Plan for handling appointments during COVID-19

I do hope you are healthy and safe, and that we all remain so.

The purpose of this web page is to let you know how I'll be operating during this stage of our community dealing with COVID-19.

In these circumstances we will not meet in person, and instead will use video.

For video sessions, I use the app VSee which is widely used in the medical community and allows me to be in compliance with HIPAA.  It takes a one-time registration using an email address of your choice, using this link to my account:

https://vsee.com/s/5dc33eda40454

Then you'll be able to download the app to your computer, mobile phone or tablet (or more than one device using the same account).

Note: If you are used to using Zoom and would prefer it, I also have access thru an overlay service called SecureVideo (also in compliance with HIPAA), and I can send you a meeting invitation from that instead of VSee.  Just let me know if that's your preference. 

I've had specific training and have been providing telemental health via video for more than 3 years, and via phone for much longer.  With that, there are some considerations to help facilitate video sessions:

• Get the app downloaded and setup well before the first use.
• Have a quiet, private space you can be in during the session.
• For the session, set aside the time when you're not doing something else (such as driving).
• Use headphones or earbuds with a microphone to provide better sound than speakerphone, if you can.
• Use secure Wi-Fi or cellular data.
• Have my mobile number 512-658-2960 available in case you need to text or call due to technical issues.
• For VSee, just before a scheduled session, open the app and be sure you're logged in, with camera and microphone ON (not muted).
• For SecureVideo (Zoom), at the time of the scheduled session, enter the waiting room through the link you've been sent ahead of time.
• Close other apps and turn off notifications to minimize interruptions.
• I will initiate the video call for VSee (or open the video thru SecureVideo/Zoom) at the start of the session time.

Note that we can also do sessions by phone if you prefer that to video.  I've done so for many years, and some people prefer that when we work together remotely.  Just let me know if that's your preference.

And if you need additional support outside of our regular session, please ask.  When I can, we can arrange a 15- or 30- minute video session or phone call at other times.

Please send a quick reply to the email or text from me that directed you to this web page so that I know you've read the above information.  And let me know if you prefer to receive any future updates to a different email address, or by text.

Take care.  See (VSee or SecureVideo) you soon.