Information regarding Telehealth Consultations
What is our preferred video conferencing application?
Our preferred video conferencing applications are Zoom, Google Meet or Apple Facetime. We may also be able to use other services/applications if you prefer, provided they allow for a secure and private connection. If you wish us to use another service or application, please contact us in advance to discuss this.
How do you prepare for telehealth consultations?
To prepare for your telehealth consultation, please ensure:
You have a webcam or smartphone.
If you do not have access to this technology, it may be possible to undertake your telehealth consultation by landline telephone.
You are in a quiet and private space that is free from distractions.
You use a secure internet connection.
Do not use public/free Wi-Fi for your telehealth consultation.
You are on time to allow for unpredictable technological difficulties.
What happens if there are technological or other difficulties?
In the event of technical problems, we will endeavour to re-start the session with you. Please ensure that you check your phone and email to facilitate our efforts to do this. If it is not possible to restart the session in the time available, we will contact you to re-schedule the session. If it becomes apparent that telehealth consultation is not appropriate to your specific needs, we will inform you of any alternative options for meeting your needs more effectively.
What is the cancellation policy for telehealth consultations?
If you need to cancel or change your telehealth appointment, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance by phone or email. The same cancellation policy applies for in-person and telehealth consultations.
Telehealth Policy
Services provided via telehealth consultation remain subject to the same privacy and confidentiality as in-person consultations.
In addition to our general “Privacy Policy”, we ask that you read and sign this specific Telehealth Policy and Consent Form.
By signing this consent form, I agree that:
I understand that the benefits of telehealth / video conferencing therapy sessions can include, amongst other things:
Continued access to my therapist during the COVID-19 pandemic
Continued therapeutic support as part of my treatment plan
Avoiding the need for me to travel to my psychologist and increase the risk of exposure to myself and others
I also understand that there are potential risks and down sides of telehealth / video conferencing therapy sessions, and that these can include:
Telehealth / video conferencing may not feel the same as a face to face sessions
There could be technical problems that could affect the video / sound quality or connection, and this may disrupt the session in some ways
Although my psychologist chooses video conferencing software, which has end-to end encryption and high security standards, there is still a small risk of hacking or others tapping into the video connection
I understand that my psychologist is taking the necessary precautions to ensure confidentiality including:
Ensuring the privacy of the telehealth session is upheld in the same way an in-person session would be, by choosing a private location or using headphones
Not allowing any voice or video recording of the session
I will not record the telehealth session without obtaining permission from my psychologist first.
I have been informed of and understand the payment processes for my telehealth session, and consent to comply with these.
I understand that I am required to give at least 24 hours’ notice should I need to cancel or postpone my appointment, otherwise I will be charged the cost of the telehealth session.
I understand that I can ask questions about the telehealth session at any time.
I understand that attending a session via telehealth / video conferencing is not compulsory, and I can withdraw consent at any time.
If I do not wish to continue or if technical difficulties interfere with the session to the point where we are not able to continue, a phone consultation will be offered as an alternative.