The World Health Organization has officially declared the global coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. The federal government has leveraged its full power to suspend travel from Europe into the United States. Legislators are negotiating additional emergency economic stimulus solutions. 

In times like these, client care is as critical as ever. But with the situation evolving every day, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of information overload. So, what does the coronavirus pandemic mean for you and your clients?

What to Communicate to Clients

It’ll be critical to regularly communicate with your clients as the situation evolves to prevent misinformation from causing more disruption to your practice and daily life. Refer only to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for information about how to prevent the spread of the disease

Keep clients updated on what measures you’re taking to mitigate any unnecessary exposure. Download or make a copy of our Coronavirus Client Letter Template to use as formal communication with your clients about the disease. This letter gives clients useful information and protocols when it comes to maintaining the health and safety of everyone involved. 

How the Federal Aid Package Affects You

In a dramatic effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the president has signed the aid package, Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020, into public law as of March 6^th, 2020. 

This sweeping $8.3 billion spending bill is designed to support preventive efforts and vaccine research with financial resources going to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the CDC. A portion of that money is expected to be used to support telehealth services, which will help prevent overcrowding in hospitals as well as provide a safer treatment alternative for clients. 

Important Resources for Private Practitioners

Clients—particularly those who’re at higher risk for serious illness—may try to avoid any chance of exposure, and that could include appointments with you. Practitioners should consider telehealth services as a practical solution to the current crisis—especially in light of the recent telehealth regulation changes. 

Check out this list of resources below to learn more about telehealth.

1. 1. Telehealth: Legal and Ethical Issues (1hr CE, $19) – Dr. Ben Caldwell, PsyD details how to run a telehealth practice in a legally and ethically compliant manner—including discussion of specific issues like state lines, informed consent, and crisis care.
   2. Telehealth: Getting Started (1hr CE, $19) – Nervous about moving your practice online? As a clinician who has built a successful online practice, Melissa Douglass, LCSW walks through the process in this course. Her guidance is clear, specific, and within reach even for those who don’t consider themselves tech-savvy.
   3. A Guide to Telehealth in Private Practice (eBook) – This guide includes basic tips and instructions on how to join a video session as well as some FAQs to make your first video call a success.
   4. Getting Started Guide for Clients: Telehealth (eBook for your clients) – This guide includes basic tips and instructions on how to join a video appointment as well as FAQs to make your clients first video call a success. Share with clients who’ve never used telehealth before.
   5. Inform Clients About Your Telehealth Services (Article with free downloads) – Once you’ve added telehealth to your SimplePractice account, inform your clients. Use the free materials in this link on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, website, or wherever else you’d like to let new and existing clients know that you now offer telehealth.
   6. Telehealth Resources Directory (Linked PDF)– A linked list of official sites for you to get the most up-to-date legal and ethical information on telehealth. Also includes a list of insurance payers’ sites to get specific telehealth information.

Dedicated to Empowering You

The SimplePractice team is dedicated to helping our community thrive and minimizing the disruption of your clients’ care. If you’re not a customer yet, try SimplePractice (plus Telehealth services) free for 30 days—and see why more than 60,000 health and wellness professionals run their business with SimplePractice.

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CE Provider Approvals

APA: SimplePractice is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. SimplePractice maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Not all courses offered by SimplePractice qualify for CE for Psychologists. Please see specific course pages or our CE for Psychologists page to determine which courses fall within our APA approval.

NBCC: SimplePractice has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6961. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. SimplePractice is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

CAMFT CEPA: SimplePractice is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs, and LEPs (CAMFT CEPA provider #145276). SimplePractice maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Courses meet the qualifications for the listed hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

NAADAC: SimplePractice has been approved by NAADAC as an Approved Education Provider, NAADAC Provider #186410. SimplePractice is responsible for all aspects of our programming. NAADAC approves specific course offerings, and not all SimplePractice Learning courses are NAADAC-approved. Please see specific course pages for NAADAC approval information. Courses that do not qualify for NAADAC CE are clearly identified.

For complete information on our CE provider approvals, visit our Approvals page. For information on accommodations, refunds, and other policies, visit our FAQ page.