Therapy services can be furnished using a number of different modalities, including teletherapy, which allows you to seek therapy services using a secure audio, visual, or messaging technology platform, rather than requiring you to come into our offices for face- to-face therapy. Teletherapy can be provided synchronously, meaning you and your provider will communicate in real time during our scheduled session over audio/visual technology
platform, or asynchronously, meaning we do not communicate at the same time, such as through messaging. There are many benefits to teletherapy, such as easier and more convenient access to services and receiving services from the comfort and safety of your home or workplace. However, there are also risks associated with teletherapy, including, but not limited to, technological failures, delays in response, and the limitations of therapy via electronic means. This document is intended to inform you of these risks, as well as the benefits, so that you may make an informed decision on whether or not to use teletherapy.
You understand that, in connection with teletherapy, your provider will be located at a remote location and will not be physically present with you. Your provider will use Doxyme's secure platform to communicate with you via video, audio, or messaging communications. Your provider will communicate with you during scheduled teletherapy sessions.
Teletherapy has the same purpose or intention as psychotherapy, psychological treatment, and other mental health or counseling sessions that are conducted in person. However, due to the nature of the technology used, you may experience teletherapy somewhat differently than face-to-face treatment sessions. Therefore, your provider will continuously assess whether teletherapy is appropriate for your specific treatment needs.
It is important that we establish a plan in case we experience technological difficulties and get disconnected, or you experience a mental health crisis requiring in-person treatment.
• If we get disconnected due to technological difficulties, your provider will contact you using your, or your emergency contact's, information on file with CFF Medical & Behavioral Health, LLC. It is imperative that you ensure your contact information is always up to date.
• If you are experiencing an emergency situation, you must call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room for help. If you are having suicidal thoughts or making plans to harm yourself, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255) for free 24-hour hotline support.
You have been provided with CFF Medical & Behavioral Health, LLC 's Notice of Privacy Practices, which outlines your rights with respect to the confidentiality of your Protected Health Information. All applicable confidentiality protections and ethical rules will apply to teletherapy services in the same way as with in-person therapy. CFF Medical & Behavioral Health, LLC 's platform complies with federal and state privacy laws, meaning our communications over CFF Medical & Behavioral Health, LLC 's platform are end-to end encrypted. Your records are stored securely on CFF Medical & Behavioral Health, LLC 's platform. Despite our best efforts to ensure high encryption and secure technology on the part of your provider and CFF Medical & Behavioral Health, LLC, there always is a possibility that the transmission of your information could be disrupted or distorted by technical failures or could be interrupted by unauthorized persons. To increase security, CFF Medical & Behavioral Health, LLC recommends that you avoid using public access computers or shared networks.
By signing this Teletherapy Consent, you confirm and agree to the following:
• You have been informed and have had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers about the potential risks, limitations, alternatives, and benefits of receiving services through telehealth and, after considering such matters, you consent to receiving teletherapy services.
• No promises or guarantees have been made regarding the teletherapy services that you will receive.
• You have been informed regarding how to enter sessions and communicate with your provider via Doxyme's teletherapy platform, and we have agreed to a plan for how to work around technological difficulties and connections issues should they occur.
• If your provider determines that teletherapy services are not appropriate for your condition or care, your provider may use other appropriate arrangements, including a referral or scheduling in-person services.
• You may refuse teletherapy services at any time, without loss or withdrawal of treatment options or affecting your right to future treatment. If in-person visits are unavailable due to federal, state, or local public health or other restrictions, this may mean that therapy services are not available until such restrictions are lifted.
• You have provided, or will provide before treatment, CFF Medical & Behavioral Health, LLC and your provider accurate information regarding your identity and location.
• You have received information about the identity, practice location, professional credentials, and other information regarding your teletherapy provider.
• All applicable confidentiality protections apply to teletherapy services, in accordance
with CFF Medical & Behavioral Health, LLC 's Notice of Privacy Practices.