1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS 

1.1 Agreement to Terms By accessing, registering for, or using the TherapyNow platform,  you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and  Conditions and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, you must not use our  services. 

1.2 Age Requirements 

• Users must be 18 years or older to create an account 
• Users under 18 may only access services with verified parental/guardian consent and  must book with registered counsellors only 
• Parent/guardian consent must be documented and verified before any sessions  commence 

1.3 Important Provisions 

Where provisions are highlighted in bold text, the User is required to pay special  attention to such provisions as they have a serious impact on the User’s rights and  TherapyNow wishes to draw the User’s attention thereto. 

2. DEFINITIONS 

2.1 Key Terms 

• “Applicable Laws”: All relevant South African legislation including POPI Act,  Health Professions Act, ECTA, and professional body regulations 
• “Client”: Any individual who books or receives counselling services through the  Platform 
• “Counsellor”: Registered mental health counsellors who provide services through  the Platform 
• “Emergency Services”: Crisis intervention requiring immediate professional medical  or psychiatric attention 
• “Platform”: The TherapyNow online counselling platform at www.therapynow.co.za • “Services”: All counselling, therapy, and mental health support services provided  through the Platform 
• “Session”: Individual counselling appointments conducted via approved  communication methods 
• “TherapyNow”: Elizabeth Berk (Pty) Ltd t/a TherapyNow (Registration:  2022/281383/07)

3. PLATFORM OVERVIEW 

3.1 Service Description TherapyNow operates as an online platform connecting clients with  qualified registered mental health counsellors. We facilitate bookings, payments, and  communication but do not provide counselling services directly. 

3.2 Counsellor Independence All counsellors operate independently. TherapyNow does  not employ counsellors, direct their clinical decisions, or assume responsibility for their  professional conduct. 

3.3 Service Limitations 

• Services are not emergency or crisis intervention services 
• Services do not replace in-person psychiatric care when clinically indicated • Platform availability may be subject to technical maintenance or updates 

4. REGISTRATION AND ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT 4.1 Account Creation 

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information 
• Maintain confidentiality of login credentials 
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized account access 
• One account per individual user 

4.2 Identity Verification Users must provide valid identification and age verification as  requested by counsellors or TherapyNow. 

4.3 Account Termination You may close your account at any time. We may suspend or  terminate accounts for Terms violations or safety concerns. 

5. BOOKING AND SESSIONS 

5.1 Session Booking 

• Sessions must be booked in advance through the Platform 
• Confirmation requires completed payment 
• Session times are in South African Standard Time (SAST) 

5.2 Session Conduct 

• Sessions conducted via approved platforms (Google Meet, WhatsApp, or  TherapyNow-approved alternatives) 
• Clients must ensure private, confidential environment 
• Recording sessions without explicit written consent is prohibited

5.3 Technical Requirements Clients are responsible for: 

• Stable internet connection 
• Compatible device with audio/video capabilities 
• Updated browser or application software 
• Secure, private location for sessions 

5.4 Bulk Bookings Clients may purchase multiple sessions in advance at discounted rates  (“Bulk Bookings”). All bulk booking sessions must be utilized within 3 months of the  purchase date. Any unused bulk booking sessions will expire after this 3-month period  and are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

6. FEES AND PAYMENT 

6.1 Session Fees 

• All fees displayed include VAT where applicable 
• Payment required before session confirmation 
• Fees are non-refundable except as specified in cancellation policy 

6.2 Medical Aid 

• TherapyNow sessions are not covered by medical aid through our platform • Some counsellors may process medical aid claims independently 
• Clients are responsible for verifying coverage with their medical aid provider • TherapyNow is not responsible for medical aid claim outcomes 

6.3 Payment Processing TherapyNow processes payments as agent for counsellors but does  not assume liability for counsellor services or clinical outcomes. 

7. CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY 7.1 Client Cancellations 

• 24-hour advance notice required for full refund 
• Cancellations with less than 24 hour’s notice forfeit session fee 
• No-shows result in full charge with no refund 

7.2 Counsellor Cancellations 

• Clients receive full refund or alternative appointment 
• Alternative counsellor may be arranged with client consent 
• Emergency cancellations handled case-by-case 

7.3 Platform-Initiated Cancellations Full refunds provided for technical issues or platform  unavailability preventing sessions.

8. EMERGENCY AND CRISIS SITUATIONS 

8.1 Platform Limitations TherapyNow and our counsellors cannot provide emergency  mental health services. In crisis situations, YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY CONTACT  EMERGENCY SERVICES IN YOUR LOCAL AREA/COUNTRY/CITY/SUBURB: 

�� FOR LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES: CALL YOUR LOCAL  EMERGENCY NUMBER IMMEDIATELY 

• Your local emergency services (911, 999, 112, etc.) 
• Go to your nearest hospital emergency department 
• Contact your local police or ambulance service 

SOUTH AFRICAN EMERGENCY SERVICES (if located in South Africa): 

• Emergency Services: 112 or 10177 
• Netcare 911: 082 911 
• ER24: 084 124 

SOUTH AFRICAN MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS LINES: 

• Lifeline: 0861 322 322 
• Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393 
• SADAG Mental Health Line: 011 234 4837 
• Akeso Psychiatric Response: 086 1435 787 

SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIALIZED SUPPORT: 

• Childline: 0800 055 555 
• Rape Crisis Line: 021 447 9762 
• Destiny Youth Helpline: 0800 41 42 43 

FOR INTERNATIONAL USERS: You must contact emergency services specific to  your location. Search online for “[Your Country/City] emergency mental health  services” or “[Your Country/City] suicide prevention hotline” for immediate local  assistance. 

