Mrinalini PandeyPsychologist & Psychotherapist
Trust, in writing

Confidentiality & consent

What stays private, what the ethical limits are, and how online sessions keep you safe, explained before you ever have to ask.

[Summary version: clients receive and sign the full informed-consent document before therapy begins. Draft to be verified by a professional advisor.]

What stays confidential

Everything you share in session. I don't discuss clients identifiable ways with anyone; records are kept securely; sessions are never recorded without your explicit written consent. This website's marketing, social media and blog never contain client stories or details, not even anonymised versions.

The honest limits

Confidentiality has narrow, standard ethical limits, and you deserve to know them upfront:

  • If there is serious, imminent risk of harm to you or to someone else
  • If a child or vulnerable person is at risk
  • If disclosure is required by law

Even in these situations, I share only what is necessary, and wherever possible I involve you in the process first.

How online sessions work safely

  • Sessions happen over a secure video platform; you join from a private space of your choosing.
  • At intake we record your location and an emergency contact, plus local emergency resources, because I may be far away if you ever need immediate in-person help.
  • We agree in advance what happens if the connection drops (usually: I call you back within five minutes).

What I am, and am not

  • I am a psychologist & psychotherapist (MSc Clinical Psychology; doctoral researcher in clinical psychology).
  • I am not a psychiatrist (no medication prescriptions); I collaborate with psychiatrists when useful.
  • This practice is not a crisis or emergency service. For immediate distress: Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free, Govt. of India) or your local emergency number.
  • For clients outside India: cross-border telehealth rules vary by country and are discussed on the intro call.

Your part of the agreement

  • Join from somewhere reasonably private (parked cars: fully accepted).
  • Give 24 hours' notice for cancellations where possible.
  • Tell me when something isn't working, including something about the therapy itself. Honest feedback improves the work; I won't be offended, I'll be useful.