Information and consent form for clinical psychological treatment according to Section 34 of the Psychologists Act 2013
Before we begin treatment, I would like to inform you about the essential aspects of the planned clinical psychological care. Please read this form carefully. Of course, I am happy to answer any questions or clarify any issues.
Type of treatment
In my practice in Thalgau, scientifically based psychological and health psychological methods are used, which are tailored to your individual needs.
Clinical psychological treatment involves the professional examination, interpretation, and modification of your experiences and behavior using proven psychological techniques. Depending on your needs, various methods are used—for example, discussions (anamnesis, counseling), cognitive and behavioral therapy exercises, relaxation techniques, or psychoeducation (providing knowledge about psychological processes). If necessary, diagnostic tools (such as questionnaires or tests) can also be used to obtain a more accurate picture of your situation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT):
In treatment, I primarily work with methods from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). These methods are based on the scientifically sound assumption that thoughts, feelings, and behavior are closely linked. The goal is to identify and challenge unfavorable thought patterns that lead to emotional distress or problematic behavior, and gradually replace them with more helpful perspectives.
REBT focuses on uncovering stressful and often automated beliefs (e.g., "I have to be perfect" or "Others mustn't reject me") and replacing them with realistic, constructive thoughts. You'll learn tools to better deal with difficult emotions like fear, anger, guilt, or sadness. Your active participation is central: In the sessions, we work together to develop strategies that you can apply in your everyday life to achieve your goals and sustainably improve your quality of life.
Goals of treatment
Therapy goals will be determined together with you at the beginning of treatment. Typical goals of psychological treatment may include:
Relief of psychological problems (e.g. reduction of anxiety, depressive symptoms or stress)
Improving your mental well-being and quality of life in everyday life
Learning constructive coping strategies when dealing with challenges, crises or illnesses
Promoting self-reflection, self-confidence and personal development
We will discuss the goals relevant to you individually and review them regularly throughout the course of therapy.
An important component of therapy is that you are invited to consciously confront certain thoughts or inner beliefs, even if this may be uncomfortable or challenging at first. In addition, you will usually be given specific exercises or homework between sessions – such as keeping thought journals, trying out new behaviors, or deliberately confronting stressful situations. These tasks are an essential part of the therapeutic process and serve to actively consolidate your progress in everyday life.
These forms of therapy are transparent, structured and goal-oriented – they rely on your self-efficacy and promote the ability to overcome challenges with clarity, inner strength and flexibility.
Treatment procedure
Clinical psychological treatment typically consists of several sessions. It usually takes place in a one-on-one setting between a psychologist and a patient.
The exact design depends on your needs; however, typical phases are:
Initial consultation and diagnosis: In the first session, your current situation, complaints, and wishes will be discussed in detail. If necessary, diagnostic steps such as completing questionnaires or tests will be conducted to better understand your problem situation.
Therapy phase: This is followed by regular treatment sessions (usually weekly, approximately 50 minutes each). During these sessions, we work toward the agreed goals. The number and total duration of sessions depend on your individual needs; many treatments extend over several weeks or months. If necessary, the frequency or methods can be adjusted. Should it become apparent during the course of treatment that a change in approach is appropriate, I will explain the reasons for this.
Conclusion of treatment: Therapy concludes with a final session when your goals have been achieved or you wish to discontinue treatment. Together, we will reflect on the progress achieved and discuss recommendations for the time after therapy.
If I am absent for an extended period (e.g. due to vacation or illness), a qualified colleague can take over for me in urgent cases.
Of course, I would inform you about this in good time and obtain your consent.
Risks and side effects
Psychological treatment methods are generally considered gentle and associated with far fewer side effects than drug therapies. Nevertheless, intense emotional reactions can occur during the course of the sessions. Processing stressful experiences or problems can temporarily trigger feelings such as sadness, anxiety, anger, or insecurity. Temporary physical symptoms of stress (e.g., tension, sleep disturbances, or restlessness) may also occur. These reactions are usually signs that important issues are being addressed and usually subside on their own.
Occasionally, your subjective well-being may initially deteriorate slightly before improving. If an acute crisis occurs during treatment or you develop suicidal thoughts, for example, it is important that you address this immediately. In such cases, we can work together to initiate the necessary steps (such as consulting a psychiatrist or a suitable counseling center).
Overall, serious risks are very rare in psychological talk therapy. The potential consequences of not receiving recommended treatment are also discussed—for example, that certain problems may persist or worsen without professional help.
Alternatives to treatment
There are alternative or complementary treatment options, which you will be informed about. Depending on the nature of your symptoms, the following options may be considered:
Psychotherapeutic treatment: Psychotherapy with a psychotherapist using a different methodological approach (e.g. psychoanalysis, systemic therapy) can also be considered.
Psychiatric/medical treatment: In some cases, evaluation and treatment by a psychiatrist may be beneficial, especially if medication (psychotropic medication) is being considered. This can be used alongside psychological treatment.
Medical examination: If you suspect that physical causes are contributing to your psychological symptoms, you should undergo an appropriate medical examination (e.g., with your family doctor or specialist). A physical examination ensures that organic illnesses are identified and treated if necessary.
