PRACTICE POLICY

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY

At The New Thought Collective, the therapeutic process involves sharing personal, sensitive, and often deeply private experiences. Our ability to support you effectively depends on how openly you can share your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and experiences. To ensure that you feel safe and protected during this process, your privacy is a top priority, and confidentiality is both a legal and ethical obligation for our therapists. Except in very limited circumstances (outlined below), we will not disclose your personal information to anyone without your explicit consent.
We are extremely transparent about the information we collect from our Users and we allow all our Users to choose what information they wish to provide us. When you access or use the Site and the services, we collect various types of information about you through different means as described below.
Exceptions to Confidentiality:  There are certain situations where we are legally and ethically required to disclose information:
circle
For Minors (under 18 years): If you are under the age of 18, we are required by law to provide a brief summary of your sessions to your parent(s) or legal guardian(s). However, we are committed to maintaining a safe space for you, and we strive to limit the details disclosed, involving parents only when necessary and in a way that respects your privacy.
circle
Legal and Ethical Obligations (under Indian Law): As our practice is based in India, we adhere to the Mental Healthcare Act (2017), which mandates the release of information under specific circumstances:
circle
To a nominated representative to help them fulfill their legal responsibilities;
circle
To other mental or healthcare professionals involved in your treatment;
circle
If necessary to protect another person from harm or violence;
circle
To prevent threats to life, but only the minimum necessary information will be shared;
circle
Upon request or order by a competent authority such as a Mental Health Review Board, the Central Authority, High Courts, or the Supreme Court;
circle
In matters concerning public safety and security.
circle
Your trust is the foundation of our work, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of confidentiality in every interaction
circle
Your trust is the foundation of our work, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of confidentiality in every interaction
circle
Your trust is the foundation of our work, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of confidentiality in every interaction

PAYMENTS & REFUND POLICY

Session Payments:  All payments must be made via UPI, Bank Transfer either at the time of booking your session or within two hours of reserving your appointment slot. Please note that session fees are charged per session, not by the hour. This allows clients the space to process and explore their experiences without the constraint of a strict time limit.
We offer a sliding scale to support accessible mental health care; however, eligibility for this is at the sole discretion of the therapist.
Annual Fee Revision: Our professional fees are reviewed annually on October 10 to reflect inflation and the rising cost of living. If you are already in therapy with us, you will be given a one-month notice prior to any fee changes. If the revised fee does not suit you, we will be happy to refer you to another trusted mental health professional.

Aditional Services: Services outside of regular therapy sessions—such as report writing, record preparation, treatment summaries, or extended phone consultations—will be billed separately and prorated based on time. Legal consultations are available at INR 2000 per session, with additional charges for extended legal documentation or support, covering legal team assistance and representation.
Paymenta Delays: In cases where agreed-upon payments are not made, we reserve the right to discontinue therapy services.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy: 
circle
We ask that you provide at least one week's notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an upcoming appointment.
circle
Cancellations or rescheduling requests made less than 24 hours before the scheduled time will incur a cancellation fee, as that time has been set aside specifically for you.
circle
While rare, if we ever need to reschedule a session, you will be notified well in advance. Scheduled holidays and planned leaves will also be communicated ahead of time.
circle
In the case of emergencies or unforeseen events such as illness or family situations, we will inform you as soon as possible and make every effort to reschedule at a time that works for you.

 TERMS & CONDITIONS

Session Etiquette: To gain the most from your therapy sessions, we strongly encourage regular attendance. For the best experience, please disconnect from phones, work-related tasks, and social media during our time together.
Professional Boundaries: In order to maintain a neutral, ethical, and therapeutic space, we refrain from engaging in any relationship beyond that of therapist and client. As such, we may not accept social media requests, and we may choose not to acknowledge clients in public settings to safeguard your privacy and confidentiality.
Substance Use Policy:  Sessions will not proceed if you arrive under the influence of alcohol or any non-prescribed substances, as this may interfere with the effectiveness and integrity of the therapeutic process.

DISCLAIMER

Please note: The New Thought Collective is not a crisis intervention center and is unable to provide immediate support during emergencies or life-threatening situations. If you or someone you know is in danger, experiencing a mental health crisis, or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, we urge you to seek immediate help by contacting your local emergency services or a 24/7 mental health crisis helpline.

Here are some resources you can reach out to:

KIRAN (Govt. of India) – 1800-599-0019
iCall (TISS) – 022-25521111
Mpower Minds – 1800-120-820050
Fortis Healthcare – +91-8376804102

Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance. If you’re experiencing overwhelming distress, please don’t wait, help is available.