Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Page

 

Update 3/17/2020

**All therapy services will be offered via Teletherapy using the platform Doxy.me. We are committed to providing the best care and understand if some clients opt to reschedule, however, teletherapy services offer great flexibility and accessibility. For any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us at 815-556-9171.**

 

We are aware that many of our clients have concerns regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and in effort to support clients in staying healthy and informed, we have compiled the below information.

Here's what you can do...

As with any illness, practicing good hygiene to help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria is the first line of defense.

We also ask Clients:

1. Please remain at home if you or a close family member are ill with fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Rest-assured that your mental health needs can still be met by converting your session into a remote Teletherapy session (more on that below).
2. If you have traveled to one of the countries identified by the CDC as highest risk (such as South Korea, Italy, China, Iran, and Japan), or an international cruise, in order to prevent community transmission of any airborne pathogens, we ask that you elect for Teletherapy sessions for your next few sessions from returning from your trip rather than attending therapy in person in the office.
3. If you become aware that 1) you have been exposed to COVID-19 via a close association or family member, 2) you or a close association has symptoms and is awaiting test results, and/or 3) if you become diagnosed with the Coronavirus and have been in our office in the previous 14 days, please notify our office as soon as you are able so that we can take appropriate precautions (e.g., sanitizing our office to protect others, notifying clients of possible exposure). At that point, we would also convert scheduled appointments to Teletherapy appointments for the following 14 days, or until all associated parties are again healthy.

In addition, we recommend that Clients follow the precautions recommended by the CDC:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Keep your hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose, and mouth, as much as possible.

What Sisterhood Wellness and Family Counseling is doing...

We are also taking steps to maintain a healthy environment at the office to minimize health risks, and to address any concerns Clients may have. In addition to the above, Sisterhood Wellness and Family Counseling Staff are taking the following precautions, many of which we adhere to during any cold/flu season to help prevent the spread of illness:

1. The office is equipped with tissues, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer.
2. Surfaces in the office will be wiped down frequently with additional attention to commonly used surfaces (doorknobs, telephones, waiting room chairs, etc.).
3. We are requesting that Clients AND Staff stay home if they have cold or flu symptoms. Early symptoms of COVID-19 are very similar to those of seasonal influenza and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If any of those symptoms are present, we ask that you stay home, speak with your physician and monitor your health.
4. We are offering Teletherapy, confidential online video conference appointments, to Clients if either a Client OR a Therapist cannot come to the office due to illness. Please communicate with your Therapist to arrange a Teletherapy session if needed.
5. If we become aware that any client or close associate or family member of a client has been diagnosed with COVID-19, we will notify all Clients that have been in our office of possible exposure to the virus so that all parties can make informed decisions regarding their health, and the option of Teletherapy as a precaution if they are concerned about exposure.

How Does Teletherapy Work?

Even before the current health-related concerns, Sisterhood Wellness and Family Counseling has had an agreement with a HIPAA-compliant confidential video conferencing platform to be provide Teletherapy, when appropriate. We use Doxy.me; here is how you can be prepared for Teletherapy, should the need arise:

1. Use a computer or device with camera/microphone.
2. Enter your clinicians doxy.me web address into the browser.
3. Type in your name and check in.
4. Allow your browser to use your webcam and microphone.
5. Your care provider will start your visit.

Tips:

• Ensure a good internet connection
• Restart your device before the visit
• Use the "Start Test" button in the waiting room

Lastly...

If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to your provider at 815-556-9171. Thank you for working with us in helping to keep everyone healthy!

Resources...

We are sharing links below as helpful ways to inform you and share information with family members including how to speak to your children.

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/protect/index.html 

How Cancelled Classes and Events and Self Quarantine Saves Lives in One Chart: https://www.vox.com/2020/3/10/21171481/coronavirus-us-cases-quarantine-cancellation

Managing Anxiety: Annie Wright Psychotherapy: How to Manage Your Anxiety Around the Coronavirus https://www.anniewrightpsychotherapy.com/anxiety-coronavirus/