Out-Of-Session Fee’s

Overview

While most counselling and coaching work occurs during scheduled sessions, there are times when professional services are required outside the therapy room. These may include preparing reports, completing forms, communicating with third parties, or responding to legal or administrative requests.

To maintain fairness and professional integrity, the following terms outline how such work is managed and billed.

What Counts as Out-of-Session Work

Out-of-session work refers to any professional time spent outside standard counselling or coaching sessions that directly relates to your care or case. Examples include:

• Preparing letters, summaries, or reports (for courts, lawyers, GPs, or other professionals).

• Reviewing or completing legal or court documentation (such as treatment orders, compliance statements, or breach reports).

• Consultation or correspondence with other professionals, including psychologists, medical practitioners, lawyers, or family members (when authorised by you).

• Phone calls, emails, or messages requiring therapeutic reflection, detailed response, or record-keeping beyond brief scheduling.

• Court attendance or testimony, whether in person or online.

Fees and Charges

Out-of-session services are billed separately from regular sessions at the following rates:

All fees include administrative time, professional reflection, secure record-keeping, and GST (if applicable).

Subpoenas and Legal Orders

Requests for client records under a subpoena or court order are treated separately from standard record requests, as they involve significant legal and administrative responsibility.
The following rates apply:

• Document preparation, redaction, and professional time: $300 per hour.

• Printing, photocopying, or scanning: $3 per page (where required).

• Court attendance or testimony: $300 per hour plus reasonable travel expenses.

These fees are consistent with professional standards across Australian psychology and counselling practices and reflect the time, care, and legal accountability involved in subpoena compliance.
You will be informed of any anticipated costs before actioning a subpoena or legal order.

Payment Terms

• Fees for out-of-session work are invoiced upon completion and are due within 7 days.

• In the case of ongoing court or legal involvement, prepayment or a retainer may be required.

• You will always be informed in advance before any out-of-session charges are incurred.

Boundaries and Professional Scope

Please note:

• I do not provide legal advice or advocacy.

• My role remains therapeutic in nature, even when liaising with courts or external parties.

• I reserve the right to decline requests that fall outside my professional scope, or where participation may compromise confidentiality, neutrality, or ethical standards.

Why These Terms Exist

Clear boundaries protect both client and practitioner. They ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability for all professional services provided.
By maintaining these standards, I can offer high-quality, ethical care while honouring the time and responsibility required for documentation, compliance, and professional communication.