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Pro-Bono Policy
Pro-Bono Therapy Session Policy
Synapse Mental Wellbeing is committed to increasing access to mental health support within our community. As part of this commitment, we offer a limited number of pro-bono therapy sessions to individuals facing significant financial hardship who are unable to afford our standard fees. Please carefully review the following policy to understand the nature and expectations of these sessions.
This policy works in addition to the other policies at Synapse Mental Wellbeing, including the Privacy Policy, Informed Consent Form, Terms of Use, and Cancellations and Refund Policies, which also apply to your participation in the pro-bono program.
Declaration of Need: By applying for and participating in the Pro-Bono Therapy Session program, you certify that you are genuinely unable to afford to pay the standard fees for therapy services and have a genuine need for mental health support.
The Nature and Scope of Pro-Bono Services:
Pro-bono therapy sessions at Synapse Mental Wellbeing are offered as a service to the community and are subject to the availability of therapist time and allocated pro-bono slots. These sessions typically mirror our standard individual therapy sessions in their therapeutic approach and are intended to address a range of emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues.
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Frequency and Duration: Pro-bono sessions are typically offered on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, with each session lasting for the standard duration of 45 minutes, followed by a 15-minute buffer time for the therapist. The specific frequency and duration may be discussed and agreed upon with your assigned therapist based on your needs and available resources.
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Limitations: Due to the limited number of pro-bono slots available, there may be a waiting period to commence services. Additionally, the duration of pro-bono services may be subject to review and potential limitations based on demand and therapist availability. These limitations will be discussed transparently with you by your therapist.
The Therapeutic Process:
Your therapist at Synapse Mental Wellbeing will utilize an eclectic approach drawing from various evidence-based practices to best meet your individual needs. These methods may include, but are not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. The goal of therapy is to provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, develop coping skills, enhance self-awareness, and work towards your mental well-being goals. While therapy can offer significant benefits, such as improved mood, healthier relationships, and increased self-understanding, it may also involve discussing difficult or emotionally challenging topics. Progress and outcomes can vary depending on individual circumstances and engagement in the therapeutic process.
The Pro-Bono Nature of the Services:
It is important to understand that the therapy sessions you receive under this pro-bono program are being offered without charge to you. This is a voluntary service provided by Synapse Mental Wellbeing to support individuals in our community who face financial barriers to accessing mental health care. While these sessions are free of charge, they represent a significant investment of the therapist's time and resources.
Cancellation Policies and Expectations for Engagement:
Due to the limited availability of pro-bono slots and the commitment of therapist time, consistent engagement and adherence to our cancellation policy are crucial. The terms outlined in our Cancellations and Refund Policies regarding late cancellations also apply here.
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Cancellation Notice: We require at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us the opportunity to offer that1 valuable time slot to another individual in need.
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No-Shows: Failure to attend a scheduled appointment without providing the required 24-hour notice is considered a "no-show."
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Termination of Therapeutic Relationship: Two (2) instances of a "no-show" without prior notification will result in the termination of the pro-bono therapeutic relationship. This policy is in place to ensure that these limited resources are utilized effectively and are available to those who are committed to engaging in therapy.
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Engagement: Active participation in the therapeutic process, including attending sessions regularly and engaging in agreed-upon tasks, is expected for the continuation of pro-bono services.
Emergency Procedures:
Synapse Mental Wellbeing provides scheduled therapy sessions and does not offer emergency or crisis intervention services. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or require immediate support, please take the following steps:
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Contact Emergency Services: Dial 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room in Bengaluru.
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Contact a Crisis Helpline: Reach out to a local mental health crisis helpline. The following resources are picked from freely available information and Synapse Mental Wellbeing has not vetted these services and does not guarantee their services in any way:
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AASRA: +91 98204 66726
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Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health: 1860-2662-345 and 1800-2333-330 (toll-free)
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iCALL (Tata Institute of Social Sciences): +91 22-25521111 (Monday-Saturday, 8 AM - 10 PM)
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Inform Your Therapist: While your therapist cannot provide immediate crisis intervention, please inform them of any crisis situations during your next scheduled session so they can provide appropriate support and resources.
Liability:
By participating in the pro-bono therapy program offered by Synapse Mental Wellbeing, you understand and agree that these services are provided on a voluntary basis to facilitate access to mental health support. Synapse Mental Wellbeing and its therapists shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the provision or termination of these pro-bono services, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by law. You acknowledge that the therapeutic process and its outcomes are subject to various factors and no specific results are guaranteed.
By proceeding with pro-bono therapy services at Synapse Mental Wellbeing, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined in this policy, as well as the other applicable policies of Synapse Mental Wellbeing. Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your therapist.