COVID Policy (updated 09/01/2021)

This document contains important information about our decision (yours and mine) to pursue in-person services in light of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Please read this carefully and let me know if you have any questions.

Proof of Vaccination Requirement

I offer in-person services only to those who submit proof of vaccination (official forms of proof) to me before our scheduled session. I make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for non-vaccinated individuals who can demonstrate that receiving the vaccine is contraindicated due to existing medical conditions.

Decision to Meet Face-to-Face

We have agreed to meet in person for some or all future sessions. If there is a resurgence of the pandemic or if other health concerns arise, however, I may require that we meet via telehealth and/or cancel services that are not feasible to perform via telehealth. If you have concerns about meeting through telehealth, we will talk about it first and try to address any issues. You understand that, if I believe it is necessary, I may determine that we return to telehealth for everyone’s well-being.

If you decide at any time that you would feel safer staying with, or returning to, telehealth services, I will respect that decision, as long as it is feasible and clinically appropriate. Reimbursement for telehealth services, however, is also determined by the insurance companies and applicable law, so that is an issue we may also need to discuss.

Risks of Opting for In-Person Services

You understand that by coming to the office, you are assuming the risk of exposure to the coronavirus (or other public health risk). This risk may increase if you travel by public transportation, cab, or ridesharing service. Contracting coronavirus may result in serious health consequences, up to and including premature death.

Your Responsibility to Minimize Risk

To obtain services in person, you agree to take certain precautions which will help keep everyone (you, me, and our families, other staff and clients) safer from exposure, sickness and possible death. If you do not adhere to these safeguards, it may result in our starting / returning to a telehealth arrangement.  Initial each to indicate that you understand and agree to these actions:

·      You will only keep your in-person appointment if you are symptom-free. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you agree to cancel the appointment or proceed using telehealth.  If you wish to cancel for this reason, I won’t charge you our normal cancellation fee.

·         You agree to having your temperature taken via touchless thermometer upon arriving at my office

·         You will wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you enter my office

·      If you have a job that exposes you to other people who are infected, you will immediately let me know.

·      If a resident of your home tests positive for the infection, you will immediately let me know and we will then determine how to proceed

I may change the above precautions if additional local, state or federal orders or guidelines are published. If that happens, we will talk about any necessary changes.

My Commitment to Minimize Risk

I make the following attempts to reduce the risk of you becoming infected with COVID-19 from an in-person visit.

  • I am fully vaccinated; I received two doses of the Moderna vaccine late Spring 2021

  • I sanitize hard surfaces between clients

  • I run a HEPA air filter while I’m in the office

  • Our sessions take place in a closed room with at least 6 feet of space between us

  • I can wear a mask if requested. I do not wear a mask by default because covering my mouth negatively impacts my ability to fully communicate an attuned presence and this results in a less therapeutic space for my clients.

If You or I Are Sick

You understand that I am committed to keeping you, me all of our families safe from the spread of this virus. If you show up for an appointment and I believe that you have a fever or other symptoms, or believe you have been exposed, I will have to require you to leave the office immediately. We can follow up with services by telehealth as appropriate.

If I test positive for the coronavirus, I will notify you so that you can take appropriate precautions.