Terms and Conditions

Mental Hygiene Institute

1. Introduction

This document outlines the terms and conditions guiding the therapeutic services offered by Mental Hygiene Institute. Please review these terms carefully as they define the professional relationship between you (the client) and Mental Hygiene Institute.

By engaging in our therapy services, you agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this document.

2. Therapy Process

At Mental Hygiene Institute, therapy is tailored to your individual needs based on an extensive initial assessment and ongoing evaluations.

Here is a clear outline of the therapy process:

1. Pre-intake: During the 20-minute pre-intake, your therapist will assess how they can best help you and whether you’re a good fit for each other. 

Clinical Questionnaire: After the pre-intake, you’ll receive a questionnaire to assess your symptoms clinically. 

2. Initial Intake: In this session, your therapist will gather a detailed history of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.

3. Treatment Plan and Goals: Together, you’ll discuss and set treatment goals, agreeing on the treatment plan that aligns with your needs and expectations. 

4. Start Therapy: Once the treatment plan is signed, you’ll begin your therapy sessions.

5. Every 3 months, we evaluate your treatment goals to track progress, adjust or add new goals if needed, and determine whether further diagnostic evaluations are necessary based on your progress.

Therapy sessions are typically scheduled for 50 minutes.

The duration and frequency of therapy will be discussed and agreed upon during the initial sessions. The need for therapy will be regularly reviewed.

Please note that the first 4 to 5 sessions — including the intake and a few follow-up sessions — are considered an initial evaluation phase.
During this time, we explore whether working together feels constructive and whether we are in the right position to support your needs.

At the end of this phase, we can decide together whether to continue the therapeutic process or, if needed, consider other options that may be more suitable. This ensures you receive the care that best supports your wellbeing and goals.

3. Care and Principles

1. We are committed to providing high-quality care based on professional standards and ethical practices. We practice according to the NIP professional guidelines.

2. You will be treated with respect and dignity, considering your individual and cultural traits.

3. We do not discriminate on any grounds including race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, political views or sexual orientation.

4. Client Obligations

1. You are responsible for providing accurate and complete information necessary for the effective delivery of therapy.

2. You must promptly inform us of any relevant changes or developments in your circumstances that may affect the therapy process.

3. Your cooperation is crucial for the success of the therapy. This includes attending scheduled sessions and engaging in the therapeutic process.

5. Confidentiality

All personal information shared during therapy is confidential and protected. Records are kept to document sessions and are stored securely. They contain information your therapist considers essential for the quality of your treatment, continuity of care, and being able to contact you in emergency situations. This information is kept securely in protected online or physical forms, and cannot be shared with third parties unless you give written consent.

We strictly abide by the ethics code of the Dutch Institute for Psychologists (NIP) which ensures confidentiality. Information will only be shared with your consent, except in cases where disclosure is required by law or necessary to prevent serious harm, such as:

  • Safety concerns: If there are urgent concerns about your safety or the safety of others, we may breach confidentiality to address these issues and ensure safety. We will usually try to speak with you before this and not breach confidentiality unless it is a crisis situation.

6. Privacy

We are required by law to keep a file with your data for 20 years after the termination of therapy. This is bound by confidentiality and is stored securely.

You have rights regarding your personal data, including access, rectification, and deletion. Please contact us to exercise these rights.

7. Safety

We strive to maintain a safe therapeutic environment. We cannot admit you to the session under the influence of any substances, and in case of aggressive behaviour towards us, the session will be immediately terminated.

In emergencies, contact emergency services by calling 112 or visit the nearest hospital emergency department.

8. Suicide Prevention Agreement 

If you experience thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please contact us during working hours. If we are not reachable, you can contact the suicide prevention emergency hotline at 113 or reach out to someone close to you for immediate support until professional help is available.

9. Fees and Cancellation Policy

Please see our Costs and Reimbursement page for the latest fees. Please note that EMDR sessions have a different price than the standard 50-minute session. The invoice must be paid within 7 working days after it is sent to you. At the Mental Hygiene Institute, there are no additional costs:

1. Please note that our services are not subject to VAT. 

2. All administrative work, including reports and assessments, are included in the session price.

Sessions must be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 48 hours notice before the scheduled session date and time. 

Late cancellations (less than 48 hours before the scheduled time) or missed sessions will result in a charge of a no-show fee, which is not covered by the insurance. See details on the Costs and Reimbursement page.

If the issued invoice is not paid within 7 calendar days, a fine of €10 will be charged for each day of delay.

10. Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement

Mental Hygiene Institute is a private and independent practice and does not have contracts with health insurances. It is your own responsibility to cover the costs of your sessions. If you have an international health insurance, it is possible that you may be eligible for reimbursement. Please check this directly with your insurance and provide them with the following information:

Psychologist NIP (NL) reg. no. 246495

AGB Code Practice : 94068574

AGB Code Caregiver: 94117311

KvK: 86572008

Only the psychiatric services are covered by insurance and work with different fees, which also depends on the type of insurance you have. To contact the psychiatrist, you need a referral from the family doctor and an initial assessment with Daniela van Mourik.

11. Ending Therapy

Therapy can be terminated by either party at any time. We require written notice of termination and we will assist in finding alternative care if necessary.

We have waiting lists and some patients are hoping to start treatment immediately. Therefore, if you cancel more than 2–3 sessions, your file will be automatically closed and all your appointments will be cancelled.

12. Contact

For any queries or administrative matters related to your therapy, please contact us directly via email or phone.

For emergencies, please seek immediate help from your GP or the emergency room, or call the emergency services at 112 or the suicide prevention hotline at 113

13. Complaints

You are entitled to file a complaint with the Central Bureau for Complaints Management in Healthcare (CBKZ) via klachten@cbkz.nl or by registered mail: CBKZ, Antwoordnummer 570, 4200 WB, Gorinchem. Complaints can also be filed digitally using the complaint form. For more information on the complaints model, read here.