Treatment Fees and Information

Self Funding Clients

Please contact me if you are self funding to discuss the treatment fees. The fees need to be paid in advance of the session by Bank Transfer. The fees are the same for face to face, video calls or telephone calls. Invoices can be sent if required.

If any reports or letters are required, this will be discussed in the therapy session. A fee will be charged at the normal fee rate on a pro rata basis for each letter or report. This does not include letters which the therapist decides to write, where there are concerns of safety and safeguarding.

Private Medical Insurance or Third Party Medical Organisations

I am registered with the main Private Healthcare Providers including;

  • AVIVA
  • AXA/ PPP
  • Bupa
  • Cigna
  • Nuffield Health

It is possible for me to register with further Companies and this is usually a relatively quick and easy process.

For private health insurance companies, the fees and session length arrangements are dependent on the company, and I am happy to discuss this with your provider. If fees are being paid by private medical insurance or a Third Party, the sessions would normally be invoiced directly to the insurance provider. If there is an excess or you decided to extend the therapy beyond the number of sessions your insurance will authorise, you will be invoiced accordingly and this portion will be your responsibility. Please also note the cancellation policy. Sessions missed or cancelled are not covered by private insurance or some Third Parties, so if you miss or cancel a session with less than 48 hours notice, you will be charged for the session at the full rate.

If fees are being paid by private medical insurance or a third party medical organisation, the sessions are invoiced directly to them. Please check if there is an excess to the policy, as this is normally paid directly to me via Bank Transfer. If you decided to extend the therapy beyond the number of sessions the third party has authorised, this will need to be agreed with the third party in advance. If this is agreed, you will then need be invoiced directly. Please also note the cancellation policy with the paying party. Sessions missed or cancelled are not covered by private insurance, so if you miss or cancel a session with less than 48 hours notice, you will be charged for the session at the full rate.

Confidentiality

Your confidentiality as a client will be strictly observed in all circumstances, except where I believe that there is a significant risk of harm to yourself or others. If a circumstance should arise, I have a legal duty to break confidentiality and contact an appropriate body or organisation. This step would only be taken after careful consideration and with your knowledge and if possible with your consent.

Psychologists are required to attend regular clinical supervision sessions in order to maintain the quality of their work. Individual issues are discussed but confidentiality is maintained. Clients are not identified and personal information is kept to the minimum necessary for clinical understanding.

If you are using private medical insurance or a Third Party , I may be required to provide brief progress reports to the referrer and/or your GP, and information necessary for the authorisation of treatment and processing of invoices by your insurer. This is kept to the minimum necessary.

Data Protection

My practice is registered under the Data Protection Act. Consistent with professional practice, I will keep brief notes about sessions and hold records of bookings, payments and correspondence and emails you may send me. These are held securely for up to seven years after the end of therapy, at which time they will be securely destroyed.

Dr Julia Heath

  • (BSc, PGDipCBT, DPsych, CPsychol)
  • Chartered Counselling Psychologist
  • BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist