Telehealth Ethics and Etiquette
Telehealth therapy sessions provide a convenient and effective way to receive mental health support from the comfort of your own space. Just like in-person sessions, maintaining proper etiquette ensures a respectful and productive therapeutic environment for both clients and therapists. Here are some guidelines to follow:
What to Do:
Be Punctual: Log in a few minutes before your scheduled session time to ensure technical issues are resolved beforehand.
Respect Confidentiality: Find a private, quiet space free from distractions to ensure confidentiality and focus.
Be Open to Feedback: Therapy involves mutual respect and understanding. Be open to feedback and willing to engage in the therapeutic process.
Utilize Homework: If your therapist provides exercises or tasks to complete between sessions, strive to complete them as agreed.
Pay Attention to Technology: Ensure your internet connection and device are reliable to minimize disruptions during the session.
What Not to Do:
Multitask: Avoid distractions such as texting, working, browsing the internet, eating or engaging in other activities during your session. Anything that wouldn't fly in a physical therapy office, in exception to maybe showing up in your PJ's, doesn't fly here.
Interrupt: Allow your therapist to complete their thoughts before responding. Interruptions can disrupt the flow of the session.
Skip Sessions Without Notice: Respect your therapist's time and commitment by attending sessions as scheduled or providing advance notice of cancellations.
Record Sessions Without Permission: Recording therapy sessions without explicit consent from your therapist is a breach of confidentiality and trust.
Substance Use Prohibition: Avoid consuming alcohol or using substances before or during your therapy session. Substance use can impair judgment and hinder therapeutic progress. If you show up to session intoxicated we will have to reschedule.
Driving During Session: For your safety and the safety of others, refrain from participating in therapy sessions while driving. It is important to be fully present and focused during your session. If you are driving during session we will have to reschedule.
Confidentiality and Private Space:
Maintaining confidentiality is crucial during telehealth sessions. If you are not in a confidential space, we will have to end session due to the following:
- Risk of Breaching Confidentiality: Discussing sensitive topics in a public or non-private setting increases the risk of others overhearing personal information.
- Impact on Therapy: Lack of privacy may hinder your ability to fully engage in therapy and discuss sensitive issues openly.
- Therapist's Responsibility: Therapists are committed to protecting your privacy, but they cannot guarantee confidentiality if you are not in a private location.
Understanding the 24-Hour Cancellation Policy:
Effective therapy relies on consistency and commitment from both parties. Our clinic operates on a 24-hour cancellation policy, meaning:
- Cancellation Notice: Clients are required to notify us at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule a session. This allows us to offer the time slot to another client in need of support.
- No-Show/Late Cancellation Policy: Clients are allowed up to three instances of no-shows or late cancellations. Exceeding this limit may result in a discussion with your therapist to ensure continuity of care.
Impact of Last-Minute Changes:
Last-minute changes to a therapist's schedule can have ripple effects:
- Client Impact: Other clients may miss out on opportunities to schedule sessions, delaying their own therapeutic progress.
- Financial Impact: Therapists rely on scheduled sessions for their income. Last-minute cancellations can affect their ability to maintain their practice and support their livelihood.
By adhering to these guidelines and policies, you contribute to a positive therapeutic experience not only for yourself but for others in our community seeking support. Thank you for your commitment to your mental health journey.