Returning to the Office
Curt and Katie chat about the considerations for reopening offices closed during shelter in place orders. We talk through the specific logistical, clinical, and legal and ethical elements of the decision-making process for those who shifted to telehealth in response to the pandemic.
It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age.
In this episode we talk about:
The importance of therapists assessing their own needs prior to returning to in-person work
The proposed phased reopening of California
The unique elements of different practices that might impact your timing (logistics, populations treated, coordination with other clinicians in the same space, etc.)
Clinical considerations for how therapy is delivered during this time
The challenge of managing a waiting room
Ideas how to apply recommendations from the CDC or WHO to a therapy office
Systems to put into place, policies to consider (especially related to employees and wage replacement for ill workers)
How to communicate with your clients
The need to identify what boundaries you will hold and how you will address them clinically
The ability to have these conversations ahead of time, the additional time you can use to move back to the office, if you decide to
Telehealth insurance reimbursement – ideas and advocacy recommendations
Shortening the work week, using your office for as few days as possible, staggering shifts in group practices
Removing items that don’t need to be in the waiting room or any other spaces
ADA accessibility that decreases contact with door knobs
Cleaning protocols
HEPA filters – mixed feedback and things to think about
Requirements for clinicians and clients to stay home if sick, to wear a mask if entering the building
Waiving late cancel fees for illness, or strong recommendations for shifting to telehealth in those situations
Potential liability if taking temperatures of clients, other ideas, etc.
Physical distancing, keeping telehealth going when possible, contactless sessions
Tracing contacts – the ability (or mandate) to disclose who has come to your office
Updating your office policies and consents
Strategically planning for reopening an office
Resources mentioned:
We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below might be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!
The Phases for Reopening California
CDC Resource Page
Recommendations from CDC
CDC Guidance on Cleaning and Disinfecting
Recommendations from WHO
Recommendations from OSHA
Therapy Reimagined 2020:
Therapy Reimagined 2020 Conference: Speakers!!
Therapy Reimagined 2020 Call for Sponsors
Relevant Episodes:
The Viral Episode
Confidential Communications
Connect with us!
Our Facebook Group – The Modern Therapists Group
Get Notified About Therapy Reimagined 2020 (and TR2019 Virtual Conference)
Our consultation services:
The Fifty-Minute Hour
Credits:
Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/
Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/
