October 26, 2022My office no longer has Covid restrictions in place.
August 24, 2021 |
Office Safety Precautions in Effect During the Pandemic
My office is taking the following precautions to protect clients and help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
My office is taking the following precautions to protect clients and help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
- Office seating in the waiting room has been arranged for appropriate physical distancing.
- Masks are worn if deemed necessary.
- Restroom soap dispensers are maintained and everyone is encouraged to wash their hands.
- Hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is available in the therapy room, and the waiting room.
- I schedule appointments at specific intervals to minimize the number of people in the waiting room.
- I ask all patients to wait in their cars or outside until no earlier than 5 minutes before their appointment times.
- Credit card pads, pens and other areas that are commonly touched are thoroughly sanitized after each use.
- Physical contact is not permitted.
- 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.
August 10, 2020 |
I have made a decision to continue telehealth/video sessions through to the end of the year. I will update this site as things change. Please feel free to message me with concerns regarding this decision.
New Pandemic Links (scroll thru this page for more links):
Listen to this helpful NPR article on the problems of using shame to combat Covid-19. It's 14 minutes long: "Why Shame is a Bad Public Health Tool - Especially in a Pandemic," by NPR.
Here's a 4-minute listen by NPR on why Covid-19 may never go away, not even with a vaccine. But it's not bad news: "Covid-19 May Never Go Away - With or Without a Vaccine," by NPR.
New Pandemic Links (scroll thru this page for more links):
Listen to this helpful NPR article on the problems of using shame to combat Covid-19. It's 14 minutes long: "Why Shame is a Bad Public Health Tool - Especially in a Pandemic," by NPR.
Here's a 4-minute listen by NPR on why Covid-19 may never go away, not even with a vaccine. But it's not bad news: "Covid-19 May Never Go Away - With or Without a Vaccine," by NPR.
May 23, 2020
Here are two articles on Covid-19 and risks. Please take some time to read them. Informed risk-taking helps us proceed with open-eyed care, allowing us to feel more in control and safe, and ultimately increases our enjoyment of life.
"The Risks - Know Them - Avoid Them," by Erin Bromage
"From Camping to Dining Out: Here's How Experts Rate the Risks of 14 Summer Activities," by NPR staff writers Allison Aubrey, Laurel Wamsley, and Carmel Wroth
"The Risks - Know Them - Avoid Them," by Erin Bromage
"From Camping to Dining Out: Here's How Experts Rate the Risks of 14 Summer Activities," by NPR staff writers Allison Aubrey, Laurel Wamsley, and Carmel Wroth
May 7, 2020
Sessions will continue via telehealth through September 7th. I truly hope this date does not get extended.
April 6, 2020
Date for telehealth sessions is now extended through to June 9th. Again, this date may be extended.
March 31, 2020
All sessions will be conducted by telehealth conferencing through May 4th. This date may be extended.
March 21, 2020
Please let me know if your scheduling needs have changed due to Covid-19. I am much more flexible than normal through all of this, and will do my very best to accommodate your scheduling needs.
March 18, 2020
Hi there -
I hope everyone is finding ways to enjoy life in the midst of so much chaos. I have been reviewing my platform options for video sessions, and I have decided that my practice management software, SimplePractice, can provide the best quality of service and security, and is completely HIPAA compliant, and links directly to the system that I already use for calendar, reminders, and payments. So, it is also very quick, as I will not have to link to a new app. And, as the name states, it is also very simple and easy to use.
The system will send you an email and/or a text that will give you a link to click on to join our meeting. From your computer you simply need to join as it leads you through. It will also ask you to give it permission to use your camera and your audio. If you want to use your phone instead, that will work. However, you will need an app, and so if you think you may want to do it that way, please go ahead and download the app. It is free. Takes about a minute. Look for it in the app store as, "Telehealth by SimplePractice." It works with both IOS and Android. I am actually really happy about this choice.
If you have an appointment scheduled with me, I will be calling you within the next couple of days to check-in about all of the recent changes.
One more thing. I will need you to complete a new consent form. I am attaching it here. consent_for_telemental_health.pdf. Please print it out, read it over, and sign if you agree. Then if you would scan it or just snap a picture of all pages and send them to my email (annette@annettedelcanto.com), that would be great.
Again, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding our sessions going forward.
