Informed Consent

Welcome.

This Informed Consent aims to provide clear and transparent information about the conditions of the psychological support provided by Francisco Almeida Rebelo, as well as the rights and responsibilities associated with the therapeutic process.

Booking and attending an appointment implies that you have read, understood, and accepted this Informed Consent.

Professional Information

Francisco Almeida Rebelo
Clinical and Health Psychologist and Sports Psychologist
Professional Registration: COPC 36547
E-mail: consultas@almeidarebelo.com

1. Purpose of the Psychological Intervention

The purpose of the psychological intervention is to provide assessment, guidance, psychological support, and intervention tailored to each person's needs, difficulties, and goals.

The process may include clinical interviews, psychological assessment, the establishment of therapeutic goals, psychoeducation, the application of psychological techniques, progress monitoring, and recommendations tailored to each individual case.

The intervention will be conducted within a professional, clinical, confidential, and evidence-based framework.

2. Voluntary Nature of the Process

Participation in the therapeutic process is entirely voluntary.

The client may begin, continue, interrupt, or terminate the intervention at any time, informing the psychologist whenever possible.

Acceptance of this Informed Consent does not imply any obligation to remain in the therapeutic process, nor does it guarantee specific outcomes, as progress depends on multiple personal, contextual, and clinical factors.

3. Therapeutic Relationship

The therapeutic relationship is based on mutual respect, trust, collaboration, and commitment to the psychological support process.

The client may discontinue the therapeutic process at any time.

Francisco Almeida Rebelo may also suspend or terminate the intervention if he considers that the conditions necessary for the continuation of the therapeutic process are not in place, or if referral to another professional or support service is deemed more appropriate.

4. Confidentiality and Professional Secrecy

All information shared during consultations will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and protected by professional confidentiality obligations.

However, there may be legal or ethical exceptions to confidentiality in specific situations, such as:

  • serious and imminent risk to the client’s own safety;
  • serious risk to third parties;
  • suspicion of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment involving minors or vulnerable individuals;
  • a legal obligation arising from a court order or any other applicable legal requirement.


5. Personal Data Protection

Personal data and health-related data will be processed for the purposes of providing psychological support, managing appointments, conducting clinical follow-up, issuing administrative documentation when applicable, and complying with applicable legal obligations.

Information regarding the processing of personal data, the client's rights, and other privacy-related matters can be found in the Privacy Policy available on this website.

6. Clinical Records and Documentation

During the therapeutic process, clinical notes and other relevant information may be collected and retained to ensure the appropriate provision of psychological support services.

Such information may include, among other aspects:

  • reason for consultation;
  • relevant personal history;
  • relevant background information;
  • therapeutic goals;
  • progress of the therapeutic process;
  • clinical observations;
  • follow-up provided.

This information will be used exclusively for clinical, professional, administrative, and legal purposes related to the psychological intervention.

7. Online Consultations

Consultations will preferably be conducted via Google Meet or other equivalent secure platforms.

The client is responsible for ensuring:

  • a stable internet connection;
  • compatible device;
  • a private and quiet space for the session.

The professional will also conduct the sessions from an appropriate environment to preserve privacy and confidentiality.

The client understands that technical issues beyond the professional’s control may occur, such as connection interruptions, audio or video problems, or difficulties accessing the platform.

8. Recording of Sessions

Sessions may not be recorded by either party without prior, explicit, and specific consent.

Any recording that may exceptionally take place will require separate authorization specifying its purpose, conditions of use, and retention period.

9. Communication Between Sessions

Communication between sessions may take place via email, telephone, WhatsApp, or other means agreed upon by both parties.

These channels are mainly intended for:

  • administrative matters;
  • appointment changes or cancellations;
  • sending documentation;
  • occasional follow-up when necessary.

These communication channels do not replace psychological sessions and do not constitute an emergency support service.

10. Fees, Payments, and Cancellations

Consultations must be booked in advance through the available channels.

The booking will only be considered confirmed once the corresponding payment process has been successfully completed.

Cancellations or appointment changes must be requested at least 24 hours in advance.

Cancellations made outside this timeframe or failure to attend without prior notice may result in the loss of the amount paid, except in duly justified exceptional circumstances.

In the event of a delay by the client, the session will end at the originally scheduled time in order not to affect subsequent appointments.

11. Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives

Psychological intervention can contribute to emotional well-being, self-awareness, the development of personal resources, emotional regulation, and better management of life challenges.

However, during the process, moments of emotional discomfort, difficult memories, or a temporary increase in awareness of certain personal issues may arise.

The client understands that there are alternatives to this intervention, including consulting other professionals, in-person support, public or private healthcare services, and other available specialised resources.

12. Emergencies and Service Limitations

The services provided do not replace urgent medical care, emergency psychiatric intervention, or emergency services.

In the event of a serious crisis, psychological emergency, or immediate risk situation, the client should contact the emergency services in their area or go to the nearest healthcare facility.

13. Minors and Dependent Persons

In cases where the intervention is provided to minors or individuals subject to legal representation or support, authorization from those holding the corresponding legal responsibility may be required.

The professional may request the necessary documentation to verify this situation whenever applicable.

14. Client Responsibility

The client agrees to provide truthful and relevant information to ensure the appropriate development of the therapeutic process.

The client also agrees to communicate any significant changes related to their health status, medication treatment, or personal circumstances relevant to the intervention.

The client also agrees to respect the confidentiality of the therapeutic space and not to record or share the content of the sessions without explicit authorization.

15. Consent and Acceptance

By booking a consultation and continuing with the therapeutic process, the client declares that:

  • to have read and understood this Informed Consent;
  • to act freely and voluntarily;
  • to accept the conditions described in this document;
  • to understand the limitations and characteristics of online psychological intervention.

The client may withdraw their consent at any time, without affecting the lawfulness of any actions carried out previously.

Thank You!

Your questionnaire has been received successfully.

Before our first session, I will review the information you have shared to better understand your situation and ensure we make the most of our time together.

If you need to update any information or have any questions, you can contact me by email.

See you soon.