Telehealth Policy

Purpose

To provide clear guidelines for telehealth sessions, ensuring client safety, privacy, and effective care while complying with applicable laws and professional standards.

Policy Statement

This policy applies to all therapy sessions conducted via Telehealth, including video or other remote methods. Telehealth may be offered as an alternative to in-person sessions, depending on clinical appropriateness and client preference.

Flexibility and Switching Between Session Types

Clients may choose to switch from in-person to telehealth sessions for any reason, including but not limited to:

  • Inclement weather or unsafe travel conditions

  • Illness or contagious conditions

  • Transportation challenges or other accessibility needs

The therapist will make reasonable efforts to accommodate these requests, provided that telehealth is clinically appropriate and the client is located in Michigan.

Switching to Telehealth does not alter session length, fees, or other policies outlined in practice agreements.

Client Requirements

Location: Clients must be physically located in Michigan at the time of the telehealth appointment.

Privacy: Clients must attend sessions from a private, quiet, and stationary location (not a moving vehicle, public space, or other shared areas).

  • Sessions may be discontinued if privacy cannot be maintained

  • If a session is interrupted due to joining from an inappropriate or unsafe location, it will be considered a no-show unless otherwise agreed upon in advance.

Technical Requirements: Clients are responsible for having the necessary technology, including:

  • A device with camera and microphone

  • Reliable internet connection

  • Updated software to access the secure, HIPAA-compliant platform used by the practice

Session Start Time: Clients are expected to join the session on time.

  • Arriving more than 10 minutes after the scheduled start time will be counted as a no-show, unless prior arrangements have been made

Distraction Management: Clients are responsible for minimizing interruptions, distractions, and background noise during sessions.

Clinical Considerations

Telehealth may not be appropriate for all clients or clinical situations. Limitations include potential technical difficulties, reduced ability to respond to emergency situations, and limitations in observing nonverbal cues.

The therapist will determine, in collaboration with the client, whether telehealth is appropriate for ongoing care.

Emergency Procedures

Telehealth sessions do not replace emergency services.

If a client experiences a crisis or is at risk of harm to self or others during a telehealth session, they should immediately:

  • Call 911

  • Go to the nearest emergency room, or

  • Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Clients are encouraged to have local emergency contacts and resources available in the location from which they attend telehealth sessions.

Confidentiality & Security

Sessions will be conducted using a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Clients are responsible for maintaining their own privacy and security of devices and internet connections. The therapist will take reasonable precautions to protect client confidentiality during telehealth sessions.

Consent

Participation in Telehealth sessions constitutes consent to the policies above.

Clients may withdraw consent or request in-person sessions at any time, subject to availability and clinical appropriateness.