Telehealth Consent

Telehealth refers to providing psychotherapy services remotely using telecommunications technologies, such as video conferencing or telephone. Your provider has taken all available measure to ensure security and HIPPA compliance of the telehealth platform to be utilized. Telehealth requires successful functioning of internet or data connection for the provider and client along with the telehealth platform operating effectively. These functionalities are outside of the control of the provider. If the session is interrupted for any reason, such as the technological connection fails, and you are having an emergency, do not call your provider back; instead, call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255. Then call your provider back after you have called or obtained emergency services. If the session is interrupted and you are not having an emergency, disconnect from the session and log back in. If this does not work, it can be helpful to switch devices. If we are not able to connect through the telehealth platform, your provider will call to discuss next step for trouble shooting or to conduct the remainder of the session over the phone. If you do not get a call from your provider and you do not believe the telehealth platform is working, call your provider. Telehealth sessions shall not be recorded in any way unless agreed to in writing by mutual consent. Your provider will maintain a record of our session in the same way as traditional in-person sessions in accordance with my policies. Telehealth sessions may not always be offered your provider if, in certain circumstances, it is determined that telehealth is not appropriate. In this case, traditional in-person sessions would be the alternative.

One of the benefits of telehealth is that the client and clinician can engage in services without being in the same physical location. This can be helpful in ensuring continuity of care if the client or clinician are unable to meet in person. Assessing and evaluating threats and other emergencies can be more difficult in telehealth sessions than in traditional in-person therapy. In such cases, your provider will contact your emergency contact listed in your file to assist in addressing an emergent situation.

Since telehealth sessions take place outside of your provider’s private office, there is the potential for other people to overhear sessions, if you are not in a private place during the session. While your provider will take reasonable steps to ensure your privacy, it is important for you to make sure you also find a private place where other people are not present, cannot overhear the session, and where you will not be interrupted. To maintain confidentiality, you agree to not share website password or telehealth appointment link with anyone unauthorized to attend the appointment.

Increasingly, insurers are providing coverage for telehealth. However, telehealth is not covered by all insurance providers or within all policies. If insurance reimbursement is critical for your ability to receive care, please ensure telehealth is covered by your specific policy before scheduling a telehealth appointment.