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Terms & Conditions

Last updated: April 2025

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Please read these Terms and Conditions ("Terms") carefully before using the https://www.elmpsychology.org/ website ("the Site") operated by Elm Psychology Services Ltd, trading as Elm Psychology ("I", "me", "my", "the Company").

 

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Site and Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of the terms, then you may not access the Site or use the services.

 

2. Use of the Site

 

2.1. You agree to use the Site only for lawful purposes and in a way that does not infringe the rights of, restrict or inhibit anyone else's use and enjoyment of the Site.

2.2. You must not use the Site in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the Site or impairment of the availability or accessibility of the Site.

 

3. Intellectual Property

 

3.1. The content on this Site, including without limitation, the text, graphics, photos, logos, button icons, images, audio clips, digital downloads, data compilations, and software, is my property or that of my content suppliers and is protected by UK and international copyright laws.

 

3.2. You may view, download for caching purposes only, and print pages from the Site for your own personal use, subject to the restrictions set out below and elsewhere in these Terms.

 

4. Restrictions

You must not:

4.1. Republish material from this Site (including republication on another website);  
4.2. Sell, rent or sub-license material from the Site;  
4.3. Reproduce, duplicate, copy or otherwise exploit material on this Site for a commercial purpose;  
4.4. Edit or otherwise modify any material on the Site.

 

5. Service Description and Scope of Practice

 

5.1. I, Dr. Emma Mercer of Elm Psychology Services Ltd (trading as Elm Psychology), provide educational psychology and EMDR therapy services. The information provided on this Site is for general informational purposes only.

 

5.2. The services are provided within the scope of practice for Registered Educational Psychologists as defined by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and in accordance with the professional standards of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP).

 

5.3. For detailed information about the services I offer and my professional boundaries, please refer to the Scope of Practice - CLICK HERE.

 

5.4. The advice provided as part of the services is designed to complement care provided by schools, the NHS, or other services and does not replace advice provided by medical practitioners or other healthcare providers.

 

5.5. I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time.

 

6. Professional Standards and Insurance

 

6.1. I maintain professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) under PIN PYL38502 and am fully insured with appropriate professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance.

 

6.2. All information and advice provided as part of my services follows current professional standards and national guidelines in the United Kingdom.

 

6.3. All services are covered by comprehensive insurance policies including:

- Public liability insurance (£10,000,000)
- Professional indemnity insurance (£5,000,000)

 

7. Confidentiality

 

7.1. Appointments are entirely confidential. Your information and our discussions during appointments will not be shared with any other person unless expressly consented to by you.

 

7.2. I maintain strict confidentiality in all my work. However, I have a statutory duty to share information without consent in specific circumstances: when there are safeguarding concerns about a child or vulnerable adult, when there is a risk of imminent harm to the person receiving services or others, or when I am legally required to report certain criminal offences. In such situations, I will only share information with appropriate authorities or professionals as required by law.

 

7.3. As a member of the HCPC, I:

  • Respect the confidentiality of those I work with

  • Understand the importance of and am able to maintain confidentiality

  • Am aware of the limits of the concept of confidentiality

  • Understand the principles of information governance and am aware of the safe and effective use of health, social care and other relevant information

  • Am able to recognise and respond appropriately to situations where it is necessary to share information to safeguard service users or the wider public

 

8. Appointment Booking and Cancellation Policy

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8.1. For detailed information about booking appointments, cancellations, rescheduling, and refunds, please refer to the 'Appointment Booking and Cancellation Policy' - CLICK HERE

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8.2. By booking an appointment, you agree to abide by the terms set out in the Appointment Booking and Cancellation Policy.

 

9. Complaints Policy

 

9.1. I strive to provide the highest quality of service. However, if you are unsatisfied with any aspect of the service, I encourage you to let me know.

 

9.2. For information on how to submit a complaint and the complaint handling process, please refer to the Complaints Policy - CLICK HERE

 

10. What I Expect From You

 

10.1. I expect that you have the authority to enter into any agreements with me on behalf of yourself, your child, or your organisation.

