Dearest clients,

There have been a lot of changes in our community over the past week due to COVID-19, which can be unsettling. I want you to know first and foremost that I am here for you. Your health and well-being is my top priority at Perspectives Mental Health Counseling. With the increasing area closures, I encourage you to engage in safe practices for yourself and your community such as social distancing. I also encourage you to maintain healthy coping strategies as you are able, to care for your mental health. We can discuss these in more depth during your session, especially if your usual strategies are not currently possible.

At this time, I am taking a proactive approach in order to be responsible to the community and to minimize exposure in my office. I will temporarily be moving all appointments to a telehealth platform, beginning Monday, 3/16/20. While I enjoy spending time with each of you in person, research shows that telehealth sessions can be just as effective as in-person appointments. My hope is to continue to provide quality care in a manner that does not contribute to the spread of illness for our community and for those of you with medical issues or decreased immune function.

At the time of your appointment, please go to https://doxy.me/perspectivesroc, where you will meet me in the “waiting room.” Please make sure your computer or tablet microphone and camera are on and that your volume is up. It is also strongly suggested that you set yourself up in a private space if possible. If our call is disconnected for any reason, I will attempt to reach you via phone or email. If we are unable to continue the call, we will reschedule for a time as soon as possible.

Please refer to the Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization for official communications and updates on COVID-19. You can also reach out to me with questions and concerns, either about this decision or about how telehealth sessions will go. I will do my best to get back to you as quickly as I can. I value your thoughts, opinions, and your health. I look forward to continuing our work together, and returning to in-person appointments as soon as it is safe to do so.

Finally, I ask that you confirm that you have received this communication and plan to keep your upcoming telehealth appointment (or if you are unable, or prefer not to keep your appointment at this time). I will also be offering short supportive videos, to be shared on the business Facebook page. If you would like these emailed to you, please let me know when you respond to this letter.

Warmly,

Johanna