Informed Consent for Telemental Health Services
The following information is provided to make therapy more accessible through telemental. This section covers your rights, risks and benefits associated with receiving services, our policies, and your agreement to utilized telemental health whenever necessary while under our care.
Please read this document carefully and note any questions you would like to
discuss.
- Client’s Rights
You have the right to decide to end our psychotherapy work at any time without prejudice. If you
wish, I will provide you with the names of other qualified therapists.
- You have the right to ask any questions about procedures used during therapy. If you wish, I will
explain my usual method of psychotherapy practices with you.
- You have the right to refuse the use of any therapeutic technique. I will inform you if I intend to
use any unusual procedures and explain any risks involved.
- You have the right to learn about alternative methods of treatment. I will discuss these with you
during our work together.
- Telemental health services are not appropriate for all clients. Generally, those who are
experiencing suicidal ideation or altered mental status may not be appropriate.
- Should telementalhealth services not be a good fit for you, call our office at (803) 708-7990 x 1 and we will assist you in finding alternative options.
- Benefits and Risks
- Telemental health refers to psychotherapy services that occur via phone, email, or synchronous videoconferencing. All of our interactions will fall under this term. When using technology there is always the
risk of security issues, as well as technical issues (phone not charged, computer or software notworking, etc.). You will develop an individualized plan for how best to address technical issues that may
arise and will take steps to facilitate the security of interactions with your therapist. In addition to the identified risks, there are several benefits that come from using technology. For instance, it allows
therapists to connect with people who may otherwise not be able to access services, there is an
opportunity for more flexibility in scheduling, and convenience in being able to connect from a space of
your choosing.
- In order to protect your confidentiality and to facilitate the security of your information asmuch as possible, here is a list of recommendations:
- Engage in sessions in a private location where you cannot be heard by others
- Use a private phone
- Do not record any sessions
- Password protect any technology you will be interacting with your therapist on
- Always log out or hang up once sessions are complete
- To avoid others knowing we have connected, your therapist may be contacting you from a blocked number or will be sending you a link for the waiting room to the session.
You acknowledge and agree Brighter Pathways,LLC is not held liable for any Breach of confidentiality that occurs as a result of client's failure to complete sessions in a secure place or close out information on all or any device used to conduct the session.
Emergency Management Plan
Brighter Pathways, LLC still provides Crisis intervention services after hours. If you have a true crisis, you may call 803-708-7990 x2. In the event of an emergency, it is imperative you are aware of resources in your area. As a precaution, please identify two (2) nearby
emergency hospitals below in case the on call Counselor is unable to assist you.
Contacting Your Therapist
Calling or secure messaging through the portal are the main forms of contact that will be used outside of the consultation and sessions. Please note if you do use email, that email is not secure, so communication should be limited to scheduling questions, providing resources. If you cannot reach your main Therapist or encounter an issue. You can Message Angel G. Johnson, through the portal or email brighterpathwaysllc@gmail.com.
You will still receive a text message reminder the day before the scheduled session. If you need to cancel an appointment, we Reqire it be done 24 hours in advance. If something comes up you cannot prevent, please cancel/reschedule as soon and early as possible.
Due to COVID-19,telehealth( phone or video) services, at this time will be covered by my insurance provider, therefore this form serves as an agreement the session fees will be paid in full at the time of service, claims will be billed to your insurance provider, and you agree to pay for any charges your insurance does not cover. I understand there may be a time where telemental health will not be covered and I may have to explore other options.