Telehealth Policy

Effective Date: May 7, 2026

1. Definition of Telehealth

Telehealth refers to the delivery of psychiatric and mental health services through secure electronic communication technologies, including video conferencing and other approved virtual communication platforms.

2. Eligibility for Telehealth Services

Telehealth services are available only when clinically appropriate and legally permitted based on:

• The patient’s physical location at the time of the appointment
• The provider’s active licensure and legal authority to practice
• Clinical appropriateness for virtual treatment
• Patient safety considerations

Therapy & Mind currently provides services to eligible patients located in California and Washington, subject to applicable licensing and regulatory requirements.

3. Technology Requirements

Patients are responsible for having access to:

• A reliable internet connection
• A device capable of video conferencing
• A private and safe location during sessions
• Audio and video functionality sufficient for clinical care

Therapy & Mind is not responsible for technical failures caused by internet service interruptions, device malfunctions, or third-party platform outages.

4. Privacy and Confidentiality

Therapy & Mind uses HIPAA-conscious telehealth and patient portal systems when applicable to help protect patient privacy and confidentiality.

Despite reasonable safeguards, no electronic communication system can guarantee complete security. Patients acknowledge that telehealth services may involve potential privacy, technology, or transmission risks.

Patients are encouraged to attend sessions from a private, quiet, and secure environment to minimize interruptions and confidentiality concerns.

5. Secure Patient Portal

Patients may be required to use the secure patient portal for:

• Scheduling appointments
• Completing intake paperwork
• Signing consent forms
• Submitting questionnaires
• Accessing billing information
• Secure clinical communication

Sensitive personal and clinical information should be submitted through the secure patient portal whenever possible.

6. Emergency Limitations

Telehealth services are not appropriate for medical or psychiatric emergencies.

If a patient is experiencing a psychiatric crisis, thoughts of self-harm, danger to others, or another emergency, the patient should:

• Call 911
• Go to the nearest emergency room
• Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Contact local emergency services

Therapy & Mind may contact emergency services or designated emergency contacts if there are safety concerns.

7. Patient Responsibilities

Patients receiving telehealth services agree to:

• Provide accurate personal and emergency contact information
• Verify their physical location at the beginning of sessions if requested
• Attend sessions in a safe and private environment
• Avoid recording sessions without written consent
• Participate respectfully and appropriately during sessions

8. Clinical Limitations of Telehealth

Telehealth services may not be appropriate for every condition, symptom severity, or clinical situation.

Therapy & Mind reserves the right to recommend:

• In-person evaluation
• Higher level of care
• Emergency evaluation
• Referral to another provider or specialist

if telehealth is determined to be clinically inappropriate or insufficient for patient needs.

9. Scheduling and Missed Appointments

Patients are expected to attend scheduled telehealth appointments on time.

Cancellation, no-show, and late appointment policies may be outlined separately in intake documentation, consent forms, or financial policies.

10. Prescriptions and Medication Management

Medication management through telehealth is subject to:

• Clinical appropriateness
• Federal and state prescribing laws
• Controlled substance regulations
• Identity verification requirements
• Prescription monitoring requirements

Therapy & Mind reserves the right to require additional evaluations, documentation, collateral information, laboratory testing, or in-person assessment when clinically indicated.

11. Recording Policy

Audio or video recording of telehealth sessions by patients or third parties is prohibited without prior written consent from Therapy & Mind.

12. Fees and Payment

Telehealth appointments are generally billed similarly to in-person services unless otherwise specified. Payment policies and Good Faith Estimate information may be provided separately.

13. Consent to Telehealth

By participating in telehealth services, patients acknowledge and accept the potential risks, benefits, limitations, and responsibilities associated with telehealth treatment.

Additional written informed consent for telehealth services may be required prior to treatment.

14. Changes to This Policy

Therapy & Mind may update this Telehealth Policy periodically to reflect changes in clinical practice, technology, laws, or regulations.

15. Contact Information