All my care -
Annette
I hope everyone is finding ways to enjoy life in the midst of so much chaos. I have been reviewing my platform options for video sessions, and I have decided that my practice management software, SimplePractice, can provide the best quality of service and security, and is completely HIPAA compliant, and links directly to the system that I already use for calendar, reminders, and payments. So, it is also very quick, as I will not have to link to a new app. And, as the name states, it is also very simple and easy to use.
The system will send you an email and/or a text that will give you a link to click on to join our meeting. From your computer you simply need to join as it leads you through. It will also ask you to give it permission to use your camera and your audio. If you want to use your phone instead, that will work. However, you will need an app, and so if you think you may want to do it that way, please go ahead and download the app. It is free. Takes about a minute. Look for it in the app store as, "Telehealth by SimplePractice." It works with both IOS and Android. I am actually really happy about this choice.
If you have an appointment scheduled with me, I will be calling you within the next couple of days to check-in about all of the recent changes.
One more thing. I will need you to complete a new consent form. I am attaching it here. consent_for_telemental_health.pdf. Please print it out, read it over, and sign if you agree. Then if you would scan it or just snap a picture of all pages and send them to my email (annette@annettedelcanto.com), that would be great.
Again, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding our sessions going forward.
All my care -
Annette
March 16, 2020
Hello -
As you know, the World Health Organization has declared Covid-19 a pandemic. What this means is that the virus has spread to many regions of the world and that a significant number of people have been infected with the virus. Texas is seeing a growing number of confirmed cases. Governor Abbott has declared Covid-19 a statewide public health disaster, and in Austin Mayor Adler has declared a local state of disaster.
To slow the spread of the virus, people are being instructed, as we all know by now, to wash hands frequently and to avoid contact with one's nose, mouth, and eyes with unwashed hands, and to disinfect surfaces where the virus may persist for days. Importantly we are also being urged to use social distancing, such as using elbow bumps instead of handshakes or hugs, keeping 6-10 feet away from people who are not immediate family members, cancelling large gatherings, staying off of airplanes, keeping outings to a minimum and preferably only as necessary, and working from home where possible. Given that our sessions take place in a closed space with no windows available that can be opened for air circulation, I have made a decision to continue my practice via video and/or phone sessions once I am back to work following spring break on March 24th.
As I stated in my last letter to you, I do not wish to intensify any stress you are feeling related to Covid-19. Rather, my wish is to be smart about how we respond to this pandemic, as constructive response to threat reduces stress within the body's nervous system. And I wish to help all of us remain free from the virus as long as possible, to help limit the spread of the virus, and to help limit the pace of its inevitable spread. Additionally, I want to share only accurate information.
Helping to slow the spread of the virus is a responsibility that falls on all of us, and that means we must use social distancing. Most people who get Covid-19 will have a mild case, like that of a cold. If you are under age 60 and relatively healthy, you will likely fall into that group. So what is the big deal? There are a couple of important answers to that. First, is that people over age 60 and others with medical conditions may be affected more seriously and have an elevated fatality risk of up to 20 times that of the flu. (Please see Chart 1 below.) It is our responsibility to make sure we are not carrying it around and passing it on to vulnerable populations. Remember, we have no vaccine.
Secondly, I have heard some people say, "Let's just get the virus and get it over with. Our immune systems need it anyway." While if you fall in that category of those who may be only mildly affected, that might seem like a reasonable idea. The problem is that not everyone will have a mild case as it spreads, and if it spreads too quickly we will end up with an overwhelmed healthcare system. Our medical providers and hospitals will not be equipped to handle the flood of cases. What that means is that doctors will end up having to decide who gets prompt care and who doesn't. No one wants our loved ones or ourselves to be those who do not get prompt care. We want our healthcare system to be able to withstand the hit of Covid-19 as its wave continues to land. We do not want the wave to turn into a tsunami. (See Chart 2 below for a good visual.) Please also read this excellent Medium article for further understanding: https://elemental.medium.com/why-we-should-care-commonly-asked-questions-and-answers-about-covid-19-6b166f1876e9. And there is a great photo at the bottom of this email that demonstrates the benefits of social distancing.
