The presence of Covid-19 in Arizona remains a significant health concern. While no cases have been connected to my office, my intent is to minimize community risk and provide a pathway for continuity of services during this time. This page will be dedicated to keeping you up-to-date with information regarding services, TeleHealth, and resources during this time.
Beginning January 2022: Limited number of in-person sessions will resume in Central Phoenix. TeleHealth options will always be available.
UPDATED OFFICE POLICIES RELATED TO COVID-19:
TeleHealth will always be an option. In-person appointments will be offered, however are not required.
In person appointments: Masks will be REQUIRED in shared spaces (lobby, restrooms, hallways, etc.). In session, masks will be optional. Please express your preference prior to session. I am happy to wear a mask in session.
I personally trust in the efficacy of vaccines and thus am vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Your vaccination status is not required to participate in in-person sessions. I reserve the right to change this policy at any time as more information about variants evolves, if the number of local cases increases, and/or to remain in compliance with local and federal guidelines.
My office will be sanitized between sessions to minimize risk.
By agreeing and coming into the office, client assumes the risk for exposure to COVID-19 or other public health risk. Clients should consult with their physician on public and personal health risk.
You agree to notify me if you or a member of your household has been exposed or infected to COVID-19.
You will notify me and my practice if you work in an environment that exposes you to individuals who may be infected to COVID-19.
If you are feeling ill, have a cough, fever, body aches, or other symptoms of any kind, please DO NOT attend in-person sessions. I am happy to transition your session to a TeleHealth session at the same time.
If you arrive to my office with any symptoms (cough, fever, body aches, etc.), I reserve the right to immediately cancel the session and a late cancellation fee will apply.
In the event I become ill, more information will be provided about what services will be continued via TeleHealth, and, if services need to temporarily halt, how to receive support and care in my absence.
TELEHEALTH FAQs
What is SimplePractice? SimplePractice is the online health records system I use. Your client portal, appointment reminders, documents, calendar availability, are all hosted on SimplePractice. The same will be true of telehealth sessions.
Telehealth FAQs answered by SimplePractice:
What is telehealth? Through audio and video over the internet, you can meet with your clinician on-the-go from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device (iOS or Android) - it's your choice! Telehealth allows us to connect anywhere with secure and convenient appointments that save you time and hassle. There's no need to deal with traffic when you can schedule and attend your appointments directly from a laptop or mobile device.
What equipment do I need? To participate in Telehealth appointments from your home, you will need one of the following devices:
Desktop computer with a webcam, speakers, a 2.5 GHz processor, and 4 GB of RAM OR
Laptop computer with built-in webcam and speakers, a 2.5 GHz processor, and 4 GB of RAM OR
Tablet device with built-in webcam and speakers, OR
Smartphone with at least iOS 10 or Android 6.0 (Note: To use a smartphone, you must first download Telehealth by SimplePractice - available for iOS or Android in the app store.)
You will also need an internet connection that is at least 10mbps. For optimal results, a reliable, high-speed internet connection with a bandwidth of at least 10 mbps will minimize connection issues and provide the best quality.
Is your schedule going to be the same? Yes. I have weekday availability between 10am-7pm with regular evening appointment available for those with busy schedules.
TeleHealth feels awkward... Doing sessions over the phone or over video can feel a little awkward at first as we adjust to a new format. Usually this only lasts for the first 5 minutes of the session and then it feels just like a normal session. I have practiced in this format for some time and have found that it is just as effective and personal as in-person sessions. I am grateful we have the technology to stay connected in this way even in the midst of uncertainty and social distancing.
How should I prepare my space for a Telehealth appointment?
Identify a suitable room that is quiet, private, and free of distractions.
To keep background noise to a minimum, make sure to close any doors, shut windows, turn off the television, and keep loud pets in another room if possible. Consider hanging a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to avoid interruptions.
Is Telehealth private? Just like a face-to-face appointment, your Telehealth visit will be private and confidential.
Will the appointments be recorded? None of our appointments will ever be recorded or stored.
Are your fees different for telehealth? No. All service costs remain the same.
I’m a new client and I’m interested in TeleHealth. Please call me at 520-869-5605 and leave a confidential email with your name, best contact information, a brief description of what you are looking for, and indicate your interest in TeleHealth. I will return your call as soon as possible. I am accepting new clients at this time and am happy to do so via TeleHealth.
My job was affected by the outbreak and now I’m not sure I can afford therapy. Now what? Please reach out to me as soon as possible to discuss. Continuity of your services during this time is my primary concern and financial difficulties in this time will not result in a termination of services.
I have another question you didn’t answer here. Please feel free to reach out to me with any additional questions. This is a dynamic situation and as such, I may not have every answer however I will do my best to connect you to the right resources.