COVID-19

IMPORTANT NOTICE

CONTINUED TREATMENT AND THE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Our team at Tandem Mental Health Associates, Inc. (TMHA) has been closely monitoring the situation regarding the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our clients, staff, and their families is our first priority and of the utmost importance to us. After reviewing events as they unfold and with guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Virginia Department of Health (VDH), we have decided that it is in the best interest of our clients, staff, and the community to shift from in-person sessions to phone and telepsych (video) sessions. We recognize this may not be ideal for some, however it is important that we are able to continue treatment, particularly during this distressing and anxiety provoking time, while taking every precaution to protect the health of ourselves and others. Beginning on Tuesday March 24, 2020 we will exclusively hold all sessions either on the phone or via telepsych until further notice. Additional information regarding policies and procedures are included below, as well as instructions regarding telephone and telepsych sessions. Thank you for your understanding and patience with these necessary changes. We will be continuously monitoring and reviewing the information regarding the pandemic to determine when it is safe to resume face-to-face sessions again. Until then, we look forward to working with you all virtually in the coming weeks! Stay safe and healthy and remember we are here to help you manage any additional distress the pandemic and social distancing may bring. Access to Telepsych Sessions Gmail - Quick Set-Up Guide Google Meet - Quick Set-Up Guide Tips for Scheduling Telepsych Confidentiality and Consent

TELEPHONE and/or TELEPSYCH SESSIONS

We have provided instructions below to assist you in scheduling and maintaining contact with your clinician and our team as TMHA shifts to telepsych (video) and telephone sessions. *SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS: All appointments should be scheduled through text, email, or through our website www.tandemmentalhealth.com. Alyssa, our administrative assistant, will be better able to schedule and respond to written requests. *You may still call our office at (804) 277-9877. Staff will be available by phone per our usual operating policy. Please leave a message if Alyssa or a clinician is unable to answer and we will return your call as soon as possible. Please update our office if there are any changes to your consent regarding our ability to call, leave voicemail, text, or email regarding appointments and care. **Please note that we use Google Voice when responding to work calls. The number from which we call you back may show up on your caller ID as "No Caller ID", “Blocked” or be an unfamiliar number. ** We will also be available via text and email (as usual, please note the person you are trying to reach and state your name as we do not save phone numbers in our system). *PAYMENT: In order to complete telephone or telepsych sessions, we require that all clients have a card on file. If you do not already have a card on file, we ask that you call our office with this information. Please do not send this sensitive information over text or email. At the conclusion of your session your card will be billed for the full time of your session. *TELEPHONE SESSIONS: At the time of your session you will call our phone number (804) 277-9877 to connect with your clinician. If you are unable to reach your clinician when you call please leave a message and your clinician will call you back as soon as they are available. *TELEPSYCH SESSIONS: Telepsych (video) sessions will be conducted via HIPAA compliant Google Meet. In order to use telepsych sessions you can use any email account, however using an active Google email (GMAIL) account is required to use the app, as well as to use certain features such as chat. Additionally, if you will be using a smartphone or tablet, the “Hangouts Meet by Google” app is required. If you will be using a desktop or laptop you will not need to download the “Hangouts Meet by Google” app, as this can be accessed through a browser (instructions are provided below). You will be emailed a link which you will need to click at your scheduled time to access your session (more information is provided below). *Please note that as we transition to this system exclusively, issues we need to clarify or remedy are likely to arise. Please notify us of any issues, concerns, or questions you may have regarding this shift in sessions. We recognize that telephone and telepsych sessions may not be ideal, however we strongly recommend continuity of care as stress and anxiety has often been demonstrated to exacerbate existing mental health symptoms. Scheduling weekly, and maintaining consistent contact with your clinician can provide positive change, and certainty of support during this unprecedented and possibly anxiety-inducing time.