
vi. The provision of sessions are in real time and the Insured is able to observe/supervise, verbally speak and respond to their client. For the avoidance of doubt, cover hereunder excludes any Claims arising from and/or relating to YouTube posts or broadcasts (or via any other similar service/platform) where the Insured is unable to observe/supervise, verbally speak and respond to their client in real-time
vii. The provision of therapy/counselling is via a secure platform/medium. For the avoidance of doubt, cover hereunder excludes any Claims arising from any platform/medium where the Insured cannot restrict access to a specific client
viii. The Insured is satisfied the client is in a suitable environment to receive counselling/therapy, where confidentiality can be maintained
ix. The Insured has a back-up plan to make suitable contact to the client in the event of non-functioning, improperly functioning, failure or unavailability of computer equipment or system; The internet or similar facility; any website, portal or similar application service
x. The Insured has taken appropriate medical history and undertaken an initial assessment of the client prior to conducting any therapy/counselling sessions.
xi. The Insured has assessed the client as suitable and stable to receive therapy/counselling via Synchronous Distance Communication sessions and each session must be suitable to be practiced remotely
xii. The Insured's service contract stipulates that it is governed by the Laws of the Ireland and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Ireland.
xiii. Records of sessions are maintained in accordance with Condition Precedent 4 of the Policy Wording

All other terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations in this policy remain unaltered.