Information, Authorization, & Consent To Telemental Health Form

    Thank you so much for choosing the services provided by Breakthru Counseling & Consulting, P.C. (BCC). This
    document is designed to inform you about what you can expect from BCC regarding confidentiality, emergencies,
    and several other details regarding your treatment as it pertains to TeleMental Health. TeleMental Health is defined
    as follows:

    “TeleMental Health means the mode of delivering services via technology-assisted media, such as but not
    limited to, a telephone, video, internet, a smartphone, tablet, PC desktop system or other electronic means
    using appropriate encryption technology for electronic health information. TeleMental Health facilitates
    client self-management and support for clients and includes synchronous interactions and asynchronous
    store and forward transfers.” (Georgia Code 135-11-.01).

    TeleMental Health is a relatively new concept despite the fact that many therapists have been using technologyassisted media for years. Breaches of confidentiality over the past decade have made it evident that Personal Health
    Information (PHI) as it relates to technology needs an extra level of protection. Additionally, there are several other
    factors that need to be considered regarding the delivery of TeleMental Health services in order to provide you with
    the highest level of care. Therefore, I have completed specialized training in TeleMental Health. I have also
    developed several policies and protective measures to assure your PHI remains confidential. These are discussed
    below.

    The Different Forms of Technology-Assisted Media Explained
    Telephone via Landline:
    It is important for you to know that even landline telephones may not be completely secure and confidential.
    There is a possibility that someone could overhear or even intercept your conversations with special technology.
    Individuals who have access to your telephone or your telephone bill may be able to determine who you have talked
    to, who initiated that call, and how long the conversation lasted. If you have a landline and you provided me with
    that phone number, I may contact you on this line from my own landline in my office or from my cell phone,
    typically only regarding setting up an appointment if needed. If this is not an acceptable way to contact you, please
    let me know. Telephone conversations (other than just setting up appointments) are billed at my in-person session
    rate.

    Cell phones:
    In addition to landlines, cell phones may not be completely secure or confidential. There is also a possibility that
    someone could overhear or intercept your conversations. Be aware that individuals who have access to your cell
    phone or your cell phone bill may be able to see who you have talked to, who initiated that call, how long the
    conversation was, and where each party was located when that call occurred. However, I realize that most people
    have and utilize a cell phone. I may also use a cell phone to contact you, typically only regarding setting up an
    appointment if needed. Telephone conversations (other than just setting up appointments) are billed at my in
    person session rate. If this is a problem, please let me know, and we will discuss our options.

    Text Messaging:
    Text messaging is not a secure means of communication and may compromise your confidentiality. However, I
    realize that many people prefer to text because it is a quick way to convey information. Nonetheless, please
    know that it is my policy to utilize this means of communication strictly for appointment confirmations.
    Please do not bring up any therapeutic content via text to prevent compromising your confidentiality. You also
    need to know that I am required to keep a copy or summary of all texts as part of your clinical record that address
    anything related to therapy. I also strongly suggest that you only communicate through a device that you know is
    safe and technologically secure (e.g., password protected).


    Email:
    I utilize a secure email platform that is hosted by GoDaddy: Proofpoint Essentials. I have chosen this
    technology because it is encrypted to the federal standard, HIPAA compatible, and has signed a HIPAA Business
    Associate Agreement (BAA). The BAA means that the company is willing to attest to HIPAA compliance and
    assume responsibility for keeping your PHI secure. If we choose to utilize emailing as part of your treatment, I
    encourage you to also utilize this software for protection on your end. Otherwise, when you reply to one of my
    emails, everything you write in addition to what I have written to you (unless you remove it) will no longer be
    secure. My encrypted email service only works to send information and does not govern what happens on your end.
    I also strongly suggest that you only communicate through a device that you know is safe and technologically secure
    (e.g., has a firewall, anti-virus software installed, is password protected, not accessing the internet through a public
    wireless network, etc.).

