Telehealth Services and Emergency Procedures
Global Therapy, Inc.
Effective date: __________________
What telehealth is
Telehealth uses live video, audio, and related electronic communication to provide behavioral-health services while the client and clinician are in different locations. Telehealth is voluntary. A client may decline or withdraw consent prospectively without losing the right to request other available services, although an appropriate in-person alternative may not be available from Global Therapy in every location.
Potential benefits and limitations
Potential benefits include improved access, convenience, continuity, and reduced travel. Potential risks include technology failure, interrupted or delayed communication, unauthorized access, reduced privacy at the client's location, misunderstanding, and limits on the clinician's ability to observe the client or respond directly during an emergency. Telehealth may not be clinically appropriate for every condition or circumstance, and results are not guaranteed.
Technology and privacy
Global Therapy will use communication technology and reasonable privacy and security safeguards appropriate to the service and applicable law. No electronic system can be guaranteed completely secure. The client is responsible for using a reasonably private setting and a secure device and connection when available. Headphones may improve privacy. The client should tell the clinician immediately if another person is present or if privacy changes during the session.
A session may be temporarily audio-recorded for Blueprint AI-assisted documentation only when the client has consented under the Adult Consent for Services and Practice Agreement. The client may decline or withdraw that consent without losing access to therapy. No other audio recording, video recording, photography, streaming, or automated capture is permitted without separate written consent.
Location, identity, and licensure
Telehealth services are treated as occurring where the client is physically located. At the beginning of each session, the client must provide their current physical location and a working callback number. The client must notify Global Therapy before attending from another state or country. The clinician may postpone or end a session if the clinician is not legally authorized to practice in the client's location or cannot provide care safely and lawfully.
Safe participation
- Do not participate while driving or operating machinery.
- Use a private, stationary location whenever possible.
- Do not use substances in a way that prevents meaningful or safe participation.
- Tell the clinician if another person enters, can overhear, or is helping with technology.
- Keep a telephone available so the clinician can call if the connection fails.
Emergency and disconnection plan
Before or at the first remote session, Global Therapy will obtain an emergency contact and may identify local emergency resources. If the video or audio connection fails, the clinician will attempt to reconnect and may call the client. If contact cannot be restored, the client should follow previously discussed clinical and emergency plans. Global Therapy is not a 24-hour crisis service.
If the client may act on thoughts of suicide or violence, cannot remain safe, or has another emergency, the client should call 911, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency department. When legally permitted or required, Global Therapy may contact an emergency contact, emergency responders, law enforcement, or another person reasonably able to reduce a serious and imminent threat.
Clinical appropriateness and alternatives
The clinician may recommend in-person services, a higher level of care, local services, medical or psychiatric evaluation, or another provider when telehealth is not sufficiently safe or effective. The client may ask questions about telehealth, alternatives, confidentiality, technology, or fees at any time.
Fees, insurance, and duration of consent
Telehealth charges and insurance responsibility are governed by the Practice and Financial Policies. Coverage cannot be guaranteed. Telehealth consent remains in effect during the course of treatment unless withdrawn, replaced, or renewal is required by applicable law, payer rule, or a material change in service. Withdrawal does not affect care already provided or valid charges already incurred.