Website and service information
Terms and Conditions
Important terms governing eligibility, appointments and online counselling with DCCS.
Last updated: 1 August 2026
Scope of Online Counselling Services
These terms apply to online psychological counselling and related professional services provided by DCCS. The specific service, fee, appointment arrangements and any additional clinical agreement will be confirmed before work begins.
Eligibility and Suitability
Online counselling is offered only where DCCS considers it clinically appropriate and suitable for the client's needs and circumstances. DCCS may decline, pause, refer or end counselling where safe and appropriate online care cannot be provided.
Client Location Requirements
Providing confidential, secure online counselling across Ireland, including Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia and selected Canadian provinces.
DCCS may also provide online counselling to eligible adult clients located in New Zealand, Singapore, Norway, Japan, Spain, Liechtenstein, Portugal, the Falkland Islands, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Jersey, Sweden and Finland.
Services are delivered remotely from the Republic of Ireland. Clients must confirm their current country or region and their physical location during each session. Availability remains subject to clinical suitability, emergency arrangements and applicable professional requirements.
Appointments
Appointments are arranged in advance. Sessions are normally 50 minutes.
Fees and Payment
Current fees are shown on the Fees and Booking page or agreed in writing. Payment is required as specified when the appointment is confirmed. Receipts are available where required.
Cancellation and Missed Appointments
Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged the full session fee. The full fee may also apply to a missed appointment unless otherwise agreed.
Confidentiality and Its Limits
Counselling is confidential, subject to professional, safeguarding and legal limits. Relevant information may be disclosed where required by law or where serious safety or safeguarding concerns arise. Further details are provided in the Privacy Policy and client agreement.
Technology and Internet Responsibilities
Clients are responsible for attending from a private location with a suitable device and a reliable internet connection. DCCS cannot guarantee uninterrupted service where a platform, device, electricity supply or internet connection fails. Alternative arrangements will be discussed where practical.
Emergency and Crisis Limitations
Online counselling is not an emergency or crisis service. Clients attending from outside Ireland must provide their current location and an appropriate local emergency contact where clinically required. In an emergency, clients must contact the emergency services or crisis resources appropriate to their current physical location.
Client Responsibilities
Clients must provide accurate information relevant to safe care, attend sessions from the agreed location, protect their privacy and notify DCCS of material changes in location, contact details, risk or circumstances. Before counselling begins, clients will be asked to confirm their current country or region, provide relevant emergency information, and agree to the DCCS Terms and Conditions.
Clients Aged 16 and 17
Referrals involving young people aged 16 and 17 are individually assessed. Counselling proceeds only where appropriate consent, confidentiality, safeguarding and emergency arrangements can be established.
Complaints
Concerns should be raised with DCCS so they can be considered promptly and fairly. Please read the Complaints Procedure for further information.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Ireland. To the extent permitted by applicable law, disputes arising from the provision of services will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Republic of Ireland.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or restricts any mandatory consumer rights that apply in the client's country or region.