Policies & Service Guidelines

Technology Disclaimer (Virtual & Phone Sessions)

Virtual and phone-based appointments are delivered using secure, encrypted platforms. While every reasonable measure is taken to protect your privacy:

• No platform can be guaranteed 100% risk-free
• You are responsible for choosing a private, quiet space on your end
• Headphones are recommended for added privacy
• Technical issues can occasionally occur; if a disruption happens, I will reconnect or contact you to continue the session

By booking a virtual or phone session, you acknowledge and consent to this format of service delivery.

Missed Appointments & Cancellations

To ensure fairness and maintain availability:

• 24 hours’ notice is required for all cancellations
• No-shows are billed at the full session fee
• Three (3) no-shows or last-minute cancellations within six months will result in automatic file closure
• Reopening a file requires a new intake session and full intake fee
• Exceptions require verifiable documentation (medical, hospitalization, legal, or bereavement)

This policy ensures responsible use of the service and protects clinical time.

Appointment Integrity & Misuse

VM Counselling Services maintains the right to decline, cancel, or permanently block access to appointments in cases of:

• Harassment, abusive behaviour, or inappropriate communication
• Use of false, misleading, or anonymous contact information
• Malicious or repeated misuse of the booking system
• Boundary violations or safety concerns
• Conflicts of interest that compromise ethical practice

Any misuse of the booking system will result in immediate termination of services

Direct Contact & Communication Boundaries

• All booking must be completed through the online booking system
• Email communication is limited to scheduling and administrative questions
• Excessive or inappropriate communication will result in termination of services
• Phone contact is limited to scheduled phone sessions only

Eligibility for Services

Services may be declined or ended if:

• Safety concerns or boundary violations occur
• Conflicts of interest are identified
• The client requires a higher level of care
• Booking terms are repeatedly violated

Referrals will be provided when appropriate.

Payment Terms

• Full payment is required at the time of each session
• Partial payments are not accepted
• Future appointments will not be booked until outstanding balances are paid
• Failed or returned payments are subject to a $35 administration fee
• Sliding scale fees are offered at the counsellor’s discretion and may be revised or discontinued
• Insurance reimbursement is the client’s responsibility

Service Limitations

Online booking is intended for scheduled counselling sessions only and is not appropriate for emergencies, crisis situations, or medical/psychiatric assessments.

If you are in crisis, contact 911 or emergency services.

Disclaimer & Professional Information

The counselling services provided by Veronica Mydonick are intended for therapeutic support, education, and mental-health guidance. These services are not a substitute for emergency care, crisis intervention, or medical treatment.

If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, please contact 911 or your local emergency services.

Scope of Services:
Counselling is offered to individuals across Saskatchewan through secure virtual or phone-based sessions. Services focus on addiction recovery, trauma-informed support, and mental-health education.

Not a Crisis Service:
This practice does not provide 24/7 crisis support. Appointments must be scheduled in advance through the booking system.

Privacy & Confidentiality (PIPEDA Compliance)

VM Counselling Services follows all requirements under PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) to ensure the protection of your personal and clinical information.

All records are stored using a three-lock security system:

a locked filing cabinet,
a locked office, and
a locked home entry.

Electronic files are password-protected and stored securely. Your information is not shared with anyone unless you provide written consent, or unless disclosure is required by law (such as risk of harm, child protection concerns, or a court order).

Clients may request clarification about privacy practices at any time.

Record Retention & Destruction:

Client records are retained for seven (7) years after the final session, or ten (10) years past the age of majority for youth.
After the retention period has passed, records are securely destroyed.

Access to Records:

Clients may request a copy of their clinical records in writing. Access requests may require up to 30 days to process. A standard administrative fee of $30 per 15-minute increment applies for the time required to locate, review, prepare, and securely release clinical records.

Copies can be provided in:
• Secure, password-protected PDF sent by email (with written client consent for electronic delivery)
• Printed copy mailed at a standard reproduction and postage fee

In rare circumstances where releasing information could cause serious harm, limits may apply in accordance with provincial legislation. Any concerns will be discussed with the client.

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