I am writing you to tell you about the precautions I am taking in the office to protect all clients and staff from COVID-19. Please read them and reach out to me if you have any questions.
- You can be reassured that I practice universal precautions myself with cleaning and hygiene and that my office does not entertain large groups of people. Hand sanitizer and soap is readily available at the office and I respect anyone who wants to refrain from shaking hands.
- Please contact me prior to coming into the office if you are exhibiting any symptoms of an acute respiratory illness (i.e. cough, shortness of breath), have had a fever within the previous 24 hours, or live with someone else who has.
- Please do not come to the office until you are free signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, and have at least discussed your situation with a medical professional.
- I will NOT charge a late cancellation fee if you become ill within 24 hours, which has usually been my policy anyway for any sudden illness when that’s not a pattern. (but you must call or message me, I cannot waive the fee for no-shows).
- If you come to session and are exhibiting signs of illness, I will ask you to go home at no charge.
- If you are an established client who would feel comfortable with an occasional phone session if necessary due to illness or quarantine, call me to discuss how appropriate that would be so I can try to accommodate you. Depending on what the future holds, we can also discuss the feasibility of video-conferencing sessions via a platform called Zoom. That is the only platform I subscribe to that is HIPPA compliant, but it is not appropriate for all types of counseling.
This is a time of great anxiety for many people. I hope that seeing these precautions and safety that are being used at my office will reassure you; that it is safe for the great majority of my clients to continue coming for their needed counseling appointments. Thank you for your attention and all of us working together.