COVID-19 Update: Offering Teletherapy Until Further Notice (Updated: 4/19/20)

April 19, 2020

Last updated April 19, 2020. This post will continue to be updated as more information is available.

Two Chairs Community,

As the situation related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) develops, we are closely monitoring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, as well as Bay Area departments of public health.

As you likely know, the state of California issued a stay-at-home order until May 3rd, in light of ongoing developments related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our clinics will remain closed until further notice, and all sessions will take place via teletherapy. Our FAQ for teletherapy can be found here, and recent updates can be found below.

Our mission is to provide access to exceptional mental health services, and we remain deeply committed to ensuring access to care during this uncertain time. For us, this means working hard to support our clients and clinicians however possible during this adjustment period.

Research shows that therapy is much more successful if you are able to engage in weekly or biweekly sessions. We encourage you to continue in care via teletherapy in the coming weeks. If you are interested in starting care with us over video with the option of later transitioning to in-person care, you can book an initial consult.

Practice Policies Update

Effective April 7th, 2020, we have updated our Practice Policies. You can find our new policies here, with the high-level changes outlined below:

Teletherapy: We have updated our policies and considerations related to engaging in care via teletherapy (typically through secure video sessions) to ensure you are informed and know what to expect from remote care. For more information on making the most of teletherapy during this time, see here.
Measurement-Based Care: We have also updated our policies regarding our measurement-based care approach, which helps ensure we are delivering the highest quality care now and always. Measurement-based care is particularly valuable to informing your care via teletherapy, when you are not able to be in the room with your clinician. For more information on measurement-based care and why it is an important part of your care, see here.

Preparing for Teletherapy

Our care at Two Chairs focuses on in-person connection whenever possible. However, extensive research shows that teletherapy offers an effective way to ensure continuity of care, and continue your relationship with your clinician. Similarly, for our new clients, teletherapy allows you to get started in care with a clinician who is a great fit for your needs, goals, and preferences. Below you’ll find guidance to set you up for success in your upcoming teletherapy sessions.

You will receive a calendar invite for each session. The invite will contain instructions on how to join a secure session, and what to do if technical disruptions occur
Video or phone sessions are both available - feel free to discuss with your clinician, and decide what makes sense for you
Our teletherapy services are conducted using secure, HIPAA-compliant tools
Before each session, be sure to have an emergency contact in mind, and let your clinician know where you’ll be located -- this is an important safety step! To start the session, your clinician will ask for your location, and gather your verbal consent to begin care via teletherapy
Finally, most insurance plans cover teletherapy services. To confirm coverage for your specific plan, call the number on the back of your insurance card and route to benefits. From there, ask whether CPT code 90837-95 is covered under your plan. Reach out to support@twochairs.com with questions.

Ensuring a Smooth Session

We encourage you to try the below suggestions, to ensure a smooth and productive teletherapy session.

If at all possible, identify a quiet, enclosed space to protect your privacy. Please avoid doing teletherapy sessions while driving
For video sessions, be mindful of where you sit in relation to a window or source of light. Try to ensure your face is clearly visible, with no glare. Your visible expressions are equally as important via video as they are in person!
If you can, place your computer on a stable surface (not your lap) and avoid using your phone for video sessions
Turn off any notifications and minimize sounds that could be distracting during the session

Read our full blog post on how to make the most out of your teletherapy experience.

If you have questions or concerns about teletherapy or your care, feel free to reach out to your clinician or our Care Coordination team, at support@twochairs.com or (415) 202-5159.

In the coming weeks as the situation evolves, we will continue to update this page with further information. Thank you for being a part of the Two Chairs community.

Warmly,

The Two Chairs Team

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