Hello-
We hope this finds you healthy and well.
As you know, the situation about coronavirus (COVID-19) is evolving quickly. We at Therapy Group, Inc. are taking precautions to limit exposure and reduce the spread of the virus for the safety of our clients and staff. We want to be sure that you are able to meet with your therapist as scheduled during this time of uncertainty and it is our goal to remain available for counseling sessions whether it be in person, via video or on the telephone.
All appointments, payments by debit or credit or any questions will be handled by telephone at 319-209-2084 or text at 319-572-8638 until this public health crisis is over. Our drive-up window is available also for anything we aren't able to do over the phone.
At this time, HIPAA penalties have been relaxed and we are now able to do virtual therapy sessions via Facetime, Skype, or telephone. Please call, email or text the office and let us know which method you prefer.
FACETIME : If you have an IPhone or IPad and would like to use Facetime for your sessions, please confirm that we have the correct phone number. You will need to be in a quiet, confidential location for your sessions.
SKYPE : If you choose to use skype, we will need your skype username in the email or text and you will need a device with a camera and microphone. You will need to be in a quiet, confidential location for your sessions.
TELEPHONE : If your phone number has changed recently, please confirm that we have the correct number. You will need to be in a quiet, confidential location for your sessions.
IMPORTANT: YOUR THERAPIST WILL BE CONTACTING YOU ON THEIR PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES FOR THESE SESSIONS. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THEM ON THEIR PERSONAL DEVICES FOR ANY REASON. As always, please call, text or email the office with any questions.
Telephone and video sessions are billable to insurance with the usual copays. Depending on your policy, some copays have been waived for telehealth during this public health crisis. You may contact our office as usual at 319-209-2084 to schedule your appointments, and you can make payments over the phone also. Please do not hesitate to call, email or text our office with any questions you may have.
We are recommending telephone or video sessions for you if any of the following apply:
- If you have traveled in the last 14 days
- If you have had contact with anyone who has any active COVID symptoms or a COVID diagnosis in the last 14 days
- If you are over the age of 60, if you have pre-existing health conditions that make you more susceptible, or if you are immuno-compromised
- If you have daycare issues that would require you to bring siblings or others to your appointment
- If you have any concerns about exposure or coming to the office
If these concerns do not apply to you, you may continue your therapy sessions in person if your therapist is available for in-person sessions. Upon arriving and before exiting the office, we ask that you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer and wear a mask in the common areas of the building.
Our building is on lockdown and our waiting room is closed at this time in an attempt to decrease the chances for transmission of COVID-19. We are cleaning and disinfecting high-touch areas in between each client with EPA-approved virucides and disinfectants. Our professional cleaning service has taken additional training and is certified in COVID-19 sanitation. Upon arrival to your scheduled appointment, please call the office at 319-209-2084 or text at 319-572-8638 to check in, wait in your car and we will let you know when to meet your therapist at the door.
Therapy Group, Inc. is monitoring the COVID-19 situation very closely as our state and the CDC determines best practices. While our goal is to remain open for in-person counseling sessions, there is a possibility that we may have to change all appointments to telephone or video at some point if it is mandated or . We will keep you informed of these decisions as they are made.
During this stressful time, we recommend taking the time to relax and enjoy some downtime. Remember that high amounts of stress and anxiety without effective self-care can negatively impact the immune system. Below you will find some recommended articles to help with relieving stress:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing -stress-anxiety.html
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/coping-with-coronavirus-anxiety-2020031219183
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-calm-your-anxiety-about-coronavirus-in-90- seconds
We’re all in this together and together we’ll get through it! Thank you all for your patience and cooperation as we work through this : )
In good health,
Holly, Sara, Rachel, Sam, Susan and Staff
Therapy Group, Inc.