Telehealth Services
We have seen telehealth therapy (the use of secure phone or internet platforms to provide therapeutic support, rather than in-person) offer GREAT support in recent times of uncertainty and isolation (CAMFT the Therapist, January/February 2021). I am grateful for having experience using telehealth platforms with children and families at the start of COVID-19, as it provided unique experiences and considerations for “adapting the magic” of therapy from a contained safe space to wherever the client was in that moment. I am now honored to offer telehealth services with Well1, as it literally allows us to “meet where we’re at”, and provides greater flexibility with session times (I’m available for therapy on screen as early as 6 am and as late as 7 pm).
A few considerations if choosing to be treated via telehealth:
✧Confidentiality -choose a laptop/location that allows for some sense of privacy when speaking with your therapist.
✧Confidential platforms– I will utilize HIPPA compliant platforms such as psychology today’s SESSIONS or Google-meet (as I have an business agreement that protects client-information). I am happy to utilize alternative platforms if it is the clients’ preference, though I will not be able to ensure confidentiality. Session links will be provided before session start time and allow for up to 2 clients at a time, if collateral or family sessions desired.
✧Setting the stage for tele-change– The intake session may include co-creating a more mindful, efficient, calming space for regular sessions (ie. “cutting out a corner” in child’s room with less distractions and limited noise, or choosing a cozy corner and lighting a scented candle as a teen or adult, for weekly set up of therapy and focus for progress).
✧A Well1MH electronic communications statement is mentioned and will need to be signed with intake packet
Office Space for in-person sessions
Especially with younger clients or individuals who’s shared living space is feeling all too cramped these days, safe, in-person therapy in office may be an option. My office space is located in the Center for Integrative Health and Healing, is ADA accessible, provides gender neutral restrooms, as well as hot tea and sanitizing stations. I like to describe it as “spa-like” in Seal Beach (see below for maps and address).
A few considerations if interested in being seen in-office:
✧A Well1MH COVID-Addendum-informed-consent must be signed
✧Our office is still taking the following precautions to protect our clients and help slow the spread of the coronavirus;
- Office seating in the waiting room and in therapy has been arranged for appropriate physical distancing.
- I wear a mask. You could, too.
- Restroom soap dispensers are maintained and everyone is encouraged to wash their hands at entry and between expressive arts or play interventions.
- Hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is available in the therapy, as well as in the waiting room.
- Tissues and trash bins are easily accessed. Trash is disposed of on a frequent basis.
- Common areas are thoroughly disinfected at the end of each day.
- Toys, sand, books, and other expressive arts tools are also sanitized and kept to minimize germ-spread.
In-person Office: Seal Beach; 13001 Seal Beach Blvd, Suite #360, Seal Beach Ca 90740
How great that we have options when we need them the most, huh?
✧ Jessica Wellins is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #129207,
City of Seal Beach business license, #14206331 ✧
Be Well!
For more info on tele-health efficacy; Schiano, Diane, and Holly Daniels. “The New Normal.” The Therapist, Jan. 2021, pp. 07–09..