Terms of Service

These terms apply to the use of this website and to services provided by the psychology and counselling practice of Sonali Barthwal (“we”, “us”, “the practice”). Please read them before booking.

1. This website is not medical advice

The articles, videos and resources on this website are general information only. They are not a substitute for individual psychological or medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment, and reading them does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and any of our practitioners. Never disregard professional advice, or delay seeking it, because of something you have read here.

2. In an emergency

This website is not monitored, and we are not an emergency service. If you are in crisis, are thinking about harming yourself, or are concerned about someone else’s immediate safety, do not wait for a reply from us. Contact Tele-MANAS, the national mental health helpline, on 14416 (available 24×7), call emergency services on 112, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

3. Services and scope

We provide psychological assessment, counselling and psychotherapy, and psychiatric consultation. Sessions are 60 minutes and may be held at our Gurugram clinic or online by secure video.

Our practitioners work within their respective areas of professional competence. Psychologists and counsellors provide talking therapy and assessment and do not prescribe medication; psychiatric assessment and prescribing is provided by our Consultant Psychiatrist. Where a presenting difficulty falls outside what we can appropriately offer, we will say so and, wherever possible, help you find a suitable referral.

Therapy is a collaborative process. We will bring professional skill and care, but we cannot and do not guarantee any particular outcome.

4. Appointments, fees and cancellations

• ◆Fees are stated on our website and confirmed when you book. All sessions are 60 minutes.
• ◆Payment is due at or before the session unless we have agreed otherwise in writing.
• ◆Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Sessions cancelled with less notice, and missed sessions, may be charged in full.
• ◆If you arrive late, the session will still end at its scheduled time so that the next client is not delayed.
• ◆We will give you as much notice as we reasonably can if a practitioner needs to cancel, and will offer an alternative appointment at no additional cost.
• ◆Fees may be revised from time to time. Existing clients will be told in advance.

We understand that genuine emergencies happen. If something unavoidable prevents you from attending, please tell us and we will use our discretion.

5. Confidentiality

Your sessions are confidential, subject to the limited legal and safety exceptions set out in our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these terms. We will explain those exceptions to you at the outset of our work together.

6. Online sessions

If you attend online, you are responsible for finding a private space and a stable internet connection. Please be aware that no internet communication can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Sessions are not recorded by us, and you may not record a session without our prior written consent.

Online work is not appropriate in every situation. If your needs would be better served in person, or by a service with local emergency support, we will discuss that with you.

7. Respectful conduct

We are committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for clients and staff alike. We reserve the right to end a session, or to discontinue our work together, in cases of abusive, threatening or discriminatory behaviour. Where we do so, we will offer a referral wherever it is appropriate to do so.

8. Intellectual property

The content of this website — text, images, articles and resources — belongs to the practice or its licensors. You are welcome to read and share it for personal, non-commercial purposes with attribution. Reproducing it commercially, or republishing it as your own, is not permitted without our written consent.

9. Third-party links

This website links to external services such as Instagram, YouTube, Google Maps and WhatsApp. We are not responsible for the content, practices or availability of those services.

10. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any indirect or consequential loss arising from your use of this website. Nothing in these terms limits any liability that cannot be limited under applicable law, including liability arising from professional negligence.

11. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of India, and the courts at Gurugram, Haryana shall have jurisdiction over any dispute arising from them.

12. Changes and contact

We may update these terms from time to time; the date above reflects the latest revision. If you have any questions, contact us at contact@sonalibarthwal.com or +91 8800830088.