 

10.2. You'll provide me with the information I need to provide you with the most appropriate service.

 

10.3. You may be required to complete a referral form prior to our work together or have an initial 15-minute discussion to explore if my service is likely to be suitable for your needs.

 

10.4. You agree to make payments as outlined in the Payment section of these Terms.

 

11. What You Should Expect From Me

 

11.1. I agree to provide you with realistic expectations of what can be achieved with my input.

 

11.2. As a service, I work in line with the HCPC Standards of conduct, performance and ethics. You can expect me to:

  • Promote and protect the interests of service users, parents and carers

  • Communicate appropriately and effectively

  • Work within the limits of my knowledge and skills (as outlined in the Scope of Practice) [link]

  • Delegate, or refer appropriately

  • Respect confidentiality

  • Manage risk

  • Report concerns about safety

  • Be open when things go wrong

  • Be honest and trustworthy

  • Keep records of my work

  • Gain informed consent

 

11.3. I cannot work without your consent. I understand the importance of and make sure to obtain informed consent. You will be provided with all the information you need to make decisions for yourself, or on behalf of your child, and if you feel you require more support in this, please contact me.

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12. Disclaimer

 

12.1. The information on this Site is provided on an "as is" basis. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I:

 

  • Exclude all representations and warranties relating to this website and its contents or which is or may be provided by any affiliates or any other third party, including in relation to any inaccuracies or omissions in this website and/or any literature; and

  • Exclude all liability for damages arising out of or in connection with your use of this website.

 

12.2. The information provided on this Site does not constitute medical or psychological advice and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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13. Limitation of Liability

 

13.1. I shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your access to, or use of, the Site.

 

13.2. These limitations of liability apply even if I have been expressly advised of the potential loss.

 

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless me and my employees, agents, and affiliates, from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or debt, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees) arising from your use of and access to the Site.

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15. External Links

This Site may contain links to external websites that are not provided or maintained by or in any way affiliated with me. Please note that I do not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any information on these external websites.

 

16. Changes to Terms

I reserve the right, at my sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. By continuing to access or use the Site after those revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised terms.

 

17. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

 

18. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, including the Scope of Practice, Appointment Booking and Cancellation Policy, or

Complaints Policy, please contact me at info@elmpsychology.org.

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19. ​ Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools

Elm Psychology may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support various aspects of service delivery, including administrative tasks and report writing.


Data Protection

  • Any information processed through AI tools is anonymised to protect client confidentiality

  • Personal identifying information is removed before any AI processing

 

Professional Standards

  • All AI-assisted work is subject to professional review and approval by qualified psychologists

  • Clinical judgement, assessment, and therapeutic decisions remain exclusively within human professional control

  • AI tools are used as assistive technology and do not replace professional expertise or clinical reasoning

  • We maintain full professional responsibility for all content, recommendations, and decisions

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Quality Assurance

  • All outputs are reviewed for accuracy, appropriateness, and compliance with professional standards

  • Any errors in AI-assisted work remain our professional responsibility

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By using our services, you consent to the use of AI tools as described above to support the delivery of professional psychology services.

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Company Information:
Elm Psychology Services Ltd (trading as Elm Psychology)  
Dr. Emma Mercer, Educational Psychologist  
HCPC Registration: PYL38502

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By using this Site and booking the services, you signify your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Site or book my services.

Scope of Practice

Last updated: April 2025

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1. Introduction

I am a qualified Educational Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). My practice, Elm Psychology Services Ltd (trading as Elm Psychology), offers specialist services dedicated to empowering children and young people in education and fostering joy in learning.

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Additionally, I provide EMDR therapy for adults experiencing trauma.

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As an Educational Psychologist, I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK and adhere to their standards of practice.

