Given Gov. DeWine's changes in covid-19 guidelines, here is an update from our practice. First, we are all feeling frustrated with having to abide by restrictions. We all who work at IPH miss seeing each other in person. We very much miss seeing you in our comfortable offices for face to face meetings.
Current guidelines state that if we are to return to in person meetings, we must keep at least 6 feet distance from one another, wear a mask at all times, and sanitize appropriately between each client. Despite tremendously missing our office space, and seeing you in person, there is not a perfect way to accomplish these mandates. It would be difficult to maintain six feet of distance from one another at all times, or to disinfect every surface or toy touched between each session. It would also be uncomfortable to wear a mask the length of the session, or feel comfortable with providers wearing a mask at all times. So much gets communicated through facial expressions, that wearing a mask may impact the quality of therapy. Furthermore, wearing masks, constant sanitizing, and worry about getting sick may turn the therapy experience into an anxiety provoking one.
Thus, telehealth appears to be the safest, most effective way to engage in therapy currently. We hope this will change in the future with the help of a vaccine or testing, but we can't predict the timeline of this. This isn't optimal for any of us, and we acknowledge and grieve together the loss of our former ability to freely meet with each other. Especially given this challenging time, we wish we could safely meet in person. We want to be there for you in a way that will not cause harm. As each clinician with IPH is an independent contractor, please check in with her/him about the best way to proceed. Please call our admin as well with questions at our main number (216) 801-4656 or email us at iph@ipsyhealth.com.
We deeply appreciate your patience and are humbled to partner with you through this historic event. Be safe, all! We will get through this!
Current guidelines state that if we are to return to in person meetings, we must keep at least 6 feet distance from one another, wear a mask at all times, and sanitize appropriately between each client. Despite tremendously missing our office space, and seeing you in person, there is not a perfect way to accomplish these mandates. It would be difficult to maintain six feet of distance from one another at all times, or to disinfect every surface or toy touched between each session. It would also be uncomfortable to wear a mask the length of the session, or feel comfortable with providers wearing a mask at all times. So much gets communicated through facial expressions, that wearing a mask may impact the quality of therapy. Furthermore, wearing masks, constant sanitizing, and worry about getting sick may turn the therapy experience into an anxiety provoking one.
Thus, telehealth appears to be the safest, most effective way to engage in therapy currently. We hope this will change in the future with the help of a vaccine or testing, but we can't predict the timeline of this. This isn't optimal for any of us, and we acknowledge and grieve together the loss of our former ability to freely meet with each other. Especially given this challenging time, we wish we could safely meet in person. We want to be there for you in a way that will not cause harm. As each clinician with IPH is an independent contractor, please check in with her/him about the best way to proceed. Please call our admin as well with questions at our main number (216) 801-4656 or email us at iph@ipsyhealth.com.
We deeply appreciate your patience and are humbled to partner with you through this historic event. Be safe, all! We will get through this!