COVID-19 Update: In-Person Services (5/19/20)
I hope you’re doing well.
I am not sure about the future. Some say that the coronavirus related numbers are encouraging. Others are clear that we should expect another surge. I am not an epidemiologist, but I respect those who are. I am listening when they say that continued caution and vigilance are needed. I will continue to offer services via Telehealth for the foreseeable future.
However, I know that some are in need of in-person services; delaying their in-person care will be detrimental to their mental health, and I am prepared to see a handful of them in person starting Saturday, May 23.
The decision about whether or not to see any specific person face-to-face is a difficult one for me. Neither I nor my family are considered “at-risk” populations, but the health and well being of my clients and community are my concern. I will be making these decisions on a case-by-case basis in partnership with clients.
We will consider a few things to help us make the decision including but not limited to:
Level of community spread - Is the virus spreading rapidly and uncontrolled through the local population? Are local measures containing virus spread? Etc.
Level of personal health risk - Is the client or anyone with whom the client is in frequent contact an “at-risk” population?
Level of personal exposure - Is the client frequently exposed to those who are infected and how well are they protecting themselves and others?
Severity of the presenting problem - I will give priority to severe cases including those with severe underlying mental health diagnoses, active or activated trauma, and/or increased home-life conflict.
Likelihood of harm resulting from deferral of in-person services.
Suitability of and access to Telehealth - Are the client and their presenting problems a good-fit for Telehealth?
When seeing clients in person, I will adhere to certain guidelines including but not limited to:
Arranging office seating in the waiting room and in the therapy room to encourage physical distancing.
Taking steps to increase ventilation.
Wearing a mask and asking clients to do the same. I will keep some in the office for those who may not have one.
Scheduling appointments at intervals to minimize having too many people in the waiting room and to allow time to sanitize touched areas between each client.
Asking clients to come into the office five minutes before their appointment time, not earlier.
Keeping hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol in the office and the waiting room.
Encouraging people to wash their hands and to avoid touching their face.
Asking clients to stay home if they have a fever, shortness of breath, or a cough or have been exposed to someone who shows signs of COVID-19. Encouraging all clients to take their temperature before coming.
I will not charge anyone who cancels an in-person appointment for being ill even if they cancel within the 24-hour cancellation period.
Avoiding hugging and handshaking.
Moving to Telehealth if conditions change/worsen.
Local governments in the DFW area are slowly lifting restrictions on peoples’ activities and movements; we should know more about how the numbers of infections are affected by June 1. Around that time, I will consider more adjustments to this plan.
Although the last few months have been hard for everyone, I am continually inspired by the bravery and sacrifice of those on the front lines. And my heart hurts for those who are being crushed by the virus and/or its economic impact. I continue to offer a discount to those who need it, and I am determined to help those I can.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out. Hang in there!