Telehealth Informed Consent

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth (also called teletherapy or online therapy) involves the delivery of mental health services using interactive audio and video communication technology. Mindwell may provide therapy sessions via secure, HIPAA-compliant video platforms. Before beginning telehealth services, you should understand both the benefits and limitations described in this consent.

Benefits of Telehealth

• Increased access to mental health care from the comfort of your location
• Reduced travel time and scheduling flexibility
• Continuity of care during illness, travel, or unforeseen circumstances
• Access to specialized care regardless of geographic barriers

Technology Risks and Limitations

By participating in telehealth services, you acknowledge and accept the following potential risks:

• Technical failures: Disruptions to service (e.g., poor internet connection, software malfunctions, equipment failure) may interrupt sessions. If a session is interrupted, your therapist will attempt to reconnect; if reconnection is not possible within 10 minutes, the session may be rescheduled.
• Security risks: Although we use encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platforms, electronic transmission of information carries inherent security risks. Unauthorized access by third parties is possible, though we take reasonable precautions to minimize this risk.
• Limitations of remote assessment: Some clinical assessments and nonverbal communication cues may be more difficult to observe via video than in person.
• Jurisdiction: Your therapist must be licensed in the state where you are physically located at the time of the session. Please inform your therapist if you plan to attend a session from a different state.

Confidentiality

Telehealth sessions are subject to the same confidentiality protections as in-person sessions under HIPAA and applicable state law. Your therapist will use a private, secure location during all sessions. You agree to:

• Participate in sessions from a private location where conversations cannot be overheard by others
• Not record sessions without the prior written consent of your therapist
• Ensure that no unauthorized persons are present or able to hear the session without your therapist's knowledge and consent

Standard limits of confidentiality apply, including mandatory reporting obligations when there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, child or elder abuse, or other legally mandated disclosures.

Emergency Procedures

Telehealth is not suitable for mental health emergencies. If you experience a psychiatric emergency during a telehealth session, your therapist will take the following steps:

1. Assess your safety and attempt to determine your physical location
2. Contact emergency services (911) on your behalf if you are in immediate danger and provide your location if known
3. Contact your emergency contact if one has been provided

Before beginning telehealth services, you agree to provide:

• Your current address (where you will be during sessions)
• The name and phone number of a local emergency contact
• The name and address of the nearest emergency facility to your location

In any emergency, call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency room. For mental health crisis support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Your Rights

• You have the right to withdraw consent for telehealth at any time and request in-person services
• You have the right to request a different communication method at any time
• Withdrawing telehealth consent will not affect the quality of care you receive

Client Acknowledgment

By proceeding with telehealth services at Mindwell, you acknowledge that:

• You have read and understand this Telehealth Informed Consent
• You understand the risks and limitations of telehealth
• You agree to participate in sessions from a private, secure location
• You will not record sessions without written consent
• You have provided or will provide current emergency contact information
• You understand telehealth is not appropriate for mental health emergencies
• You have had the opportunity to ask questions and receive satisfactory answers

Contact

Questions about telehealth? Visit our contact page or speak with your therapist before beginning services.