Dear Patient,
We will be closing our offices to in-person sessions for the coming weeks due to an abundance of caution surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and expect to be back with you in-person in April. Meanwhile, Wellington Counseling Group will, instead, deliver an offering of Telehealth programs and services to you for your ongoing care. This will include your regular schedule of therapy but conducted as virtual therapy via a virtual portal video-sessions with your therapist.
Your virtual sessions will be conducted via our HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based software platform that allows us to meet over the Internet using a camera- and microphone-enabled device, such as your laptop computer, tablet or mobile device. Please wait for specifics from your therapist in the meantime so that you can be prepared to begin your next session on-time and without unexpected technical complications. Please be patient if complications do arise, as working with any new technology often presents challenges that can usually be overcome with a few adjustments.
Through April 1st we will be providing these services to anyone, and all you need is a computer or device, a broadband internet connection or cellular data program; as stated before, your device must be equipped with a camera and microphone.
What is Teletherapy?
Online counseling, or “Teletherapy,” is a mode of psychotherapy that occurs when a professional counselor or psychotherapist talks with a client over the internet to give emotional support, mental health assessment, goal setting, and a treatment plan. This contact may consist of one question or be part of an ongoing conversation. Teletherapy is a viable alternative to therapy in person when medical complications or other circumstances limit one’s ability to see a therapist in person. It’s effective and it’s confidential. Skilled, licensed, qualified, and ethical professionals at Wellington Counseling Group will conduct your Teletherapy.
Thank you for your attention to this update. If you have any questions, please contact your therapist and be sure to confirm your next session date and time if you are wondering about it.
Preventing Exposure and Spread
In the meantime, as Chicago businesses follow the protocols laid out by the CDC, you, too, can play a role in mitigating your exposure and the spread of Covid-19. It is more important now than ever to focus on the actions you can take to make sure you’re practicing good hygiene, including:
- Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm, soapy water
- Using hand sanitizer if you are unable to wash your hands
- Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Use the “Dracula” method of coughing or sneezing into your arm, not your hands.
- If you are symptomatic, staying home and away from others in the community.
- Practicing good social distancing as you would during cold and flu season, defined as a 6-foot distance, especially if you re in a vulnerable population group.
- If you have been exposed to an individual confirmed or suspected to be diagnosed with the COVID-19, please stay home and seek the guidance of the Public Health Department.
Again, let’s focus on the ways in which we can all manage good hygiene while taking the usual precautions you would take during cold and flu season. We appreciate that you may want to discuss any anxieties, fears, or concerns you may have. We feel that therapy is among the best places to do this, and our TeleHealth platform gives you the access you need.
If you have any further questions, please discuss with your therapist.
Sincerely,
David Rakofsky, Psy.D., President