    Email (other than just setting up appointments) is billed at my in-person session rate for the time I spend reading
    and responding to them. If you are in a crisis, please do not communicate this to me via email because I
    may not see it in a timely matter. Instead, please see below under "Emergency Procedures." Finally, you
    also need to know that I am required to keep a copy or summary of all email as part of your clinical record that
    address anything related to therapy.
    Social Media - Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Etc:
    It is my policy not to accept "friend" or "connection" requests from any current or former client on my
    personal social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. because it may compromise
    your confidentiality and blur the boundaries of our relationship.
    Please refrain from contacting me using social media messaging systems such as Facebook Messenger or Twitter.
    These methods have insufficient security, and I do not watch them closely. I would not want to miss an important
    message from you.

    Video Conferencing (VC)
    Video Conferencing is an option for us to conduct remote sessions over the internet where we not only can
    speak to one another, but we may also see each other on a screen. I utilize https://doxy.me. This VC platform is
    encrypted to the federal standard, HIPAA compatible, and has signed a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement
    (BAA). The BAA means that https://doxy.me is willing to attest to HIPAA compliance and assumes responsibility
    for keeping our VC interaction secure and confidential. If we choose to utilize this technology, I will give you
    detailed directions regarding how to log-in securely before our first VC appointment. Once you’ve been given the
    link at our first VC session, I ask that for following sessions, you please sign on to the platform at least five minutes
    prior to your session time to ensure we get started promptly. After the first session, you are responsible for initiating
    the connection with me at the time of your appointment(s).

    I strongly suggest that you only communicate through a computer or device that you know is safe (e.g., has a
    firewall, anti-virus software installed, is password protected, not accessing the internet through a public wireless
    network, etc.).

    Recommendations to Websites or Applications (Apps):
    During the course of our treatment, I may recommend that you visit certain websites for pertinent information
    or self-help. I may also recommend certain apps that could be of assistance to you and enhance your treatment.
    Please be aware that websites and apps may have tracking devices that allow automated software or other entities to
    know that you've visited these sites or applications. They may even utilize your information to attempt to sell you
    other products. Additionally, anyone who has access to the device you used to visit these sites/apps, may be able to
    see that you have been to these sites by viewing the history on your device. Therefore, it is your responsibility to
    decide if you would like this information as adjunct to your treatment or if you prefer that I do not make these
    recommendations. Please let me know by checking (or not checking) the appropriate box at the end of this
    document.


    Electronic Transfer of PHI for Billing Purposes:
    If I am credentialed with and a provider for your insurance, please know that I utilize a billing service who has
    access to your PHI. Your PHI will be securely transferred electronically to Medical Billing Associates. This billing
    company has signed a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement (BAA). The BAA ensures that they will maintain the
    confidentiality of your PHI in a HIPAA compatible secure format using point-to-point, federally approved
    encryption. Additionally, if your insurance provider is billed, you will generally receive correspondence from your
    insurance company, my billing company, or both.

    Electronic Transfer of PHI for Certain Credit Card Transactions:
    I utilize Ivy Pay as a HIPAA compliant company that processes your credit card information and I have a BAA
    with them. This company may send the credit cardholder a text or an email receipt indicating that you used that
    credit card for my services, the date you used it, and the amount that was charged. This notification is usually set up
    two different ways - either upon your request at the time the card is run or automatically. Please know that it is your
    responsibility to know if you or the credit card-holder has the automatic receipt notification set up in order to
    maintain your confidentiality if you do not want a receipt sent via text or email. Additionally, please be aware that
    the transaction will also appear on your credit-card bill.

    Your Responsibilities for Confidentiality & TeleMental Health
    Please communicate only through devices that you know are secure as described above. It is also your
    responsibility to choose a secure location to interact with technology-assisted media and to be aware that family,
    friends, employers, co-workers, strangers, and hackers could either overhear your communications or have access to
    the technology that you are utilizing. Additionally, you agree not to record any TeleMental Health sessions.

