P.A.P.A. Covid Response
As Covid-19 is having an unprecedented impact across all domains of society, P.A.P.A is working to adapt our delivery of mental health services in the face of the challenges imposed by current mitigation policies and directives. The following represent our evolving plan to serve our clients:
- P.A.P.A. is following all directives and mandates for mitigation and social distancing from the CDC and Governor Gavin Newson. Even though psychologists are considered essential workers, P.A.P.A. has decided to cancel all in person meetings for intake sessions, therapy sessions and assessment sessions until at least May 1.
- P.A.P.A. psychologists are continuing to meet with existing clients in therapy via video conferencing or other on-line video service. New clients can also begin therapy by contacting one of us and scheduling an on-line intake appointment.
- Telehealth at present is not an adequate platform to allow for assessment sessions, as most testing requires in-person meetings to complete paper and pencil tests and the use of other materials to provide comprehensive assessments. P.A.P.A. clinicians are meeting with parents of new clients via on-line services for an initial intake session.
Each is creating a waiting list for assessment to begin as soon as state and CDC guidelines allow for safely resuming sessions at our offices. - On line group therapy and psycho-educational social skills groups are continuing as well. Contact Dr. Jeff Jessum for further information.
- When in person sessions are deemed safe and appropriate, P.A.P.A. will create and communicate guidelines for conducting such sessions to foster safety for clients and our psychologists.
- For existing clients, please communicate with your P.A.P.A. clinician for scheduling, services and any other questions regarding your child’s treatment. For new clients, please contact your preferred P.A.P.A. clinician for information on how to schedule an initial intake session.
- P.A.P.A. remains committed to providing mental health services for current and new clients throughout this crisis and will follow governing body guidelines for safe delivery of essential mental health services.
PAPA Protocols for Covid-19 Safety for In Office Services
In order to comply with health directives and to lower risk for our staff and clients, PAPA is implementing the following protocols for providing services in PAPA offices:
- Appointments for in-office testing will be offered to client starting Monday, May 4th
- If you or your student are ill (e.g., have a fever, cough, or headache) or have lost any sense of smell or taste in the past 14 days, stay home and use telehealth measures as appropriate. Talk to your PAPA clinician via phone before the session to alert for any emergence of symptoms and reschedule as needed.
- Upon arriving at our office, please text your clinician to alert them you have arrived. They will meet you in the waiting room.
- Both you and your child should wear masks as you enter our building. Your clinician will meet you in the waiting room and maintain social distancing
- Please do not wait in our building, rather wait in your car or return home and come back at the end of the scheduled appointments
- Wash hands for 20 seconds upon entering our office
- Maintain a 6-feet distance from others in common areas
- Wash hands frequently or bring a personal hand sanitizer for use on site
- Avoid shaking hands or touching individuals during their visit
- High use materials will be wiped down with disinfectant before and after each client session. This includes: door knobs, sink handles, toilet handles, light switches, HVAC controls
- PAPA will update protocols as more information is shared by CDC