Under 18s Treatment Policy


Clients aged 16 and 17 may usually receive treatment independently where they demonstrate sufficient understanding, maturity, and decision-making capacity to provide informed consent for their care.


All clients under 18 are assessed in accordance with clinic safeguarding procedures, informed consent requirements, and Gillick competency principles prior to treatment.


Clients aged 16–17 may attend appointments independently and do not require a parent or legal guardian to be present during treatment, provided the therapist is satisfied that valid informed consent can be obtained and appropriate safeguarding requirements have been met.

Clients under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who will act as a chaperone for the duration of the appointment.


The clinic reserves the right to decline, postpone, or modify treatment where:

  1. valid consent cannot be established
  2. safeguarding concerns are identified
  3. treatment is not clinically appropriate
  4. professional boundaries cannot be maintained


Consent Policy

Informed consent is required before any assessment or treatment begins.

Clients will be provided with information regarding:

  1. the nature and purpose of treatment
  2. expected benefits
  3. potential risks or side effects
  4. alternative options where appropriate

Clients have the right to:

  1. ask questions at any time
  2. decline any assessment or treatment technique
  3. request modifications to treatment
  4. withdraw consent at any point before or during treatment

Consent is an ongoing process and may be reviewed or reconfirmed throughout treatment sessions.

For clients aged 16–17, independent consent may be accepted where the therapist is satisfied that the client possesses sufficient understanding and maturity to make informed decisions regarding their care.


Chaperone Policy

Clients may request a chaperone for any appointment.

Clients under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who will remain available throughout the appointment.

Clients aged 16–17 may attend independently but may choose to bring a parent, guardian, or other appropriate adult chaperone if preferred.

Appropriate draping, privacy, and professional boundaries will be maintained at all times. Only the area relevant to assessment or treatment will be exposed.

The therapist reserves the right to pause or discontinue treatment if appropriate safeguarding standards or professional boundaries cannot be maintained.


Safeguarding Policy

This clinic is committed to providing a safe, professional, and respectful environment for all clients, including children and young people.

Safeguarding considerations form part of all assessments and treatments involving clients under 18 years of age.

Treatment may be modified, postponed, or declined where concerns arise relating to:

  1. consent or capacity
  2. coercion, exploitation, or undue influence
  3. inappropriate behaviour
  4. client welfare or safety

Where appropriate, information may be shared with relevant healthcare professionals, safeguarding agencies, or statutory authorities in accordance with legal, professional, and safeguarding obligations.

All safeguarding concerns are documented and managed in accordance with clinic safeguarding procedures.


Lone Working Policy

Some appointments may take place in a lone-working clinical environment.

The clinic maintains appropriate procedures to ensure client safety, practitioner safety, and professional standards at all times.

These procedures include:

  1. appointment logging and record keeping
  2. emergency contact details for all under-18 clients
  3. safeguarding and escalation procedures
  4. secure record storage
  5. adherence to professional boundaries
  6. appropriate consent procedures
  7. maintenance of client privacy and dignity

Clients are informed that treatment is delivered in a professional clinical setting with appropriate safeguarding, consent, and documentation procedures in place.

Where appropriate, clients may request a chaperone or attend with a suitable adult.


Privacy & Clinical Records Policy

Client records are stored securely and processed in accordance with UK data protection legislation and professional insurance requirements.

Records may include:

  1. medical history information
  2. assessment findings
  3. treatment notes
  4. consent documentation
  5. safeguarding records where applicable

Records are retained only for as long as necessary to meet legal, professional, safeguarding, insurance, and regulatory requirements.

Client information is treated confidentially and will not be disclosed without consent unless:

  1. required by law
  2. necessary for safeguarding purposes
  3. necessary to protect the safety or welfare of the client or others

Professional Boundaries Policy

All assessments and treatments are conducted within clear professional boundaries and in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Appropriate draping will be maintained throughout treatment and only the relevant assessment or treatment area will be exposed.

Clients are expected to behave respectfully towards practitioners and staff at all times.

The clinic operates a zero-tolerance policy towards:

  1. abusive behaviour
  2. threatening behaviour
  3. harassment
  4. sexualised behaviour
  5. inappropriate comments or conduct

The therapist reserves the right to terminate treatment immediately where professional boundaries are breached.