    Communication Response Time
    I'm required to make sure that you're aware that I'm located in the Southeast and I abide by Eastern Standard
    Time. My practice is considered to be an outpatient facility, and I am set up to accommodate individuals who are
    reasonably safe and resourceful. I do not carry a beeper nor am I available at all times. If at any time this does not
    feel like sufficient support, please inform me, and we can discuss additional resources or transfer your case to a
    therapist or clinic with 24-hour availability. I will return phone calls, texts and/or emails within One (1) Business
    day. However, I do not return calls or any form of communication on weekends or holidays. If you are having a
    mental health emergency and need immediate assistance, please follow the instructions below.

    In Case of an Emergency
    If you have a mental health emergency, I encourage you not to wait for communication back from me, but do
    one or more of the following:
    • Call Behavioral Health Link/GCAL: 800-715-4225 or other 24-hour crisis hotline in your area.
    • Call Ridgeview Institute at 770.434.4567 or local hospital
    • Call Peachford Hospital at 770.454.5589 or local hospital
    • Call Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 (National Crisis Line)
    • Call 911.
    • Go to the emergency room of your choice.


    Emergency Procedures Specific to TeleMental Health Services

    There are additional procedures that we need to have in place specific to TeleMental Health services. These are
    for your safety in case of an emergency and are as follows:
    • You understand that if you are having suicidal or homicidal thoughts, experiencing psychotic symptoms,
    or in a crisis that we cannot solve remotely, I may determine that you need a higher level of care and
    TeleMental Health services are not appropriate.
    • I require an Emergency Contact Person (ECP) who I may contact on your behalf, if in my clinical
    judgment, you are in a life-threatening emergency only. Please write this person's name and contact
    information below. Verify that your ECP is willing and able to go to your location in the event of an
    emergency. Additionally, if either you, your ECP, or I determine it is necessary, the ECP agrees to take
    you to a hospital. Your signature at the end of this document indicates that you understand and agree
    that I will contact this individual in the extreme circumstances stated above. Please list your ECP here:




    • You agree to inform me of the address where you are at the beginning of every TeleMental Health
    session.
    • You agree to inform me of the nearest mental health hospital to your primary location that you prefer to
    go to in the event of a mental health emergency (usually located where you will typically be during a
    TeleMental Health session). Please list this hospital and contact number here:





    In Case of Technology Failure
    During a TeleMental Health session, we could encounter a technological failure. The most reliable backup plan is
    to contact one another via telephone. Please make sure you have a phone with you, and I have that phone number.
    If our video conferencing session is disconnected and you are not having an emergency, disconnect from the
    session and I will re-contact you via the TeleMental health VC service. If we are unable to reconnect within two (2)
    minutes, please call me at the phone number I have provided you. If we are on a phone session and we get
    disconnected, please call me back at the phone number I have provided you.
    If you are having an emergency when we are disconnected from either a VC or Phone session, do not wait to call
    me back but use our Emergency Procedures outlined in this agreement. Call me back after you have called for or
    obtained emergency services.

    Structure and Cost of Sessions
    I offer primarily in person counseling. However, based on your ability to make in-person sessions, I may provide
    phone, email, or video conferencing if your treatment needs determine that TeleMental Health services are
    appropriate for you. If appropriate, you may engage in either in person sessions, TeleMental Health, or both. We
    will discuss what is best for you.

    The structure and cost of TeleMental Health sessions are exactly the same as in person sessions described in my
    general "Psychologist-Client Services Agreement”" form. I agree to provide TeleMental Health therapy for the fee
    of $ 175.00 per 45-minute session. Texting and emails (other than just setting up appointments) are billed at my
    session rate for the time I spend reading and responding. Please sign the ”Consent to Charge” Form, which was
    sent to you separately and indicates that I may charge your card without you being physically present.


