COVID-19 Precautions

Dear Clients,
 
Due to recent developments regarding the COVID-19 virus we wanted to take this opportunity to communicate some measures we are taking in order to keep you and all of our therapists healthy, safe and as comfortable as possible. Here are some of the steps we are committed to taking to support us all during this time:

• Ending each session 5 minutes early to allow time for sanitization and to be ready on time for the next client (to reduce time spent in shared waiting areas).
• Waiving all cancellation fees in the case of illness. Please let us know if you are unwell so we may cancel your appointment and adjust schedules accordingly. Likewise, we ask for your patience in this time should illness require us to reschedule your appointment. 
• Scheduling video sessions (teletherapy) as an alternative to in-person sessions. BCBS and some other insurance companies do reimburse for teletherapy. The platform we use is a HIPAA-compliant platform called thera-Link. If you choose this option, we will communicate with you directly with further instruction.
• Sanitizing and disinfecting our offices, waiting areas, break room and bathroom frequently as clients move through our space.
• Refraining from physical touch such as shaking hands or hugging.

We are all in this together and we need your help with the following as we continue our counseling together:

• Please wash your hands prior to and/or upon arriving for counseling.
• If you have developed a cough, a fever, or other symptom consistent with COVID-19, please stay home and reschedule, or you can be seen via telehealth.
• To reduce waiting with others in shared space, when possible please wait in your vehicle or outside until the exact time of your appointment. 
• We will continue to provide bottled water, but please bring your own coffee, tea, etc. 
• If you have traveled internationally, we will wait at least two weeks before seeing you in person, but we are happy to have a telehealth session if you so desire.

 
We will continue to monitor developing conditions and precautionary instructions put in place by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and adjust our care systems as needed. At times like this we are here to help you keep this portion of your life and routine normal and comforting.
 
If you have any questions or ideas, please do not hesitate to call, text or email. We're here to help and listen. 
 
Warmest regards,
The Clinicians at Manhattan Mental Health Services