This document describes what to expect when receiving psychotherapy by telehealth (video or phone) from Amber Faille, LCSW, California License # 129737, and the additional considerations that come with meeting remotely. It supplements — and does not replace — the Informed Consent for Psychotherapy.
What Telehealth Is
Telehealth means delivering health care services using electronic communication technologies — in this practice, secure live video sessions (or telephone when appropriate) — while you and I are in different locations.
Your Consent Is Voluntary
You have the right to choose whether to receive services by telehealth. You may withhold or withdraw your consent to telehealth at any time without affecting your right to future care or treatment. If telehealth is not a good fit, we will discuss alternatives, including in-person sessions or referral to a provider near you.
Benefits
- Access to care from anywhere in California, without travel time.
- Continuity of care during illness, travel within California, or scheduling constraints.
- Comfort of meeting from your own space.
Risks and Limitations
- Technology can fail. Connections may drop, and audio or video quality may be reduced.
- Privacy at your location. I will always meet with you from a private space; you are responsible for choosing a private location on your end. Headphones can help.
- Security. While the platform I use is designed to protect your information, no electronic transmission is entirely risk-free.
- Not suitable for every situation. Some conditions and crisis situations are better served in person or at a higher level of care. If I believe telehealth is not clinically appropriate for you, I will discuss alternatives and referrals.
- Nonverbal information. Some subtleties of in-person communication can be reduced over video.
The Platform I Use
Sessions are held using VSee, a videoconferencing service designed for health care that encrypts sessions and with which I have a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) as required by HIPAA. Please do not use email, standard text messages, or social media for clinical communication — see the Communication, Technology & Social Media Policy.
Your Location and Emergency Planning
- I am licensed in California; you must be physically located in California at the time of each session.
- At the start of each session, I will confirm the address where you are located and a phone number where I can reach you if the connection fails.
- We will identify an emergency contact person and the emergency services (nearest emergency room) local to where you typically attend sessions.
- If a mental health emergency arises, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.
Identity Verification
At the first telehealth session I will verify your identity (for example, by viewing photo identification) and provide my license information, consistent with California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements.
Technology Requirements and Backup Plan
You will need a private space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. If video fails during a session, I will call you at the phone number you provided, and we will complete the session by phone or reschedule; the fee policy in the Financial Agreement applies.
Fees
Telehealth sessions are billed at the same rates as in-person sessions, as listed in the Financial Agreement & Fee Schedule.
Recording
Sessions may not be recorded by either of us without the other’s written consent.
Consent
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood this Telehealth Informed Consent, that my questions have been answered, and that I consent to receiving psychotherapy services by telehealth. I understand I may withdraw this consent at any time.
Parent / Legal Guardian (required if the client is a minor):