    At your first session, have your card available for payment set up in Ivy Pay. Your credit card will be charged at the
    conclusion of each TeleMental Health interaction. This includes any therapeutic interaction other than setting
    up appointments. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX, Debit, HSA, FSA are acceptable for payment through Ivy
    Pay. Please note the receipt of payment will be shown on your card statement.

    Insurance companies have many rules and requirements specific to certain benefit plans. At the present time, many
    do not cover TeleMental Health services. Typically, if insurance does provide coverage for TeleMental Health, it is
    limited to only VC sessions. As a courtesy service, if you provide us with your insurance information prior to your
    first session and assign the benefits to BCC , we will file your insurance claim for you. Ultimately though, you will
    be solely responsible for the entire fee of the session. It is ultimately also your responsibility to find out your
    insurance company’s policies.

    You are also responsible for the cost of any technology you may use at your own location. This includes your
    computer, cell phone, tablet, internet or phone charges, software, headset, etc.

    Cancellation Policy
    In the event that you are unable to keep either a an In-person appointment or a TeleMental Health
    appointment, you must notify me at least One (1) Business day in advance. Appointments not kept will be subject
    to a charge of half a session fee = $ 87.50 per session missed. Payment is due before your next session via the credit
    card service you set up with BCC/Ivy Pay. Please note that insurance companies do not reimburse for missed
    sessions.

    Limitations of TeleMental Health Therapy Services
    TeleMental Health services should not be viewed as a complete substitute for therapy conducted in my office,
    unless there are extreme circumstances that prevent you from attending therapy in person. It is an alternative form
    of therapy or adjunct therapy, and it involves limitations. Primarily, there is a risk of misunderstanding one another
    when communication lacks visual or auditory cues. For example, if video quality is lacking for some reason, I might
    not see a tear in your eye. Or, if audio quality is lacking, I might not hear the crack in your voice that I could easily
    pick up if you were in my office.

    There may also be a disruption to the service (e.g., phone gets cut off or video drops). This can be frustrating
    and interrupt the normal flow of personal interaction.

    Please know that I have the utmost respect and positive regard for you and your wellbeing. I invite you to keep
    our communication open at all times to reduce any possible miscommunication as we utilize the TeleMental Health
    platform.

    Face-to Face Requirement
    If we agree that TeleMental Health services are the primary way we choose to conduct sessions, I require one
    face-to-face meeting at the onset of treatment. This initial meeting is to take place in my therapy office. If that
    is not possible, potentially, we can utilize video conferencing as described above. During this initial session, I will
    require you to show a valid picture ID (Driver’s license) and another form of identity verification such a credit card
    in your name.


    Informed Consent to TeleMental Health Services
    Please check the TeleMental Health services you are authorizing me to utilize for your treatment and
    administrative purposes. Together, we will ultimately determine which modes of communication are best for you.
    However, you may withdraw your authorization to use any of these services at any time during the course of your
    treatment just by notifying me in writing. If you do not see an item discussed previously in this document listed for
    your authorization below, this is because it is built-in to my practice, and I will be utilizing that technology unless
    otherwise negotiated by you.

    Text
    Video Conferencing
    Email
    Recommendations to Websites or Apps

    In summary, technology is constantly changing, and there are implications to all of the above that we may not
    realize at this time. Feel free to ask questions, and please know that I am open to any feelings or thoughts you have
    about these and other modalities of communication and treatment.

    Please print your name, date, and sign your name below indicating that you have read and understand the contents
    of this form, you agree to these policies, and you are authorizing me to utilize the TeleMental Health methods
    described. This agreement is intended as a supplement to the general consent "Psychologist-Client Services
    Agreement” signed as a part of your BCC new client intake process and does not amend any of the terms of that
    agreement. Your signature below indicates agreement with this document’s stated terms and conditions.
    I voluntarily choose and ask that my typed name on the signature line(s) of this document legally represent my
    electronic signature.