Sexual Problems Service Patient Contract

The Sexual Problems Service offers short-term psychosexual and relationship therapy/counselling for a range of different sexual problems. The purpose of this contract is to ensure that sessions can take place in a safe and professional manner and to highlight the responsibilities of both patient and therapist. It represents an agreement between both you and your therapist/Sexual Problems Service. Please read this contract before your first session. By attending your first session you are accepting and agreeing to the terms and conditions of this contract. If you have any queries regarding the content of the contract, feel free to bring these up at your first session. Alternatively, you can call 0300 323 1300 and discuss with one of our team.

• Your therapist will work to the ethical framework set out by either the College of Sex and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) or the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine (IPM).
• Your sessions may take place over the phone, via secure video link (using the NHS Attend Anywhere platform), or face to face.
• Please try to attend your appointment at the time agreed and confirmed on your appointment confirmation text.
• If your appointment is over the phone or via video link, please ensure that you are in a quiet private space where your confidentiality will not be compromised.
• For video appointments you will require an internet connection.
• Typically, sessions will last for between 30 minutes and one hour, depending upon which clinic you attend.
• Digital or analogue recordings of sessions should not be made.
• Your therapist will keep notes of your sessions in order to maintain professional standards of care. These notes are treated as confidential and are stored securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. No one outside of the service has access to your notes.
• By accepting this contract, you are granting your permission for the recording and retention of session notes. It is your right not to grant permission, but in such cases, we are not able to provide clients with therapy or counselling.
• We are a confidential service, operating in accordance with the NHS Code of Practice.
• There may be some exceptional circumstances where we may need to disclose information to an appropriate third party. For example, where there is serious risk of harm to yourself or others, child protection or safeguarding issues, serious criminal activity such as drug trafficking (not possession etc.), money laundering or acts of terrorism.
• If we feel it is appropriate to contact your GP, or make an onward referral, we will always seek your prior permission.
• Our therapists attend regular clinical supervision, during which they may discuss their patient work including individual cases. However no identifying information is given, and client confidentiality is maintained.
• The service offers short-term therapy, with patients typically attending between 1 and 8 sessions. Occasionally more sessions may be needed, however all cases are reviewed upon reaching 12 sessions, to ensure that the service being provided is appropriate for the patient and their presenting problem.
• If you wish to reschedule your appointment, please call 0300 323 1300 or reply CHANGE to your appointment reminder text. Failure to give at least 48 hours’ notice (excluding weekends & Bank Holidays) will result in the appointment being recorded as a DNA.
• Failure to make contact within 14 days of a DNA will result in discharge from the service.
• Two consecutive DNAs will result in you being discharged from the service.
• In certain circumstances, for example illness, the above rules relating to discharge from the service may be relaxed, but this will be at your therapist’s discretion.

If you require clarification on any of the above points, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0300 323 1300 or ask your therapist at your first appointment.