Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers to common questions about starting psychotherapy, session formats, confidentiality, and fees with Zakhariya SV (RCI Licensed Clinical Psychologist).
Practice Ethics & Slot Policies
Transparent, evidence-grounded standards safeguarding clinical confidentiality and mutual respect for dedicated therapeutic consultation slots in accordance with RCI ethics.
Confidentiality Charter
Client details are kept strictly confidential subject to legal limitations. Information will not be shared with another person without explicit consent unless there is a clear need to manage risk to yourself, others, or children.
Cancellation & Slot Policy
- timerNotify at least 24 hours before cancellation.
- currency_exchangeOnce scheduled, the session is expected to be paid for unless 24-hour advance cancellation is provided.
- fact_checkExceptions may apply when circumstances beyond the client's control are mutually agreed.
- bookmarkA reserved slot is held specifically for the client.
- chat_paste_goIf a client discontinues or reduces session frequency, they should discuss it with the therapist first.
- person_cancelIf a client does not show up three times without intimation, the slot will be cancelled.
- calendar_monthReconnecting later requires finding a mutually agreed time.
Detailed Slot Governance & Standards
Appointments must be rescheduled or cancelled with at least 24 hours prior written notice via WhatsApp (+91-9567717719) or email. This gives the practice adequate time to offer the slot to waitlisted individuals seeking care.
When you schedule an appointment, that time is exclusively committed to you and cannot be used by anyone else. If an appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice or missed entirely, full session remuneration is required.
Life happens. Exceptions to the cancellation fee are thoughtfully considered for genuine medical emergencies, sudden acute illnesses, or severe unforeseen crises upon mutual discussion.
Your regular appointment is held specifically for you week after week. Regularity is fundamental to psychodynamic, cognitive, and behavioral progress.
If you plan to taper sessions, reduce frequency, or pause therapy, please address it directly during a consultation. A structured closing discussion safeguards gains and provides closure.
If a client misses three sessions consecutively without any prior communication or intimation, the reserved recurring slot is automatically relinquished and opened to the waiting list.
You are always welcome to return to therapy. Reconnecting after an unnotified absence or extended break will depend on mutual availability in the psychologist's current schedule.
Privacy & Client Confidentiality Charter
This charter outlines how your personal data, clinical consultation records, and digital communications are safeguarded under the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) ethical code and the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
verified_user1. Foundational Commitment to Confidentiality
Confidentiality is an ethical and legal pillar of professional psychotherapy. Everything shared within therapy sessions, diagnostic intake forms, emails, and WhatsApp consultation inquiries is treated with strict confidentiality. Your records and personal identity will never be disclosed to third parties, family members, or employers without your explicit written consent.
folder_shared2. Information We Collect
- Contact & Administrative Data: Name, telephone number, email address, timezone, and emergency contact details collected during appointment scheduling.
- Clinical & Assessment Records: Brief intake notes, psychometric evaluations, and therapeutic progress notes necessary for high-standard clinical care.
- Website Telemetry: Strictly non-personally identifiable analytics (browser type, device viewport) used to maintain website responsiveness and reliability.
shield3. Statutory Limits of Confidentiality
In alignment with professional clinical ethics and statutory Indian healthcare laws, confidentiality is strictly maintained with the following rare, legally mandated exceptions:
- Where there is an imminent, life-threatening danger of suicide or acute self-harm.
- Where there is an imminent, severe threat to the physical safety of another individual.
- Where there is reasonable suspicion or disclosure of child abuse or neglect.
- Where disclosure is strictly ordered under a formal subpoena or legal mandate issued by a court of law.
In any such exceptional circumstance, only the minimal information strictly required to protect human life is shared, and the client is informed whenever safe and feasible.
videocam4. Virtual Sessions & Digital Security
Online psychotherapy sessions are conducted via secure, encrypted Google Meet links. Neither the psychologist nor the client is permitted to record video or audio consultations without prior explicit written agreement. Clients are advised to participate from a private, secure room where their dialogue cannot be overheard.
lock5. Record Retention & Inquiries
Clinical notes are stored securely using encrypted, password-protected systems following standard medical retention protocols. For any privacy queries or records requests, please reach out directly to svzakhariya1994@gmail.com.
