Introduction
Tele-mental health (Tele-therapy) means the use of, real-time audiovisual communications of such quality as to permit accurate and meaningful interaction between a provider of the service and the person(s) service is being to.
Tele-mental health allows clients to access mental health care using audio-video interface such as videoconferencing. Asynchronous modalities that do not have both audio and video elements are considered telehealth. Electronic systems used will incorporate network and software security protocols to protect the confidentiality of client identification and imaging data and will include measures to safeguard the data and to ensure its integrity against intentional or unintentional corruption.
Expected Benefits:
Improved access to mental health care by enabling a client to remain in his/her home or office. Improved convenience for the client.
● More efficient management of mental health care within the community setting.
● Obtaining expertise of a distant specialist.
Possible Risks:
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with the use of tele-mental health. These risks include, but may not be limited to:
● In rare cases, information transmitted may not be sufficient (e.g. poor resolution of images) to allow for the effective communication between the client and the mental health professional. Effective communication is vital to the provision of mental health services by the mental health professional;
● Cultural and/or language differences between the client and the mental health
professional may affect communication and service delivery.
● Delays in mental health assessment and treatment could occur due to deficiencies or failures of the equipment;
● In very rare instances, security protocols could fail, causing a breach of privacy of personal medical information;
● In rare cases, a lack of access to complete medical records may result in judgmental errors by the mental health professional;
By signing this form, I understand the following:
1. I understand that the laws that protect privacy and the confidentiality of medical information also apply to tele-mental health and that no information obtained in the use of tele-therapy which identifies me will be disclosed to researchers or other entities without my consent.
2. I understand that I have the right to withhold or withdraw my consent to the use of tele-mental health in the course of my care at any time, without affecting my right to future care or treatment.
3. I understand that I have the right to inspect all information obtained in the course of a tele-mental health interaction and may receive copies of this information for a reasonable fee.
4. I understand that no video and/or audio recordings of tele-mental health sessions will be made.
5. I understand that a variety of alternative methods for the provision of mental health services may be available to me, and that I may choose one or more of these at any time.
6. I understand that an alternative method for the provision of mental health services may be used by my mental health professional when deemed necessary.
7. I understand that it is my duty to inform my mental health professional of any other healthcare providers involved in my medical/ mental health care.
8. I understand that I may expect the anticipated benefits from the use of tele-mental health in my care, but that no results can be guaranteed or assured.
9. I understand that The Table Core Services cannot ensure confidentiality at the site where the client is located and when unapproved equipment software is used by the client, when tele-mental health procedures are not followed by the client.
10. I understand that The Table Core Services is not responsible for overages on client data usage plans, when Wi-Fi is not used by the client.
11. I understand that my mental health professional providing tele-mental health is a qualified mental health professional with specialized training in the provision of distance mental health.
12. I understand that The Table Core Services Agency is located at 1507 Saint Clair NE, Cleveland, OH 44114-2003; phone number: 216-451-5020
13. I understand that in times of crisis, or as desired during business hours, I may reach my mental health professional by business cell or desk phone.
14. I understand that in times of crisis outside of normal work hours of my mental health professional I may call the Mobile Crisis Hotline at 234-334-1880 or call 911.
Client Consent to the Use of Tele-Mental Health
I, (printed name below) hereby consent to engaging in teletherapy with The Table
Core Services Agency. I understand that “teletherapy” includes the practice of mental health care, delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment and education using interactive audio, video, or data communications of my medical/mental health information, both orally and visually, to The Table Core Services Agency via a teletherapy service such as Doxy.Me, Zoom, etc. (a HIPPA compliant video platform service).
I have read and understand the information provided above regarding tele-mental health, have discussed it with my mental health professional as may be designated, and all of my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I hereby give my informed consent for the use of tele-therapy in my medical care. I hereby authorize The Table Core Services to use tele- mental health in the course of my mental health diagnosis and treatment.