Self-help or observation: You may decide to wait, take steps to improve yourself (e.g., participating in support groups, reading self-help books), or seek other counseling services. However, keep in mind that without professional support, improvement may not occur or may take longer, and certain problems may worsen.
We would be happy to discuss which of these alternatives or additional steps might be appropriate in your case.
Costs and payment terms
Please see the specific fees for my practice in the following list (all amounts in euros):
Initial consultation (either approximately 50 minutes to 90 minutes): € 110 - € 160
Individual session (50 minutes): € 110
Online video session (50 minutes, if offered): € 110
Evaluation of test procedures (if applicable): € Depending on the test procedure
Payment is usually made after each session in cash or by bank transfer. You will receive an invoice (fee note) for each session.
Clinical psychological treatment is currently an elective service, meaning that there is the possibility of partial reimbursement by health insurance. This is usually subject to a physician's referral with diagnostic information (ICD-10/11 code).
You initially pay the fee yourself and can then apply for a cost subsidy from your health insurance provider. The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), for example, currently reimburses approximately €33.70; SVS: €45.00; and BVAEB: €46.60 per therapy session. The first 10 sessions do not require approval. From the 11th session onward, approval from your health insurance provider is required.
The prices listed are subject to change at any time and are not the responsibility of clinical psychologist Dr. Wolfgang R. Avituv. Direct billing to health insurance companies is not possible at this practice.
A medical examination is necessary before the second session (please ask me for the relevant confirmation).
You can ask the clinical psychologist about the cost subsidy in advance. A completed and signed application for the cost subsidy will then be given to you. Please take care of this in a timely manner and ask for it early enough, but no later than before you have reached 10 therapy sessions.
Private services
Fully funded therapy places (benefits in kind agreement) are currently under negotiation; further information will follow shortly.
Clinical psychological assessments: These are private costs, as they are not covered by health insurance. The exact price depends on the issue and the time required. Please contact me for a personalized estimate.
Cancellation policy
Please note that your scheduled appointment is reserved exclusively for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify me at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, you will be charged the full fee for the missed session as a cancellation fee. Your scheduled appointment is reserved exclusively for you.
Confidentiality and data protection
As a clinical psychologist, I am legally bound to confidentiality. This means that I will keep confidential all information entrusted to me in the course of my professional practice.
No personal information will be shared with third parties without your express consent. Exceptions to this confidentiality obligation exist only in legally regulated cases—for example, in cases of acute danger to your life or the lives of others, or in cases of court order in connection with serious criminal offenses.
Your personal data (contact information, findings, diagnoses, etc.) will be treated confidentially in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Data will only be shared with your consent or on a clear legal basis. For possible partial reimbursement by a health insurance company or to transmit findings to your referring physician, it may be necessary to transfer certain data (e.g., name, social security number, diagnosis) to third parties – however, this will only happen with your prior consent.
Documentation, patient rights and possible restrictions
Furthermore, I am obliged to keep records of every clinical psychological measure I carry out.
I will therefore keep records of our sessions (e.g., brief notes on key points and the course of therapy). These records will be retained for a period of ten years in accordance with legal requirements.
Patients generally have the right to inspect their records. Upon your request, I will be happy to grant you access to these records or provide you with copies. A reasonable fee of €0.50 per page will be charged for making copies, plus any shipping costs. These documents are solely internal progress documentation and do not constitute findings, diagnoses, or psychological assessments, etc.
Please note that this right can be restricted in accordance with Section 10 of the Psychologists Act 2013, Federal Law Gazette I No. 182/2013, as well as supplemented by the right to information under the GDPR if there are significant reasons - e.g., if access could jeopardize the therapy process or lead to significant misunderstandings, or if, from a professional perspective, there is reason to fear that full access could lead to misunderstandings or impair the therapeutic process. In such cases, access may be granted only partially or in an appropriate form to protect you from potential negative effects. Whether and to what extent access to the documentation is granted is at the professional and therapeutic discretion of the clinical psychologist.
Legal basis – Section 10 of the Psychologists Act 2013:
(3) Access to the documentation shall be granted unless there are therapeutic or other significant reasons to the contrary. Such reasons shall apply, in particular, if access to the documentation would endanger the life or health of the patient or third parties, or if it conflicts with the rights of third parties, in particular the right to confidentiality.
That means:
Patients generally have the right to inspect their documentation.
This right may be restricted if there are significant reasons – for example, if access could jeopardise the therapeutic process or lead to significant misunderstandings.
This regulation serves to protect the patients themselves and third parties.
In addition: GDPR – Art. 15 & 23:
According to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), there is also a fundamental right to information and a copy of data, but:
Article 23 GDPR allows restrictions on this right if they serve to protect the data subject or others, for example in cases of therapeutic risk.
Right to discontinue treatment
Participation in treatment is voluntary. You have the right to discontinue or interrupt clinical psychological treatment at any time without giving reasons. This step will not entail any disadvantages for you – services already provided will be billed, but no further obligations arise when you terminate therapy. I recommend discussing a planned discontinuation during a final session so that we can clarify any outstanding issues and conclude treatment in an orderly manner. Of course, you can also express your wish to terminate therapy at any time between sessions and do not need to give reasons. Your right to voluntariness and self-determination will be fully respected.
I look forward to our productive collaboration!