A Message from Women’s Counseling of Nashua: Important – Please Read

Dear Women’s Counseling of Nashua Clients,

We know that this is a trying time for all, and we understand that many people are feeling concerned about the future. We want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to continue providing quality care while making necessary decisions. With recent school closures and ongoing developments in recommendations by the CDC and the Department of Public Health, we are constantly monitoring the situation to decide the best course of action moving forward.

At this time, we will be continuing in person sessions at the office. We are taking multiple precautions in order to provide a safe environment for everyone, including:

• Disinfecting all door handles and other “high touch” surfaces on a daily basis
• Making hand sanitizer available by the office entrance for use upon arrival or when leaving the office
• Removing frequently touched items including magazines, coffee and snack bar items, and chocolates (sorry!) for the foreseeable future
• Maintaining as much of a physical distance as possible from one another

As a reminder, we also have a sink in the kitchen / waiting area for staff and client use. Please feel free to wash your hands when entering or leaving the office (20 seconds is recommended per CDC guidelines). We have provided both regular and anti-bacterial soap for your use.

We are asking our clients to follow the following guidelines in order to continue prioritizing a healthy and safe environment:

• If you have a cough, fever, sore throat, non-allergy related sneezing, runny nose, or any symptoms that are abnormal to you, we ask that you refrain from coming into the office for 14 days. You must be fever free for at least 14 days without the aid of a fever reducer before coming into our office
• Please follow the CDC guidelines regarding personal hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. We recommend doing this before and after your sessions in the office.
• Avoid touching your face as much as possible (much harder than it sounds, so practice!)

In addition, we are now able to offer video or “telehealth” sessions in order to continue to provide support during this anxious time. We will be using Google Meet, which is a HIPAA compliant video software similar in nature to Skype. Per NH state law, you must reside in NH in order to utilize this feature. You will also be asked to sign a consent form and to call your insurance company to make sure it is a covered service (it is with most plans – please call the “member services” phone number on the back of your insurance card to make sure). You will also be required to have a credit card on file with us and will be charged on the day prior to the session. Google meet will work on a computer, tablet or even your phone (though image will not be as good). Please call us if you would like to use this feature, as we will have additional instructions for you. You can reply to this email to make arrangements or call 603-821-0008 ext. 101.

There is a good chance that depending on what we hear about the spread of the virus over the next few days and weeks that our practice may completely move to only providing video telehealth sessions.

We know that not everyone may be comfortable with the shift to telehealth, but it is important to maintain consistent treatment throughout this time. Our therapists’ schedules may be changing rapidly, and if you choose not to utilize telehealth and wish to postpone your treatment, your therapist may not be able to fit you in once we return to a normal schedule. Please understand that late cancellations or no shows greatly affect our therapists’ schedules as well, so we ask that you still give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel.

Remember that we see clients of all ages and health conditions, so we are being extra cautious in order to ensure everyone’s well being. Thank you for your understanding and patience throughout this process. We will be monitoring the situation closely and keep all of our clients updated as things progress.

Lastly, don’t forget to take a moment to slow down, and breathe–we will all get through this.

Take care,

Laura

Additional Links:
Telehealth Instructions
Telehealth Consent Form

Laura Duncan, LICSW
Owner / Clinical Director
Women’s Counseling of Nashua, LLC
61 Spit Brook Road, Suite 202
Nashua, NH 03060
[email protected]
www.womenscounselingofnashua.com
Phone: (603)-821-0008 ext. 102
Fax: (603)-554-8617

“…A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships.” – Helen Keller

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the original message.