Covid 19 Response

Ah yes, the Covid….

Chances are you and family members are experiencing a lot of different emotions related to the changes taking place in the world and to the coronavirus in general. Which is why it’s so important that you still have access to services. In order to meet both the safety and mental health needs of clients, services are being provided at this time via telehealth.

What is that?

Using an online platform that is HIPAA compliant, you are able to meet for counseling sessions from the comfort of your home. If you have ever used Zoom or Facetime on your phone, it’s like that. We can see each other and talk to each other while still keeping physical safety measures in place. 

Does my insurance cover that?

Most insurances are currently covering telehealth sessions. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider to ask additional questions regarding this topic since each insurance carrier is different.

But, I don’t really want to do telehealth. I’d rather meet in person.

Ok. I hear you. Meeting in person is what we are used to and doing telehealth feels different at first. I would encourage you to try a few sessions to see how it actually feels before you decide it’s not for you. If you really don’t feel that telehealth meets your needs, in person sessions are still available. 

Wait. So I can still come to the office?

Yes. In-person sessions are an option. HOWEVER, they only work if you and I work together to ensure safety. Below is an outline of what is expected should you request in-person sessions. What you see below is part of the Consent for Services form that anyone coming into the office must sign.

  • You will only keep your in-person appointment if you are symptom free. 
  • You will take your temperature before coming to each appointment. If it is elevated (100 Fahrenheit or more), or if you have other symptoms of the coronavirus, you agree to cancel the appointment or proceed using telehealth. If you wish to cancel for this reason, I won’t charge you our normal cancellation fee.
  • You will wait in your car or outside [or in a designated safer waiting area] until no earlier than 5 minutes before our appointment time. 
  • You will wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you enter the building. 
  • You will adhere to the safe distancing precautions we have set up in the waiting room and testing/therapy room. For example, you won’t move chairs or sit where we have signs asking you not to sit.
  • You will wear a mask in all areas of the office (I will too). 
  • You will keep a distance of 6 feet and there will be no physical contact (e.g. no shaking hands) with me.
  • You will try not to touch your face or eyes with your hands. If you do, you will immediately wash or sanitize your hands. 
  • If you are bringing your child, you will make sure that your child follows all of these sanitation and distancing protocols. 
  • You will take steps between appointments to minimize your exposure to COVID. 
  • If you have a job that exposes you to other people who are infected, you will immediately let me know. 
  • If your commute or other responsibilities or activities put you in close contact with others (beyond your family), you will let me know.
  •  If a resident of your home tests positive for the infection, you will immediately let me know and we will then [begin] resume treatment via telehealth.
Hmm… Is the office safe?

I’m doing my best to ensure that any risks present are being addressed by: 

  • wearing a mask
  • wiping down all surfaces between clients
  • using an air purifier that cleans the air in the room using a HEPA filter and a UV light
  • not scheduling back to back clients, instead having a 30 minute break between clients to let the air purifier clean the air fully before you arrive
  • washing my hands
  • limiting my exposure to other environments and people when not at the office

 

In the end it’s about finding a balance between meeting your mental health needs and keeping both of us safe. We can work together to figure out the best way to make that happen 🙂