COVID-19 CLIENT UPDATE #2 26.03.2020
Updated: Mar 26, 2020
YES, WPS is OPEN!
Continuation of Psychological Treatment during the current Covid-19 Health Pandemic is a priority at WPS.
This update is to reassure and inform you of the actions we are taking to:
· Protect clients and clinicians at WPS from exposure to COVID-19 infection &
· Ensure continuation of psychological treatment over the coming months.
Reducing risk of exposure to infection:
1. All clients and psychologists are asked to not attend the clinic if you:
· are unwell or have any respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, cold), or
· are diagnosed with or being assessed for COVID-19
· are requiring self-isolation
· are returned overseas traveller in the last 14-days
· have been in close contact with a confirmed case. See https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19#what-is-close-contact.
CANCELLATIONS: We will waive fees for any cancellations in these circumstances, please try to provide as much notice as possible.
2. Please wash your hands with soap and dry thoroughly or use hand sanitiser when you arrive at the Clinic.
3. Please follow these guidelines to reduce your risk of catching and transmitting COVID-19 in the wider community: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – what you need to know
Treatment Options (As at 26/3/2020. Any changes will be advised)
WPS Face to Face: Unless you or your psychologist indicate otherwise, typically face to face session will occur when well and able. Usual rates apply.
WPS Phone or Telehealth/Video Sessions (Zoom): You currently have the choice to attend the rooms or have Phone or Telehealth/video sessions.
**For all clients accessing Medicare rebates via a mental health care plan -Telehealth options are available from 30/3/20, usual rates apply. Payments can be made over the phone or via direct deposit and rebates processed as per normal(returned within 24hrs).
3. No Cost Phone or Telehealth/Video Sessions (Zoom)
Clients funded via TAC, Comcare, TPS (CAREinMIND), NDIS and Open Place also allow sessions by phone or telehealth/video conference.
Clients funded via Workcover allow sessions by telehealth /video conference.
** If your ongoing counselling care is being affected by financial hardship, we are responding to clients individual circumstances, please advise reception so we can provide you with options.
Access to ZOOM (Telehealth consultations)
What technology do I need to have a phone or video session?
We are currently using Zoom to host video sessions. You do not need an existing Zoom account to participate, but if you already have one you can sign in with your existing details. Once our admin team has confirmed your booking for an online video session with your psychologist, you will receive an email invitation to join the zoom session prior to your session. You simply follow the link on the provided on the day of your session and you can join the session. You will need to enter an ID and password to join the private session. You will receive more details in your specific email, however, if you would like more information about how to join a zoom session, please see the zoom website.
Here is a link you can follow https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a- Meeting
What happens if our online connection fails?
Video sessions are reliant on internet connection and sometimes the connection can fail unexpectedly. The first 10 minutes of your session will be dedicated to checking that the connection is appropriate to commence the session, if unsuccessful during this time, a phone session may be offered if appropriate. Before commencing your first session with the psychologist, it is recommended that you create a personal zoom account to check your connection. This could be a helpful way to practice talking over video with your child or teen prior to the session. You can download a free (basic) version of zoom here. You do not need your own personal account for your psychology session.
Client Tips & Resources
1. Tips for Coping with anxiety about Corona Virus. The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has developed some information sheets that outline some useful strategies which can help both adults and children cope with the stress or anxiety experienced as a result of the coronavirus outbreak and social isolation. See below:
Tip Sheets:
2. A comprehensive list of Mental Health Resources to support the mental wellbeing of Australians through the coronavirus pandemic.
In developing these responses we have drawn on advice from the Department of Health, World Health Organisation and the Australian Psychological Society,
Warm regards
Dr Angelo Pagano Fiona Kenna
BA (M.B.Sc.Pre) PsyD (Clinical) Cert. Nsg., Grad Dip (CHN), M.App.Sc
Director/ Clinical Services (Management)
Director/Practice Manager