Serene Hour adheres to the ethical guidelines set forth by the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP) and upholds the highest standards of professional conduct, confidentiality, and informed consent.
1. Informed Consent
All clients are required to provide written informed consent before initiating therapy, career counselling, or psychometric assessments at Serene Hour.
- The consent form will be shared by the counsellor prior to the first session. By signing it, you confirm that you understand the nature, scope, and limitations of the service being provided.
- If you have questions or require clarification regarding the form, you are encouraged to discuss them with your counsellor before signing.
- No services will be initiated without a duly signed informed consent form.
2. Client Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
Serene Hour is committed to maintaining strict confidentiality in accordance with ethical guidelines and legal requirements.
All personal information and content discussed during sessions are kept confidential, with the following legal and ethical exceptions:
- If the counsellor believes there is an imminent risk of harm to the client or others.
- If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly, or vulnerable person.
- If disclosure is required by a court of law.
Additional Privacy Guidelines:
- To protect client privacy, no friends, relatives, or spouses are permitted to attend sessions.
- For clients under 18 years of age, parents/legal guardians may attend sessions at the counsellor’s discretion.
- Clients are not permitted to audio/video record sessions or workshops.
- Therapy or career counselling sessions must be attended by the client themselves. Sessions cannot be undertaken on behalf of another individual.
3. Confidentiality of Psychometric Assessments & Reports
Serene Hour ensures that all psychometric test results and reports are treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
- For clients aged 18 and above, reports will only be released to a third party upon written consent from the client, along with the identity proof of the person collecting the report.
- For clients below 18 years, reports will only be handed over to parents or legal guardians.
- Psychometric assessment reports can not be shared or disclosed prior to your session. This ensures transparency, maintains the integrity of the assessment process, and allows for accurate interpretation and discussion during the session.
In the event both parents are deceased, the report will be provided only to a legally verified guardian.
- Reports will not be released to unauthorized individuals. Serene Hour reserves the right to withhold documents in such cases.
- Any individual who becomes accusatory, aggressive, abusive, or physically violent while attempting to access confidential material may face legal action.
Disclaimer:
- Psychometric assessments are developed and interpreted based on objective client responses. Counsellors at Serene Hour cannot be pressured, influenced, or bribed to alter results or outcomes in any manner.
- Sharing or publishing reports in part or in full—including on social media, messaging platforms, or mobile applications—constitutes a breach of confidentiality and is subject to legal action by Serene Hour
4. Emergency & Crisis Disclaimer
Serene Hour is not a crisis intervention service and does not offer emergency mental health support.
- In the event of a psychological or medical emergency, clients are advised to contact local emergency services or dedicated crisis helplines (e.g., iCall: +91 9152987821).
- We respond to routine client messages (WhatsApp, email, and calls) within 24 business hours, Monday to Saturday, between 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM IST.
- Messages sent outside business hours will be addressed the next working day.
5. Right to Refuse or Terminate Services
Serene Hour maintains the right to refuse or terminate services under the following conditions:
- If a client displays inappropriate, abusive, or threatening behavior toward the therapist or staff.
- If the therapist deems it clinically appropriate to refer the client to another professional.
Clients who engage in misconduct will be:
- Immediately removed from the premises (in the case of in-person sessions).
- Blocklisted from accessing future services.
- Not eligible for refunds, and will be subject to legal action, depending on the severity of the misconduct.
Additionally, men are not permitted to attend women-only workshops conducted by Serene Hour. This is a safety and space-holding policy.
6. Inappropriate Behaviour Policy
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
- Use of abusive, threatening, or derogatory language via call, text, email, or in person.
- Physical aggression or violence toward any member of Serene Hour staff.
- Sexual advances, comments, gestures, or harassment in any form—including flirting, inappropriate compliments, or suggestive behavior during sessions or in communication.
By availing services at Serene Hour, clients acknowledge and agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions.