A thoughtful space to feel, understand, and heal.

Terms of Service with Informed Consent for Online Therapy (India)
Welcome to Solace by D (solacebyd.com). These Terms of Service ("Terms", "Agreement") govern your use of our website and our online digital counseling/talk therapy services. By booking a session, making a payment, or accessing this platform, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

1. Scope of Services & Practitioner Status:
- Qualifications & Licensing: Services are provided by Devanshi, who holds an academic Master's degree in Clinical Psychology. Please note that Devanshi does not hold a licensing registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Accordingly, she does not practice as a licensed "Clinical Psychologist" in India.
- No Medical or Diagnostic Services: This service does not provide formal psychiatric diagnoses, clinical psychological diagnostic testing, or clinical treatment plans for severe psychiatric disorders. We do not prescribe medication.
- Alternative Care Referrals: If at any point during your therapy it is determined that your mental health needs exceed the scope of sub-clinical outpatient counseling, we reserve the right to terminate services and refer you to a psychiatrist or a registered clinical psychologist.

2. Eligibility & Age Restrictions:
- Services are strictly available to individuals aged 18 years and older.
- By booking an appointment, you warrant that you are of legal age to form a binding contract and have provided accurate identity details.

3. Nature of Tele-therapy: Tele-therapy involves the delivery of mental health counseling services using secure interactive audio and video technologies. While tele-therapy offers convenience and increased access to care, it is a remote service and differs from in-person therapy.

4. Confidentiality & Privacy: Devanshi is committed to protecting your privacy. In accordance with Section 23 of the Indian Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, all information shared in your sessions is strictly confidential. Exceptions to confidentiality are rare and occur only if: (a) there is a clear and imminent danger of harm to yourself or others, or (b) disclosure is mandated by a court of law. You agree to join sessions from a quiet, private space where you cannot be overheard to ensure your own privacy.

5. No Recording Policy: To maintain a safe and trusting therapeutic space, neither you nor Devanshi will record the audio or video of any session without express prior written consent.

6. Emergency Care & Crisis Situations: Solace by D is an outpatient service and is NOT equipped for immediate crisis or psychiatric emergencies. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or a crisis with risk of self-harm, you must immediately contact local helpline services or visit the nearest hospital emergency room.

7. Voluntary Participation & Withdrawal: Your participation in therapy is entirely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw your consent and discontinue sessions at any time.

8. Technical Requirements:
- Clients are responsible for providing a private, secure, and stable video/audio environment.
- Session disruptions due to client technical issues are not the responsibility of Solace by D.

9. Terms of Service: By using Solace by D, you agree to comply with our professional boundaries and code of conduct. Sessions must occur from a secure, quiet, and private room with a stable internet connection. Recording of any session (audio or video) by either party is strictly prohibited without prior written mutual agreement.

10. Booking & Cancellation Policy:
- Payments: Fees must be paid in full prior to the session.
- 24-Hour Policy: All appointments must be cancelled or rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled start time. Late cancellations or no-shows (failure to join within 15 minutes of the start time) will result in the session fee being forfeited.
- No-Show: Missed sessions without notice are non-refundable.
- Late Arrivals: Sessions will begin and end promptly at their scheduled times. If you arrive late, your session will still conclude at the scheduled end time to respect subsequent appointments.

11. Liability & Jurisdiction:
- Limitation of Liability: Solace by D is not liable for damages arising from service use.
- Governing Law: These terms are governed by the laws of India, with jurisdiction in Mumbai.

- Non-Clinical Talk Therapy: Solace by D provides non-clinical talk therapy, mental health counseling, behavioral strategy building, and life coaching aimed at emotional wellness.

I provide talk therapy and counseling as a Mental Health Practitioner. Please note that I do not provide formal psychiatric diagnoses, clinical psychological testing, or treatment for severe psychiatric disorders.