Meeting Client Needs in Today's COVID-19 Pandemic
This page is being updated & will provide more information soon
Telepsychological Services Available
Because it is important for us all to live safe, healthy & vital lives Dr. Padilla is offering services safely and securely through an encrypted HIPPA compliant online telehealth platform that allows for video sessions. For those less comfortable with online video therapy sessions, telephone sessions are available.
Unfortunately because of the growing public health concern of COVID-19, all in-person services & meetings are temporarily unavailable & will resume once COVID-19 is under consistent management reducing the risk of transmission. It is common that in-person sessions are preferred by both providers & clients. Though as a mental health care provider, it is Dr. Padilla's responsibility to her clients & their families, potential clients & the public to assist in reducing the spread of disease and to help educate and manage the psychological and physical effects of such a pandemic. Dr. Padilla appreciates your patience, effort & understanding in helping her and yourself to meet these universal goals.
Please keep in mind that while many insurance companies include telehealth video sessions in their covered services, not all insurance companies include telephone sessions, so it could be an undesired out-of-pocket expense. The American Psychological Association (APA) is currently advocating harder than ever to have this adjusted during the COVID-19 pandemic to help ensure everyone who needs and seeks services aren't limited by uncovered expense through their insurance carrier.
Once your telehealth appointment is scheduled you will be given more specifics from Dr. Padilla.
For Detailed Instructions on How to Initiate Your Telehealth Session click the "How To Join My Telehealth Session" link below.
What I Need to Know About Telepsychological & Technology Services
As part of your New Client Forms an informed consent thoroughly explains all of the known potential technological concerns associated with telecommunication services, including, but not limited to video, telephone, text, email, message, and apps.
Here is an example of the types of topics covered in this form:
- There are potential benefits and risks of video-conferencing (e.g. limits to patient confidentiality) that differ from in-person sessions.
- Confidentiality still applies for telepsychology services, and nobody will record the session without your permission or the permission from the others person(s).
- We agree to use the video-conferencing platform selected for our virtual sessions, and the psychologist will explain how to use it.
- You need to use a webcam or smartphone during the session.
- It is important to be in a quiet, private space that is free of distractions (including cell phone or other devices) during the session.
- It is important to use a secure internet connection rather than public/free Wi-Fi.
- It is important to be on time. If you need to cancel or change your tele-appointment, you must notify the psychologist in advance by phone, text or email.
- We need a back-up plan (e.g., phone number where you can be reached) to restart the session or to reschedule it, in the event of technical problems.
- We need a safety plan that includes at least one emergency contact and the closest emergency room to your location, in the event of a crisis situation.
- If you are not an adult, we need the permission of your parent or legal guardian (and their contact information) for you to participate in telepsychology sessions.
- You should confirm with your insurance company that the video sessions will be reimbursed; if they are not reimbursed, you are responsible for full payment.
- As your psychologist, I may determine that due to certain circumstances, telepsychology is no longer appropriate and that we should find a means for in-person services.
Understanding COVID-19 & Concern for Our Safety
Please look to the following for information about COVID-19 and how to reduce your risk of contracting and spreading this virus:
WHO guidelines:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
CDC guidelines:
Kansas Department of Health guidelines:
Understanding the Psychological Risk
The following are links to assist with managing stress and anxieties arising as a result of these uncertain times.
American Psychological Association:
https://www.apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/research-information/social-distancing
News Articles
BBC : https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51873799
CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/14/health/coronavirus-fears-mental-health-wellness-trnd/index.html