Telehealth Practices

Telehealth Policy at Whipple Creek Wellness

Whipple Creek Wellness – Washington & Oregon Patients

Overview

Whipple Creek Wellness provides secure telehealth services to facilitate patient access to psychiatric care when in-person visits are not feasible. Telehealth allows our providers to deliver mental health services through real-time, interactive audio and video communication, ensuring continuity of care for patients located in Washington or Oregon.

What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth at Whipple Creek Wellness utilizes secure, HIPAA-compliant technology to facilitate remote appointments. This includes:

  • Psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis

  • Medication management

  • Psychotherapy

  • Treatment planning and consultation

  • Referrals to additional services or specialists

  • Mental health education

Telehealth is only available to patients who are physically located in Washington or Oregon at the time of the session.

When Telehealth Is Used

Telehealth may be appropriate when patients:

  • Are unable to attend in-person appointments

  • Live at a distance from the clinic

  • Have scheduling or mobility limitations

However, telehealth may not be appropriate in certain circumstances. In such cases, in-person care or referrals will be recommended.

Limitations and Risks of Telehealth

While telehealth can be effective and convenient, it has its limitations. Patients should be aware of the following risks:

  • Technical issues (e.g., poor internet connection, audio/video delays) may affect communication or disrupt sessions.

  • Reduced access to non-verbal cues, which may affect the provider’s ability to assess the patient thoroughly.

  • Privacy risks, though rare, may arise due to unauthorized access to electronic communications despite the use of encrypted systems.

  • Clinical limitations – the provider may determine that telehealth is not appropriate for a particular issue or ongoing care.

  • No guaranteed outcomes – telehealth, like in-person care, does not guarantee improvement.

Conditions That May Make Telehealth Inappropriate

Telehealth may not be suitable in cases involving:

  • Active suicidal or homicidal ideation

  • Severe crisis or emergencies

  • Inability to safely and privately participate in a session

  • Poor internet access or technical barriers

  • Being physically located outside of Washington or Oregon

In these situations, alternative care or an in-person visit may be required.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Whipple Creek Wellness upholds the same standards of confidentiality for telehealth as for in-person care. During sessions:

  • Personal health information is protected through secure, encrypted platforms.

  • Only authorized clinical and administrative staff may access patient information.

  • If additional personnel (e.g., tech support) are present, patients will be informed and can:

    • Request to delay or pause the session

    • Ask others to leave the room

    • Choose not to discuss sensitive topics

Patients are expected to attend telehealth sessions from a private, quiet location where they will not be interrupted or overheard.

Verification of Location

At the start of each telehealth appointment, the provider will confirm the patient’s current physical location to ensure they are within Washington or Oregon. This is required for regulatory compliance and licensure boundaries.

Emergency and Crisis Protocol

Telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies or acute mental health crises. If experiencing a crisis, patients should:

  • Call 911

  • Go to the nearest emergency room

  • Call the Southwest Washington Crisis Line at 800-626-8137

  • Call or text 988 (Mental Health Crisis Line)

Telehealth Payment Policy

Whipple Creek Wellness bills insurance plans for telehealth services when coverage is available. If telehealth is not covered, or if a patient does not have insurance or opts not to use it:

  • Full payment is due at the time of service

  • Payments can be made through the Patient Portal using a credit card, or by check or cash

Consent for Telehealth

By engaging in telehealth services with Whipple Creek Wellness, patients acknowledge that:

  • They understand the risks, benefits, and limitations of telehealth

  • They agree to participate in telehealth only while physically located in Washington or Oregon

  • They may be required to attend periodic in-person visits

  • They can withdraw consent for telehealth at any time by informing their provider

If you have questions about this policy or whether telehealth is suitable for you, please don't hesitate to contact us through the Patient Portal.