Terms of Service & Consultation Policy
These terms establish the framework for our clinical engagement, scheduling policies, fee structure, and mutual therapeutic responsibilities.
medical_information1. Scope of Psychological Services
Psychological consultations and psychotherapeutic interventions are provided by Zakhariya SV, Licensed Clinical Psychologist (M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology, IMHANS Calicut; RCI CRR No. A89071; licensed under Kerala Mental Health Authority). Services consist of scheduled outpatient individual and couple psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is an active, collaborative process requiring client engagement. While interventions are grounded in empirical clinical science, individual outcomes vary according to individual needs, therapeutic commitment, and relationship pacing.
event_available2. Appointment Booking & Slot Confirmation
- Consultations are strictly by prior appointment.
- Your appointment slot is confirmed once the session details and advance remittance are received.
- Clients are requested to be present 2–3 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure full utilization of their 50–60 minute session.
event_busy3. 24-Hour Cancellation & Slot Policy
- 24-Hour Advance Intimation: If you need to cancel or reschedule, notify the practice at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled time.
- Dedicated Slot Reservation: A reserved slot is held specifically for you and cannot be given to another client on short notice. Therefore, appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice or missed without intimation require full session payment.
- Exceptions: Exceptions may apply in cases of documented medical emergency or unforeseen circumstances beyond client control, subject to mutual discussion.
- Three Missed Sessions: If a client does not show up three consecutive times without intimation, the reserved slot will be released.
payments4. Fees & Payment Terms
Fees are published transparently without hidden administrative surcharges:
Remittances are made via UPI (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm) or direct bank transfer prior to session commencement.
contact_support5. Collaborative Termination & Pauses
Clients hold the full autonomy to pause or conclude psychotherapy at any point. We strongly encourage discussing discontinuation directly with the therapist so that closing reflections, progress evaluations, and relapse prevention strategies can be collaboratively addressed.
emergency6. Non-Emergency Practice Clarification
This clinical practice provides scheduled outpatient psychotherapy appointments only and is NOT an emergency crisis facility. If you are experiencing acute distress, psychiatric emergencies, or thoughts of self-harm, please contact 24/7 free national helplines:
Editorial & Clinical Accuracy Policy
Our clinical governance framework ensures that all psychological knowledge, educational materials, and practice information communicated to the public are rigorous, ethical, and evidence-based.
rate_review1. Clinically Authored & Vetted Content
All informational materials, therapeutic modality overviews, clinical reflections, and ethical charters presented on this platform are authored and clinically vetted by Zakhariya SV, M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology (IMHANS Calicut), an RCI Licensed Clinical Psychologist (CRR No. A89071).
science2. Evidence-Based Scientific Framework
Descriptions of psychological conditions, therapeutic mechanisms, and clinical modalities strictly align with peer-reviewed psychological research and established clinical guidelines recognized by:
- Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) Statutory Standards
- World Health Organization (WHO) Mental Health Guidelines
- American Psychological Association (APA) Division 12 Clinical Recommendations
- Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP) Guidelines
diversity_33. Cultural Competence & Inclusivity
We are committed to delivering culturally sensitive psychological care that respects regional nuances, family systems, individual values, gender identities, and life choices without prejudice. Consultations are delivered with native fluency in Malayalam and English to ensure total emotional accessibility.
fact_check4. Ethical Communication & Transparency
Our practice adheres to strict ethical advertising codes. We do not publish misleading testimonials, pseudo-scientific claims, or unrealistic guarantees of instantaneous cures. Mental healthcare is represented as an authentic, collaborative commitment toward insight and sustained resilience.
update5. Ongoing Review & Feedback
Website documentation and policies are reviewed periodically to reflect evolving clinical jurisprudence, therapeutic developments, and client welfare guidelines. For inquiries or feedback regarding content accuracy, please contact svzakhariya1994@gmail.com.
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