Claudia Carballal, PLLC, (the Practice) uses HIPPA compliant Telehealth services to protect your privacy and confidentiality. Please note the following benefits, risks, limitations, and responsibilities related to the use of Telehealth or Tele Mental Health services.

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Tele Mental Health Services Defined:

Tele Mental Health Services means the remote delivering of health care services via technology-assisted media.  This includes a wide array of clinical services and various forms of technology.  The technology includes but is not limited to video, internet, a smartphone, tablet, PC desktop system or other electronic means.  The delivery method must be secured by two-way encryption to be considered secure.  Synchronous (at the same time) secure video chatting is the preferred method of service delivery.

 

Limitations of Tele Mental Health Therapy Services:

While Tele Mental Health Services offers several advantages such as convenience and flexibility, it is an alternative form of therapy or adjunct to therapy and thus may involve disadvantages and limitations.  For example, there may be a disruption to the service (e.g. phone gets cut off or video drops).  This can be frustrating and interrupt the normal flow of personal interaction.  Primarily, there is a risk of misunderstanding one another when communication lacks visual or auditory cues.  For example, if video quality is lacking for some reason, the Practice might not see various details such as facial expressions.  Or if audio quality is lacking, the Practice might not hear differences in your tone of voice that  the Practice could easily pick up if you were in our office. The therapy office decreases the likelihood of interruptions.  However, there are ways to minimize interruptions and maximize privacy and effectiveness.  As the therapy service, the Practice will take every precaution to insure technologically secure and environmentally private psychotherapy sessions. 

 

Client Responsibilities for Tele Mental Health Therapy Services:

The virtual sessions can only be conducted while the client is within the state of Texas. The virtual sessions must be conducted on a Wi-Fi connection for the best connections and to minimize disruption. The Practice strongly suggests that you only communicate through a device that you know is safe and technologically secure (e.g. has a firewall, anti-virus software installed, is password protected, not accessing the internet through a public wireless network, etc.) Do not use “auto-remember” names and passwords. Make sure you have checked your company’s policy before using a work computer for personal communication. As the client, you are responsible for finding a private, quiet location where the sessions may be conducted.  Sessions are not able to take place if other individuals are present in your location.  Consider using a “do not disturb” sign/note on the door. 

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Identity and Location:

The Practice is required to verify your identity and location at the start of each session.

 

In Case of Technology Failure:

You understand that during a Tele Mental Health session we could encounter a technological failure. Difficulties with hardware, software, equipment, and/or services supplied by a 3rd party may result in service interruptions.  If something occurs to prevent or disrupt any scheduled appointment due to technical complications and the session cannot be completed via online video conferencing, please call the therapist back at (214) 489-7882.  Please make sure you have a phone with you and that the Practice has that phone number.  The Practice may also reschedule if there are problems with connectivity.

 

Email communications:

Email may compromise your confidentiality.  If you are in a crisis, please do not communicate this to your therapist or the Practice via email because we may not see it in a timely manner.  Instead, please call 911.

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Phone and text communications:

Your therapist at the Practice reserves the right not to use texting or voice messaging as a form of communication with you and the client. The primary means of communication with your therapist is through email and telephone voice. Your therapist is not available after business hours, typically before 10am and after 5pm Monday through Friday. If you are in an emergency or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or your local police office.

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Not a crisis center:

The Practice is not a crisis center nor is available for services 24 hours. If you are in an emergency or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or your local police office. The Practice's office hours may vary, but under no circumstances is open after business hours, namely before 10am and after 5pm. The Practice regular business hours are Friday between 4pm and 6pm CTS, and Saturday between 11am and 5pm. The ours of operation may vary without prior notice to you or to the client. You and the client are required to make an appointment prior to be seen on a therapy session. Before becoming a client of the Practice, you must go through the intake process and complete and submit all intake documents so your therapist can determine whether she/he can help you. Only after hearing back from your therapist following the intake process you become a client of the Practice and having access to the Client Portal. 

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When do you become a client of the Practice:

You become a client of the Practice only after completing and submitting all intake documents and your therapist has decided that she/he can help you with therapy or coaching services. By becoming a client of the Practice, you understand and agree to the following:

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I understand that Claudia Carballal, PLLC (the Practice) offers telehealth counseling sessions and I wish to engage in telehealth sessions. My counselor is required to verify my identity and location at the start of each telehealth session.

 

I understand that a telehealth session has potential benefits, including easier access to care and convenience of meeting from a location of my choosing.

 

I understand there are potential risks associated with technology, including interruptions, unauthorized access, and technical difficulties, although the Practice works diligently to minimize these occurrences.

 

I understand the Practice may discontinue telehealth sessions if it determines another level of care may be more appropriate.

 

I understand that my counselor will make me aware of any technology breaches and reasons for referral. I understand I will have the opportunity to speak with a counselor to address any questions or concerns I have regarding telehealth counseling.

 

I understand the Practice is NOT an emergency or crisis center. In the event of an emergency, I will call 911.

 

To maintain confidentiality, I will not share my telehealth link with anyone unauthorized to attend the appointment.

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