(If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please read THIS first)
I am reaching out to all my patients right now to reassure you that I will be here to help during this time of uncertainty. There are many unknowns at this point, which often cause fear and panic. I implore you to focus on what we do know. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fprevention.html)
We know that:
- It’s not a good idea to gather in large groups of people that you’re not usually with.
- We need to wash our hands.
- We need to clean surfaces we touch with disinfectant daily.
- We need to stay home if we are sick.
I hope you are all safe and healthy, and home. I am here to help during this time, the way that I am here has changed a bit, however. By now we all are familiar with Governor Ducey’s Executive Order 2020-18 (Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected), stating that “All persons may leave their place of residence only for Essential Governmental Functions, or to participate or fulfill Essential Functions outlined in Executive Order 2020-12.” In order to best fulfill this, effective immediately, all future therapy sessions will be held virtually through a telehealth site (with exceptions only when no other option is available).
I’ve been working in the system for the last few weeks, getting comfortable with it myself, and it’s very easy to use. It’s similar to the Zoom and Skype meetings many people have moved to for work and connecting with friends and family- without retaining any information about the call, making it HIPAA compliant.
I’ve also been taking several online classes so that I am comfortable in this environment. Providing therapy in this medium is much different than in person, but I am confident that we can get through the bumpiness of getting this to work. This is a way I can connect to my youngest and my oldest patients, even when we are each so isolated.
If you don’t already have an appointment scheduled, I am opening slots up to make sure everyone gets seen, just send me an email or text to schedule. There are a few things to do before any telehealth sessions you do schedule. I suggest giving yourself 5-10 min to get it all in place before our appointment.
1-Please sign a Telehealth consent form HERE
This only has to be done once… but I changed the form 4/1/2020, so please sign it a second time if you haven’t signed it since then.
2-Complete the Outcome Rating Scale (the thing we do on the iPad each session) HERE
You will receive a separate email from My Outcomes before the session with the username and password.
3-Login to the telehealth site and check your settings. The session will be held HERE
There’s no login information stored there, just put your first name in the box and run a pre call check to make sure your camera and mic are working.
-THEN- After the session…
4-Complete the Session Rating Scale (the thing we do on at the end of the session on the iPad) using the info from #2 above.
I want to continue to express that fear is not what I feel, nor do I think we should be afraid. Panic and fear continue to cause more issues during this crisis and take away from the resources we do have (physical, mental, and emotional). The situation continues to be the same whether we use energy on fear or not.
If you have questions or concerns, please call or email. And please stay healthy and safe. I’m here when you need me.
Dr. Jessica Dorland
MS MEd LPC DBH
Dorland@InOnePeace.com