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2. Professional Qualifications

  • Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology - University of Sheffield (2020)

  • EMDR Therapy Certification - EMDR Association UK & Ireland

  • EMDR for Children and Adolescents Level 1 and 2 - EMDR Association UK & Ireland

  • Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) - Registered Psychologist (PYL38502)

  • Member of the Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP)

  • Ongoing professional development to maintain all qualifications and certifications

  • Adherence to continuing education requirements set by the HCPC, BPS, and other relevant bodies

 

3. Core Competencies

  • Comprehensive knowledge of child development and educational psychology

  • Expertise in assessment and intervention for learning and behaviour

  • Skills in consultation and collaborative problem-solving

  • Proficiency in providing emotional support and education to families

  • Ability to assess and support children with additional needs

  • Specialist in trauma-informed practice

  • Understanding of systems theory and its application to educational settings

 

4. Services Provided and Professional Duties

 

4.1 Supporting Children and Young People

  • I provide comprehensive educational psychology services for children and young people aged 0-25

  • I conduct assessments of learning, behaviour, and social-emotional development

  • I develop and support schools and parent/carers to implement intervention plans to support educational progress

  • I advocate for appropriate support and accommodations in educational settings

  • I provide guidance and support to parents, carers, and educators

  • I use evidence-based approaches to address a range of needs and challenges

 

4.2 Providing Competent Services

  • I perform comprehensive and holistic assessments related to learning, development, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing

  • I develop tailored support plans based on assessment findings

  • I provide consultations to parents, carers, and educators

  • I collaborate with schools and other professionals to implement support strategies

  • I monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions

  • I adapt approaches based on individual needs and circumstances

  • I respect the client's right to make choices that are right for their situation

  • I use effective counselling skills when interacting with clients and other stakeholders

  • I recognise and refer appropriately when care needs fall outside my scope of practice

 

4.3 EMDR Therapy for Adults

  • I provide trauma-focused EMDR therapy for children, adolescents and adults

  • I conduct thorough assessments to determine suitability for EMDR therapy

  • I develop and implement treatment plans following EMDR protocols

  • I monitor progress and adapt treatment as needed

  • I provide a safe and supportive therapeutic environment

 

4.4 Additional Services

  • School consultations and systemic work

  • Training for educators and other professionals

  • Group interventions

  • Support for transitions and changes

  • Emotional wellbeing assessment and support

  • Bespoke support tailored to individual family needs

 

5. Practice Settings

  • Private practice operating as Elm Psychology Services Ltd (trading as Elm Psychology)

  • Home visits

  • School-based sessions

  • Virtual consultations

  • Community settings

 

6. Collaboration and Referrals

  • I collaborate with schools, healthcare professionals, and other agencies

  • I make referrals to specialists when issues fall outside my scope of practice

  • I work collaboratively and interdependently with other members of the care team

  • I provide follow-up services as required by negotiation

  • I make necessary referrals to other providers and community support resources when required

 

7. Ethical Considerations and Client Confidentiality

  • I adhere to the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics

  • I comply with the BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct

  • I am committed to client-centred care and informed decision-making

  • I respect the privacy, dignity, and confidentiality of the families in my care

  • I assist families with decisions by providing information that is evidence-based and free of conflict of interest

 

8. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

  • I operate as Elm Psychology Services Ltd (trading as Elm Psychology) in compliance with UK professional regulations

  • I comply with UK healthcare regulations

  • I adhere to data protection laws (GDPR)

  • I maintain professional indemnity insurance

  • I record all relevant information concerning care provided and retain records for the time specified by local recommendations

 

9. Limitations of Practice

  • I do not prescribe medications

  • I do not perform medical procedures

  • I do not provide medical diagnoses

  • I do not provide legal advice

  • I adhere to the scope of practice for each of my qualifications and certifications

 

10. Professional Development

  • I am committed to ongoing education in educational psychology, EMDR therapy, and related fields

  • I regularly attend relevant conferences and workshops

  • I engage with current research in educational psychology, trauma treatment, and related fields

  • I continuously update my skills and knowledge in all areas of practice

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This Scope of Practice is subject to regular review and may be updated to reflect changes in qualifications, services offered, or regulatory requirements.

