Telehealth Informed Consent
Reflections Counseling & Coaching
Effective Date: March 25, 2026
This Telehealth Informed Consent describes the policies and procedures for participating in counseling services using telehealth. Telehealth includes services provided using secure video conferencing, phone, or other electronic communication methods.
By participating in telehealth services, you acknowledge and agree to the following.
What is Telehealth
Telehealth allows counseling services to be provided remotely using secure technology. This means you and your therapist are not in the same physical location during sessions.
Telehealth may include:
• Video sessions
• Phone sessions when appropriate
• Secure messaging when applicable
Benefits of Telehealth
Telehealth may offer the following benefits:
• Increased access to care
• Convenience and flexibility
• Reduced travel time
• Greater privacy from home or another private location
• Continued care during illness or travel
Risks of Telehealth
There are potential risks associated with telehealth including:
• Technology interruptions
• Poor internet connection
• Audio or video delays
• Unauthorized access if privacy is not maintained
• Limitations compared to in person care
Reflections Counseling & Coaching takes reasonable steps to reduce these risks using secure platforms.
Client Responsibilities
By participating in telehealth services, you agree to:
• Be physically located in a state where your therapist is licensed
• Participate from a private and quiet location
• Use a secure internet connection when possible
• Avoid public spaces when attending sessions
• Not record sessions without permission
• Ensure others cannot hear your session without consent
Emergency Situations
Telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies.
If you are experiencing a crisis:
• Call 988
• Call 911
• Go to your nearest emergency room
• Contact local emergency services
You agree to provide your current location at the start of sessions if requested for safety purposes.
Confidentiality
Telehealth sessions are confidential and protected in the same manner as in person sessions. However, electronic communication carries some inherent risks.
Reflections Counseling & Coaching uses secure platforms designed to protect privacy. You are responsible for maintaining privacy on your end.
Technology Requirements
You are responsible for:
• A working internet connection
• A compatible device
• Functioning camera and microphone when using video
• Being available at scheduled session time
If technology fails, we may:
• Switch to phone session
• Reschedule appointment
• Attempt reconnect
Recording
Recording of telehealth sessions is not permitted unless both client and therapist provide written consent.
Minors
Telehealth services for individuals under 18 require:
• Parent or guardian consent
• Parent or guardian participation when required
• Authorization for telehealth services
• Agreement to privacy expectations
Right to Withdraw
You may withdraw consent for telehealth at any time. You may request:
• In person sessions when available
• Referral to another provider
• Discontinuation of services
Acknowledgment
By using telehealth services with Reflections Counseling & Coaching, you acknowledge that:
• You understand telehealth services
• You understand risks and benefits
• You consent to telehealth treatment
• You understand emergency procedures
• You agree to privacy expectations