As anxiety grows around the COVID-19 pandemic, and the implications for being in public places increase, we want to share some changes we are making and offer recommendations to support you.
We understand that these times understandably raise your level of vigilance and concern. The financial and emotional consequences affect each of us, and individuals and couples are experiencing increased stress on many levels. We are committed to supporting your mental health and maintaining continuity of care. We will continue to be available to support you for weekly sessions in our office, if you so choose. We are also offering online sessions when necessary as an alternative. We are dedicated to being available to both new and current clients. Because of the privilege and ease of video technology, we anticipate minimal disruption in your care, whether you are a brand new client or have been working with us for a while.
Luckily, technology allows us to easily switch to sessions via video or telephone. All of our therapists are trained in video therapy skills, and our PHIPA compliant video platform can be easily accessed via a smartphone or laptop. If you (or a family member) are not feeling well for any reason, we ask that you err on the side of caution and remain home. We will not charge any late cancellation fees for illness-related cancellations. Further, as an alternative to face-to-face therapy, consider meeting with your therapist online for a video session. Ellis Nicolson and Associates currently use an online/PHIPA compliant platform for both couples therapy and individual therapy. If you need to reschedule with us for an online meeting, please email your therapist directly or email us at .
If our community does start to quarantine, we ask that every client be prepared to switch to either video or phone sessions for the duration of the outbreak. We ask that you keep your schedule even if we need to switch to video/telephone. We are a small business, and we kindly ask that you allow us to continue to support you under these unique circumstances.
As part of this effort, we want to emphasize the following strategies to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses (including the flu and COVID-19):
Be mindful of good hygiene. Frequent and thorough handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth are the best preventative measures. Adults washing hands are good role models for young people.
If you are sick, especially if you have a fever, show signs of cough, flu or pneumonia, shortness of breath, or other respiratory conditions that could be contagious, stay home and seek immediate medical attention (be sure to call your healthcare provider first).
If you have been diagnosed with, have been exposed to, or have restrictions from your medical provider related to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases, please make arrangements with your therapist to switch to video or telephone sessions.
Sincerely,
Ellis, Joseanne and Katerina