Multi-State Licensure and Physical Location Requirements

Mental health providers are regulated by state licensing boards and may only provide services in jurisdictions where they are legally authorized to practice.

Licensed Jurisdictions

HEAL CCC clinical providers are authorized to provide telehealth services to clients located in:

• Virginia
• Maryland
• Alabama
• The District of Columbia

Location Verification

At the beginning of each telehealth session, you are required to verbally confirm your current physical location and address.

Traveling and Location Restrictions

If you are located outside a jurisdiction where your provider is authorized to practice, your provider may be unable to provide services. The appointment may need to be canceled, rescheduled, or postponed until you return to an authorized location.

If you are located in an unauthorized jurisdiction, your provider may end the session and assist with rescheduling when services can legally be provided.

Benefits and Risks of Telehealth

Telehealth can provide convenient access to mental health services; however, it also has unique benefits and potential risks.

Potential Benefits May Include:

• Increased access to care
• Reduced travel time and expenses
• Greater scheduling flexibility
• The ability to receive services from a familiar environment

Potential Risks May Include:

• Technical problems, equipment failure, or internet disruptions
• Reduced ability for the provider to observe certain nonverbal communication
• Delays in emergency response due to physical distance
• Privacy risks when participating from non-private locations
• Possible unauthorized access despite security measures

To help protect your privacy, you should use a secure internet connection, password-protect your devices, and avoid public Wi-Fi whenever possible.

Client Responsibilities During Telehealth Sessions

To support privacy, safety, and effective treatment, you agree to:

• Participate from a private location where conversations cannot reasonably be overheard.
• Minimize distractions and interruptions during sessions.
• Use a device capable of supporting secure video communication.
• Maintain accurate contact information and emergency contact information with HEAL CCC.
• Notify your provider if another person is present during the session.

Driving During Telehealth Sessions

Clients may not participate in telehealth sessions while driving or operating a motor vehicle.

If a client joins a session while driving, the provider may terminate the session immediately due to safety concerns. Any scheduling or financial consequences will be addressed according to HEAL CCC’s attendance and cancellation policies.

Technology Failure Protocol

Technology issues may occasionally interrupt telehealth services. If a video connection is interrupted or cannot be established:

• Your provider will attempt to reconnect through the secure telehealth platform.
• If reconnection is unsuccessful, your provider may contact you using the telephone number on file.
• If clinically appropriate, legally permissible, and covered by your insurance plan, the session may continue by telephone.
• If continuation is not appropriate or possible, the session may be rescheduled.

Please ensure your telephone is available and able to receive calls during your scheduled appointment time.

Appropriateness of Telehealth Services

Telehealth may not be appropriate for every clinical situation. Your provider will assess whether telehealth continues to be an appropriate and effective method of care.

Your provider may recommend:

• In-person services
• Referral to another provider or local resource
• A higher level of care
• Emergency evaluation or intervention

These recommendations may occur when telehealth is determined to be insufficient to safely or effectively meet your clinical needs.

Emergency Management During Telehealth Services

Because your provider is not physically present with you during telehealth sessions, specific emergency procedures are necessary to support your safety.

Emergency Intervention

If your provider believes you are experiencing a psychiatric or medical emergency, or are at imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others, your provider may take steps necessary to protect your safety or the safety of others.

Actions may include:

• Contacting emergency services (911)
• Contacting your emergency contact
• Contacting local crisis services
• Taking other appropriate actions permitted by law and professional standards

Emergency services may be dispatched to the physical location you provide at the beginning of the session.

Emergency Contact Information

You are responsible for maintaining a current emergency contact on file with HEAL CCC and notifying the Practice of any changes. Keeping your location and emergency contact information updated helps your provider respond appropriately if a safety concern arises during telehealth services.