Welcome to our service, we look forward to working with you. To support you effectively, we rely on you to share accurate information.
By engaging with us, you agree to the following contract and cancellation policy. Please take a moment to read through the details carefully.
Session Details:
- Our sessions are 50 minutes long (some “wellbeing” sessions may be shorter).
- Please be on time for your appointment. Your appointment will finish at the scheduled time.
Rescheduling and Cancellations:
- We value your time and ours. If you need to please cancel or reschedule, at least two days (48 hours) in advance. This helps us manage our schedule and ensures you get the most out of your allocated session allowance (up to 6 sessions).
- Try not to miss your appointment or cancel late, as you will forfeit that session.
- If you miss 2 sessions without contact, we will assume you no longer wish to access our service.
Confidentiality:
- Confidentiality is an important part of the University Counselling Service. What you discuss in your counselling sessions will not be shared with others without your consent. However, there are limits to confidentiality. If we believe that you or someone else may be at risk of serious harm, we may need to share information to facilitate additional support and keep people safe. Information shared will be limited to what is necessary to manage risk and fulfil our professional and legal responsibilities, and in line with the University's Information Sharing Policies.
- We maintain brief notes to provide you with the best ethical support. We adhere to the university’s policies including, GDPR and keep your information secure.
- For online sessions, please ensure you are in a confidential setting and have a working camera and internet connection.
- Please keep your contact details up to date on RISIS, we will primarily use your university email address and/or the phone number you have provided us with.
- The University works in partnership with Health Assured to provide counselling support. If counselling through Health Assured is considered the most appropriate option, we may share your contact details with them so they can arrange an appointment. We ask for your consent to this at registration and will always take your preferences into account. Only the information necessary to facilitate your referral will be shared.
Self-Reporting Tools:
- We use a self-reporting measures called the PHQ9 and GAD7, to help us assess symptoms of anxiety and/or depression that you may be experiencing. Thank you for taking the time to complete these at points during our work together.
Session Locations:
- Sessions are available in person at the Carrington Building or online via MS Teams. Our waiting room is Carrington 106. Please respect the privacy of your fellow students.
- Sessions arranged through Health Assured may be delivered online or at local community venues.
Contact Between Sessions:
- Due to the busy nature of our service, contact between sessions with your practitioner is not guaranteed. Our counselling@reading.ac.uk email address is monitored daily (Mon-Fri).
Concerns and Support:
- If you have any concerns, please speak with your practitioner or reach out to our admin team. We’re here to help!
Further information:
- Counselling and wellbeing appointments for students
- 糖心Vlog Policies & Procedures
- 24/7 Wellbeing Support with the Wisdom app
- Someone to talk to day and night with the 27/7 Support Service
- Looking After Yourself at University