So, to do my part, I am going to work from home by video and phone. I will be using the platform Zoom for video sessions. You do not need to have the app. I will be able to send you a link via email that you will simply need to click on to join a Zoom session. And it is HIPAA compliant. If you are concerned about video or phone sessions, or have any questions about how it will work, please email or call me. We will talk it out. Here's a link to Zoom for more info: https://us04web.zoom.us/
To say this is a stressful time is a massive understatement. We are literally all feeling the weight of the world's problems on our shoulders. Please remember that during this extremely stressful period, your nervous system is having to work some serious overtime. The smallest of tasks and situations might feel very difficult and heavy. Not knowing how long this may go on does not help. Please make it a priority to listen to your bodies' needs, and do what you can to care for yourselves and your families. Rest as needed, eat nutritious meals, do gentle exercises like walking or yoga. Meditate, do some breathing exercises (big breath in, slow deep breath out). Watch funny movies. Limit your intake of the news and social media. Talk by phone and video to loved ones who are not in your household. Ask for support. Spend time outside and take it all in with all of your senses. Find small ways to enjoy. Laugh and cry (the two best ways to discharge stress). And remember, we are in this together. All of us. The whole world.
Please respond to this email to let me know if you prefer video or phone sessions, or if those will present a problem. I may reach out to you by phone this week if I don't hear from you by email.
Here are links to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) with up -to-date and reliable information on Covid-19, including symptoms, and what to do if you think you might have it, or if you think you may have come into contact with someone who does.
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen
With all my care -
Annette
As you know, the World Health Organization has declared Covid-19 a pandemic. What this means is that the virus has spread to many regions of the world and that a significant number of people have been infected with the virus. Texas is seeing a growing number of confirmed cases. Governor Abbott has declared Covid-19 a statewide public health disaster, and in Austin Mayor Adler has declared a local state of disaster.
To slow the spread of the virus, people are being instructed, as we all know by now, to wash hands frequently and to avoid contact with one's nose, mouth, and eyes with unwashed hands, and to disinfect surfaces where the virus may persist for days. Importantly we are also being urged to use social distancing, such as using elbow bumps instead of handshakes or hugs, keeping 6-10 feet away from people who are not immediate family members, cancelling large gatherings, staying off of airplanes, keeping outings to a minimum and preferably only as necessary, and working from home where possible. Given that our sessions take place in a closed space with no windows available that can be opened for air circulation, I have made a decision to continue my practice via video and/or phone sessions once I am back to work following spring break on March 24th.
As I stated in my last letter to you, I do not wish to intensify any stress you are feeling related to Covid-19. Rather, my wish is to be smart about how we respond to this pandemic, as constructive response to threat reduces stress within the body's nervous system. And I wish to help all of us remain free from the virus as long as possible, to help limit the spread of the virus, and to help limit the pace of its inevitable spread. Additionally, I want to share only accurate information.
Helping to slow the spread of the virus is a responsibility that falls on all of us, and that means we must use social distancing. Most people who get Covid-19 will have a mild case, like that of a cold. If you are under age 60 and relatively healthy, you will likely fall into that group. So what is the big deal? There are a couple of important answers to that. First, is that people over age 60 and others with medical conditions may be affected more seriously and have an elevated fatality risk of up to 20 times that of the flu. (Please see Chart 1 below.) It is our responsibility to make sure we are not carrying it around and passing it on to vulnerable populations. Remember, we have no vaccine.
Secondly, I have heard some people say, "Let's just get the virus and get it over with. Our immune systems need it anyway." While if you fall in that category of those who may be only mildly affected, that might seem like a reasonable idea. The problem is that not everyone will have a mild case as it spreads, and if it spreads too quickly we will end up with an overwhelmed healthcare system. Our medical providers and hospitals will not be equipped to handle the flood of cases. What that means is that doctors will end up having to decide who gets prompt care and who doesn't. No one wants our loved ones or ourselves to be those who do not get prompt care. We want our healthcare system to be able to withstand the hit of Covid-19 as its wave continues to land. We do not want the wave to turn into a tsunami. (See Chart 2 below for a good visual.) Please also read this excellent Medium article for further understanding: https://elemental.medium.com/why-we-should-care-commonly-asked-questions-and-answers-about-covid-19-6b166f1876e9. And there is a great photo at the bottom of this email that demonstrates the benefits of social distancing.
