I understand that Telemental Health is a mode of delivering health care services, including psychotherapy, via communication technologies (e.g., Internet or phone) to facilitate diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient’s health care.
By signing this form, I understand and agree to the following:
1. I have the right to confidentiality with regard to my treatment and related communications via Telemental Health under the same laws that protect the confidentiality of my treatment information during in-person psychotherapy. The same mandatory and permissive exceptions to confidentiality outlined in the Informed Consent Form I received from my therapist also apply to my Telemental Health services.
2. I understand that there are risks associated with participating in Telemental Health including, but not limited to, the possibility, despite reasonable efforts and safeguards on the part of my therapist, that my psychotherapy sessions and transmission of my treatment information could be disrupted or distorted by technical failures and/or interrupted or accessed by unauthorized persons, and that the electronic storage of my treatment information could be accessed by unauthorized persons.
3. I understand that miscommunication between myself and my therapist may occur via Telemental Health.
4. I understand that there is a risk of being overheard by persons near me and that I am responsible for using a location that is private and free from distractions or intrusions.
5. I understand that at the beginning of each Telemental Health session my therapist is required to verify my full name and current location.
6. I understand that in some instances Telemental Health may not be as effective or provide the same results as in-person therapy. I understand that if my therapist believes I would be better served by in-person therapy, my therapist will discuss this with me and refer me to in-person services as needed. If such services are not possible because of distance or hardship, I will be referred to other therapists who can provide such services.
7. I understand that while Telemental Health has been found to be effective in treating a wide range of mental and emotional issues, there is no guarantee that Telemental Health is effective for all individuals. Therefore, I understand that while I may benefit from Telemental Health, results cannot be guaranteed or assured.
8. I understand that some Telemental Health platforms allow for video or audio recordings and that neither I nor my therapist may record the sessions without the other party’s written permission.
9. I have discussed the fees charged for Telemental Health with my therapist and agree to them [or for insurance patients: I have discussed with my therapist and agree that my therapist will bill my insurance plan for Telemental Health and that I will be billed for any portion that is the patient’s responsibility (e.g., co-payments)], and I have been provided with this information in the Informed Consent Form.
10. I understand that it is important to be on time. If you need to cancel or change your teletherapy appointment you must notify the office, or your therapist is advance by phone or email. Teletherapy appointments still apply to our 24-hour cancellation policy.
11. I understand that my therapist will make reasonable efforts to ascertain and provide me with emergency resources in my geographic area. I further understand that my therapist may not be able to assist in an emergency situation. If I require emergency care, I understand that I may call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room for immediate assistance.
I have read and understand the information provided above, have discussed it with my therapist, and understand that I have the right to have all my questions regarding this information answered to my satisfaction.
