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Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Practices In This Counseling Office

CDC guidance updated 5/13/2021: When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated - How to Protect Yourself and Others

Group therapy at this office is conducted online. Individual sessions are available online or in-person under circumstances recommended by the CDC (see above).


Don't Miss Your Shot!



Everyone over age 16 is now eligible. Select a medical provider below (or see Westchester Medical Center's interactive map) for more for detailed information on how to schedule your COVID-19 vaccination. If your preferred healthcare provider is not listed here, call your doctor's office directly and ask.


Policy and Procedures for Reopening

Here are some mitigation strategies we began taking on March 13, 2020 to protect our clients and the community:

This page is updated as changes occur.
  1. Starting 3/20/2020, our office was physically closed to the public pursuant to the Governor's executive order.
  2. Individual therapy relmain available by video conference. In New York State, telehealth is required to be covered by most insurances to the same extent as in-person care, and in some cases more.
  3. We stopped shaking hands for the time being.
  4. We offer online group therapy via GoToMeeting and Zoom platforms.
  5. We disinfect commonly used surfaces such as doorknobs, chairs, remote devices, phones, keyboards, etc. twice a day using disinfectant spray or wipes.
  6. We posted a reminder and a friendly graphic of how to appropriately wash hands in our bathroom.
  7. We are washing our hands for a minimum of 15 seconds (humming to the tune of the Happy Birthday is a good timer) with appropriate friction. We also use a single-use paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the bathroom door after hand-washing.
  8. We posted a notice outside our office informing clients that if they have a fever or flu-like symptoms they should not enter the office and should instead call their physician and get in touch with us afterward.
  9. We created a flyer and a web page for clients explaining the precautions we are taking and letting them know about telehealth options.

“The virus is the enemy, not the person who is infected.”

Prevention practices recommended by the NYS Department of Health:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay at home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Symptoms

Novel coronavirus may cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms including:

  • fever
  • cough
  • trouble breathing and
  • pneumonia

CDC states symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. On April 27th, the CDC announced findings that the following additional symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

  • chills
  • repeated shaking with chills
  • muscle pain
  • headache
  • sore throat
  • new loss of taste or smell

How Does Novel Coronavirus Spread?

Most cases are likely to be spread from person to person by droplets when coughing. Since this virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully watch how this virus spreads.

Current Metrics and Trends

Mental Health and Recovery

“Social distancing” does not mean to go it alone. Use your telephone to stay in touch with close friends and family. Supports are available.

Telehealth

Choices Mental Health Counseling provides telehealth individual counseling services via Doxy.Me/ChoicesMHC, and group therapy via GoToMeet.Me/ChoicesMHC, allowing anyone with access to a computer and a private space in their home to connect via video conferencing software. Ask your insurer what telehealth coverage apps or other benefits they make available for accessing counseling services as well as general medical care without leaving the safety of your home. In New York State, telehealth is required to be covered by most insurances to the same extent as in-person care.

Internet Connectivity

If you qualify for Medicaid, you may be eligible for a Federally funded $50.00 per month credit on your broadband bill. See Charter Communications to Participate in FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Please call and text family and friends who may need this service, as they may not be able to see this message.

Online Sober Support Meetings

If you can't get out or don't have a ride, these are a few links for online meetings that you can attend with a computer or a smartphone. You can also call Sullivan County AA Intergroup at 845-234-4841 for information or other contacts.

Mental Health Emergencies

Sullivan County Mobile Mental Health crisis hotline is always available, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for free telephone counseling or personal outreach, at 845-790-0911 (adults) or 845-701-3777 (youth).

Resources and Readings On Mental Health and COVID-19

COVID-19 ANXIETY SUPPORT MEETINGS
"These Are Not Substance Recovery Meetings. Support meetings hosted by Lion Rock Recovery for people struggling with anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Structured as an on-going workshop (it is not psychotherapy), the COVID-19 Anxiety Support Meeting will teach coping skills and be a place to share and connect with others also feeling the effects of this crisis."

Housing

Prevention

Wear a Mask

Sign: Please wear a mask in this office.

Unvaccinated visitors to this office are asked to wear a mask pursuant to CDC guidance, as well as New York Codes, Rules & Regulations § 66-3.2 (Face-Coverings); Public Health Law § 201 and § 206; and Executive Order 202.14. Thank you.

Privacy Rights and COVID-19

Trusted Government Sources:

Declarations of Emergency

Originally posted 3/12/2020
Updated regularly.


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