Telehealth Informed Consent

What is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy (also called telehealth or telepractice) is the delivery of speech-language pathology services through electronic communication technology, including interactive audio-video technology. This allows you to receive therapy services remotely from your home or other private location.

Benefits of Teletherapy

• Convenient access to services from your home or other comfortable location
• No travel time or transportation barriers
• Flexible scheduling options
• Ability to include family members and caregivers more easily
• Opportunity to practice skills in your natural environment
• Continued access to services during circumstances that may prevent in-person visits

Potential Risks and Limitations

• Technology issues may interrupt or prevent sessions
• Some assessments or interventions may be more limited than in-person
• The therapist cannot physically assist the client during sessions
• There is a small risk that electronic communications could be intercepted, though we use HIPAA-compliant technology to minimize this risk
• Emergency response may be delayed if a crisis occurs during a session
• Not all clients or conditions are appropriate for teletherapy

Confidentiality and Security

We take your privacy seriously. All teletherapy sessions are conducted using Zoom for Healthcare, a HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform. This means:

• Sessions are encrypted end-to-end
• We have signed a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with Zoom
• No recordings are made without your explicit consent
• Meeting links and passwords are unique to each session

While we use secure technology, you should also take steps to protect your privacy by participating from a private location where others cannot overhear.

Your Responsibilities

To ensure effective teletherapy sessions, you agree to:

• Provide a private, quiet space for sessions free from distractions
• Ensure you have reliable internet connection and appropriate technology (computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera and microphone)
• Test your technology before sessions
• Be present at your scheduled appointment time
• Inform the therapist of your physical location at each session
• Have a phone available in case of technology failure
• For child clients, ensure appropriate supervision during sessions

Emergency Situations

At the beginning of services, you will be asked to provide:

• Your physical address at the time of each session
• Emergency contact information
• Local emergency services information

Technology Failures

If we experience a technology failure during a session:

• We will attempt to reconnect the video call
• If reconnection fails, we will contact you by phone
• If the session cannot continue, we will reschedule at no additional charge

New York State Requirements

In accordance with New York State regulations for telepractice:

• Services are provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist in New York State
• You have the right to refuse teletherapy and request in-person services
• All applicable laws regarding confidentiality and privacy apply to teletherapy
• You must be physically located in New York State at the time of service

Your Rights

• You have the right to withdraw consent and stop teletherapy at any time
• You have the right to ask questions about the technology used
• You have the right to know who else may be present during sessions (there should be no one unless previously discussed)
• You have the right to access your records as described in our Privacy Policy

Consent

By scheduling and participating in teletherapy sessions, you acknowledge that:

• You have read and understand this Telehealth Informed Consent
• You have had the opportunity to ask questions
• You voluntarily consent to participate in teletherapy services
• You understand you may withdraw consent at any time

Contact Us

If you have questions about teletherapy or this consent form, please contact us: