Update 1/8/2021:  According to the CDC and Texas guidelines for the Pandemic, Tier A healthcare workers (including psychologists and associates with patient contact) are eligible for vaccination. In order to further mitigate and do our part in preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus, Dr. Wooten and Connie received the first dose of the Moderna vaccination.  We are hopeful that this contributes to the other efforts we make in mitigating this virus spread and make all patients and family members continue to feel comfortable and safe in our office.

Here is an interesting video I wanted to share with you. credit to Dr. Carbray is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, and Administrative Director, Pediatric Mood Disorder Clinic, Pediatric Brain Research and Intervention Center, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, Illinois.

How COVID-19 Is Affecting the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents

The threat of COVID-19 is ongoing throughout the United States. As a way to mitigate the risk of exposure, we are encouraging telehealth visits through 1/31/2021.  However, in-person office visits are required for the following services: 

• Initial consultation. 
• Evaluations which require the administration of assessments which are not available nor can be administered remotely and the collection of data must be in person. Social Distancing, masks and/or sneeze guard protection is used as appropriately for safety and proper administration.
• There is not adequate technology or network services to participate in teletherapy.  A wired connection (rather than WiFi) works best.
  
• Patient-Psychologist mutual agreement for in-person therapy services.
  

In-person services availability is based on current conditions and guidelines. It is possible that future health and safety guidelines will require that all in-person office visit services will be suspended and that only teletherapy will be available. If that happens, we will communicate with you regarding the service options that are available to you.  It is also important to consider that, although insurance reimbursement for teletherapy services may have been mandated during the COVID-19 pandemic, such mandates may no longer be in effect, and teletherapy may no longer be reimbursed by your insurance company.

In order to provide you with in-person services, the following CDC protocols must be followed by patients/clients and providers:

(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) 

• Social distancing requirements must be met, meaning that you must maintain a six-foot distance from others while in offices,our shared lobby space
• and other areas. Patients/Clients may wait in their vehicles until notified by my staff to enter into my office.
• Patients/clients and providers will be required to wear face coverings or masks while in the office. If you do not have a face covering, one will be provided to you.
• Hand sanitizer will be provided at the office entrance and must be used upon entering the office spaces.
  
• Our offices have GermGuardian air purifiers to further help control the spread of viruses and germs.
• There will be no physical contact with others in the office. Only necessary exchange of documents will occur in order to meet the needs of the evaluation process (intake paperwork, exchange of assessment materials, etc.). Any receipts, financial statements, reports or original documents will be emailed or mailed as needed.
• For test administration, examiner and examinee will utilize masks, shields, sneeze guard barrier and distance as allowable to administer protocols as needed.

If you or your child are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, coughing, or any other symptoms, or if you have been exposed to another person who is showing signs of infection or has confirmed COVID-19 within the past two weeks, you will not be allowed into our office. You agree to notify our office of cancellation of your appointment as soon as possible to avoid late cancellation/no show fees.   If you are bringing a child or other dependent in for services, you agree to ensure that both you and your child/dependent follow all of these protocols.

As COVID-19 regulations continue to evolve, I may become legally required at some point to disclose that you and I have been in contact, especially if either of us were to test positive or show signs of COVID-19 infection. If I am legally compelled to disclose information, I will inform you and will only provide the minimum necessary information (e.g., your name and the dates of our contact) required by law.  We remain committed to following state and federal guidelines and to adhering to prevailing professional healthcare standards to limit the transmission of COVID-19 in our offices. Despite our careful attention to sanitization, social distancing, and other protocols, there is still a chance that you will be exposed to COVID-19 in our office. If, at any point, you prefer to stop in-person services or to consider transitioning to remote services, please let us know.

Prevent Illness

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick. Please call to cancel or reschedule appointments.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.