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Company Information:
Elm Psychology Services Ltd (trading as Elm Psychology)  
Dr. Emma Mercer, Educational Psychologist  
HCPC Registration: PYL38502

Appointment Booking and Cancellation Policy

Last updated: April 2025

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Initial Discussion and Assessment Process - Educational Psychology Assessment

Prior to any Educational Psychology assessment, I provide an initial discussion of around 15 minutes, free of charge, to ensure that I can provide the most appropriate service to meet the needs of the child or young person. If I think I can help, I then outline a plan for work and email this with a quote for the hours suggested. This will usually involve a full 90-minute consultation, which provides an opportunity for full problem exploration, followed by a visit to home and/or the educational setting, consultation with the pupil themselves, observation of their learning environments and social experiences and staff consultation. I will plan for reading appropriate documentation from school and other relevant professionals, such as paediatric diagnostic reports, therapist reports or speech and language assessments etc.

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Booking an Appointment

To book an appointment, please contact me via email at info@elmpsychology.org, or through the contact form on the website.

Your appointment will be confirmed only after I have confirmed availability and any required pre-appointment information has been provided.

 

For individuals requesting services, payment is made in advance for consultations, assessments, and reports.

 

Current Waiting Period

Please note that there is currently an 8-week waiting period for new clients. Emergency appointments may be available in certain circumstances as outlined in the Appointments page on our website.

 

Payment Terms

  • Payment must be made by BACS bank transfer as soon as practically possible after receipt of invoice, and in any case no later than 48 hours prior to work commencing.

  • Ongoing services, such as interventions, may be charged monthly via invoice by prior arrangement.

  • I reserve the right to charge interest on all overdue debts. The interest charged will be 8% plus the Bank of England base rate.

  • I issue invoices electronically. Payment terms are upon receipt of invoice.

  • I am a small, local business, and appreciate your understanding of the importance of prompt payment.

  • If payment terms are not adhered to, I reserve the right to terminate our agreed work.

 

Cancellation Policy

I understand that circumstances can change. However, to maintain a reliable service for all clients, I have the following cancellation policy:

  • If a session is cancelled by you less than 48 hours prior to the appointment, then 100% of the total cost will be payable.

  • If a session is cancelled by me at any time prior to the appointment, I would refund 100% of the amount paid, no questions asked. A client may choose instead to keep the payment on account for a rescheduled appointment, and this can be arranged through prior discussion and agreement.

 

Reports and Documentation

  • I charge for reports. The price you pay will be dependent on the length of time the report takes, which will be agreed with you in advance.

  • Costs for reports may be included in a quotation. If a report is subsequently requested following an assessment, or period of intervention, I will provide you with a quotation for the cost.

  • Reports are most valid when completed immediately following my input. I may be unable to provide comprehensive reports following any break in provision.

  • Where agreed, reports are provided within 30 days of completion of the assessment.

 

Late Arrivals

  • If you arrive late for your appointment, the session will still end at the scheduled time to avoid impacting other clients.

  • No refunds or discounts will be provided for shortened sessions due to late arrival.

 

Changes and Revisions

  • You can change your mind at any point with regards to the services you would like to receive. If you were to cancel services, please see the cancellation policy above.

  • Prior to working with you, I will have sent you a quotation or costing. If you change your mind about what input you would like, I may provide you with an updated, or separate, quotation or costings.

  • Reports are based on my professional opinions. I am unable to change my professional opinions within a piece of work and refunds will not be given on the basis of disagreement with the professional opinion stated.

 

Prices and Travel

  • I aim to be as transparent as possible with all pricing. The current hourly rate for all work is £80-£110 per hour. This is reviewed regularly and may change in accordance with market conditions. I will always inform you of changes to costs prior to their implementation.

  • Travel charges are calculated on an individual basis and included in quotations when necessary.

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I appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this policy. It helps me maintain a high-quality, reliable service for all clients. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please don't hesitate to contact me.

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Company Information:
Elm Psychology Services Ltd (trading as Elm Psychology)  
Dr. Emma Mercer, Educational Psychologist  
HCPC Registration: PYL38502

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