So, to do my part, I am going to work from home by video and phone. I will be using the platform Zoom for video sessions. You do not need to have the app. I will be able to send you a link via email that you will simply need to click on to join a Zoom session. And it is HIPAA compliant. If you are concerned about video or phone sessions, or have any questions about how it will work, please email or call me. We will talk it out. Here's a link to Zoom for more info: https://us04web.zoom.us/
To say this is a stressful time is a massive understatement. We are literally all feeling the weight of the world's problems on our shoulders. Please remember that during this extremely stressful period, your nervous system is having to work some serious overtime. The smallest of tasks and situations might feel very difficult and heavy. Not knowing how long this may go on does not help. Please make it a priority to listen to your bodies' needs, and do what you can to care for yourselves and your families. Rest as needed, eat nutritious meals, do gentle exercises like walking or yoga. Meditate, do some breathing exercises (big breath in, slow deep breath out). Watch funny movies. Limit your intake of the news and social media. Talk by phone and video to loved ones who are not in your household. Ask for support. Spend time outside and take it all in with all of your senses. Find small ways to enjoy. Laugh and cry (the two best ways to discharge stress). And remember, we are in this together. All of us. The whole world.
Please respond to this email to let me know if you prefer video or phone sessions, or if those will present a problem. I may reach out to you by phone this week if I don't hear from you by email.
Here are links to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) with up -to-date and reliable information on Covid-19, including symptoms, and what to do if you think you might have it, or if you think you may have come into contact with someone who does.
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen
With all my care -
Annette
Chart 1: Health Risk of Covid-19 as Compared to Flu
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Chart 2: Healthcare System Capacity
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Impact of social distancing:
The one who stays away saves the rest.
|
March 2, 2020
Hello -
Given the recent news that there is a confirmed case of the new Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, in San Antonio, as well as two people's deaths in Washington state, I thought it was time to discuss a protocol with regard to sessions in order to help minimize spread. I do not wish to increase any stress you may be feeling regarding COVID-19, and yet the best thing we can do to keep our stress down is to be aware and pro-active in regard to what we can do to protect ourselves and others from infection.
So, if you are symptomatic of a virus or upper respiratory infection, please either reschedule your appointment or ask that our session happens by phone or video conference. Please keep in mind that my late cancel policy (cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice) states that if you cancel due to illness, I will not charge a fee. I will keep the protocol as well: If I am symptomatic of a virus or upper respiratory infection, I will offer to do the session by phone or video conference, or reschedule if I am too sick.
This is a good standard to keep in any case, even without threat of COVID-19, as we are annually dealing with flu contagion.
If you have seasonal allergies and you are sure that any symptoms you may be experiencing are due to that, please let me know.
Here is a link to the CDC where you may find information on symptoms of COVID-19:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
Also, I have attached a five minute video by Dr. Peter Lin on prevention of spread, to self and others, of COVID-19, just below this message.
If we, as a community, are smart about handling any COVID-19 outbreak in our region, together we will greatly reduce our chances of infection for ourselves and others.
Please feel free to call or email me with any questions.
With my greatest care -
Annette
Given the recent news that there is a confirmed case of the new Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, in San Antonio, as well as two people's deaths in Washington state, I thought it was time to discuss a protocol with regard to sessions in order to help minimize spread. I do not wish to increase any stress you may be feeling regarding COVID-19, and yet the best thing we can do to keep our stress down is to be aware and pro-active in regard to what we can do to protect ourselves and others from infection.
So, if you are symptomatic of a virus or upper respiratory infection, please either reschedule your appointment or ask that our session happens by phone or video conference. Please keep in mind that my late cancel policy (cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice) states that if you cancel due to illness, I will not charge a fee. I will keep the protocol as well: If I am symptomatic of a virus or upper respiratory infection, I will offer to do the session by phone or video conference, or reschedule if I am too sick.
This is a good standard to keep in any case, even without threat of COVID-19, as we are annually dealing with flu contagion.
If you have seasonal allergies and you are sure that any symptoms you may be experiencing are due to that, please let me know.
Here is a link to the CDC where you may find information on symptoms of COVID-19:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
Also, I have attached a five minute video by Dr. Peter Lin on prevention of spread, to self and others, of COVID-19, just below this message.
If we, as a community, are smart about handling any COVID-19 outbreak in our region, together we will greatly reduce our chances of infection for ourselves and others.
Please feel free to call or email me with any questions.
With my greatest care -
Annette