8.2 Crisis Protocol If a counsellor identifies imminent risk during a session, they may be  required to contact emergency services in the client’s location or recommend immediate in person evaluation at the nearest healthcare facility. 

9. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND ETHICS 

9.1 Professional Registration South African Counsellors are registered with appropriate  professional bodies: 

• Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) 
• Association of Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners 
• South African Council for Social Services Professions
• Other applicable South African professional bodies 

International Counsellors are licensed and registered in their respective countries as  indicated in their individual counsellor profiles. Each international counsellor: 

• Holds valid professional licensing in their country of practice 
• Adheres to their country’s professional standards and ethical codes 
• Follows the licensing requirements and regulations of their registered jurisdiction • Has their country of registration and licensing details displayed in their bio 

9.2 Ethical Compliance All counsellors, regardless of location, adhere to their respective  professional body’s ethical codes and conduct standards as required in their jurisdiction of  registration. 

9.3 Complaints Process Client concerns about counsellor conduct should be reported to: 

1. TherapyNow immediately via email: accounts@therapynow.co.za 
2. The relevant professional body in the counsellor’s country of registration (information  provided on counsellor profiles) 

TherapyNow does not assume responsibility for individual counsellor conduct but will  assist in facilitating appropriate reporting procedures to the relevant professional  bodies in the counsellor’s jurisdiction. 

10. PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY 

10.1 Confidentiality Commitment Sessions are confidential subject to legal and ethical  limitations including: 

• Imminent danger to self or others 
• Child or elder abuse reporting requirements 
• Court-ordered disclosures 
• Professional consultation for counselling purposes 

10.2 Data Protection Our Privacy Policy (Annexure A) details how personal information is  collected, used, and protected in compliance with POPI Act requirements. 

10.3 Client Responsibilities 

• Use secure, private devices and locations 
• Protect login credentials 
• Report any privacy concerns immediately

11. PLATFORM USE RESTRICTIONS 

11.1 Permitted Use The Platform may only be used for: 

• Booking and receiving legitimate counselling services 
• Accessing counsellor information and resources 
• Communication directly related to counselling services 

11.2 Prohibited Activities Users may not: 

• Share account credentials or access 
• Use Platform for illegal, harmful, or commercial purposes 
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users or counsellors 
• Upload malicious software or attempt system breaches 
• Copy, redistribute, or commercialize Platform content 
• Impersonate others or provide false information 
• Record sessions without explicit written consent 

11.3 Content Guidelines All communications must be: 

• Respectful and appropriate 
• Related to legitimate counselling purposes 
• Free from discriminatory, offensive, or harmful content 

12. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 

12.1 Platform Ownership TherapyNow owns all Platform intellectual property including  software, design, content, and trademarks. 

12.2 User Content Users retain ownership of content they create but grant TherapyNow  necessary licenses to provide services. 

12.3 Counsellor Materials Counsellors retain ownership of their counselling materials and  methodologies. 

13. DISCLAIMERS AND LIMITATIONS 

13.1 Service Disclaimers 

• Platform provided “as is” without warranties 
• No guarantee of counselling outcomes 
• Technical issues may occasionally disrupt services 
• Counsellor availability not guaranteed 

13.2 Limitation of Liability TherapyNow’s liability is limited to the amount paid for the  specific session in question. We are not liable for: 

• Counsellor clinical decisions or counselling outcomes
• Technical disruptions beyond our reasonable control 
• Third-party service failures (internet, video platforms) 
• Indirect, consequential, or punitive damages 

13.3 User Assumption of Risk Users acknowledge that online counselling has inherent  limitations and risks, including technical failures and communication barriers. 

14. DISPUTE RESOLUTION 

14.1 Initial Resolution Disputes should first be addressed through direct communication  with TherapyNow customer service via WhatsApp and accounts@therapynow.co.za. 

14.2 Arbitration Unresolved disputes will be settled through binding arbitration under  Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) rules in Cape Town. 

14.3 Jurisdiction South African law governs these Terms. Courts in Cape Town, Western  Cape have jurisdiction for enforcement actions. 

15. GENERAL PROVISIONS 

15.1 Term Modifications TherapyNow may update these Terms with 30 days’ notice.  Continued use constitutes acceptance of changes. 

15.2 Severability If any provision is deemed invalid, remaining Terms continue in full effect. 

15.3 Force Majeure TherapyNow is not liable for delays or failures due to circumstances  beyond reasonable control. 

16. CONTACT INFORMATION 

Elizabeth Berk (Pty) Ltd t/a TherapyNow 

• Registration: 2022/281383/07 
• Address: 7A Bryn Road, Lakeside, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7945 • Phone: 073 830 8021 
• Email: accounts@therapynow.co.za 
• Website: www.therapynow.co.za 
• Director: Elizabeth Berk

17. EFFECTIVE DATE 

These Terms and Conditions are effective as of August 1, 2025, and supersede all previous  versions. 

By using TherapyNow services, you acknowledge reading and accepting these Terms and  Conditions and our Privacy Policy. 

For emergency mental health support, always contact emergency services or crisis  hotlines IN YOUR LOCAL AREA/COUNTRY/CITY first – do not rely on the Platform  for crisis intervention. International users must contact their local emergency services.

We recommend that the User prints out a copy of these terms and conditions for future reference.