How are we responding to COVID-19?

Following is information about what Columbus Behavioral Health is doing to protect our patients and providers during this health crisis.

We have moved to virtual visits. 

​Answers to common questions

How doES my teletherapy appointment Work?

At the time of your virtual appointment, log into your Patient Portal Account.
At the top of the dashboard will be a message that your telehealth session is ready to join.
Click the blue LAUNCH button on that page.
If your provider has not yet joined, you will see a Zoom screen that says your session will start when they join.
​If you are having technical issues or cannot log into the portal, please call 614.360.2600, option 1,  for assistance (or email your provider directly, if it is after office  hours).

What paperwork do i need to complete?

CURRENT PATIENTS: Be sure to sign a telehealth consent form, assigned in the patient portal, if needed. Instructions for your virtual appointment.
You only need to complete the informed consent form once. It is not specific to provider and does not need to be completed for every appointment. We need one signed consent for each patient.
​
NEW PATIENTS: Please complete the NEW PATIENT FORMS online and submit prior to your appointment (forms include the Telehealth Informed Consent). Read the Instructions for your Virtual Zoom Appointment.

Will my insurance cover telehealth?

Please visit our Insurance Page for more information

What if i want an in-person session instead?

As this health crisis continues, virtual visits remain the safest option and is our standard method of care.

Providers may decide for established patients, on a case by case basis, that the benefits outweigh the risks and agree to see a patient in the office. This is an exception and is not to be expected for most patients. You will need to have a discussion with your provider about what is most appropriate, given your situation. Please understand that this is a risk to both you AND your provider, as well as your families, and will only be approved for special situations where teletherapy is not feasible.

If an in-person session is approved, you will need to complete an in-person consent form, acknowledging and accepting the risks involved.  Additionally, you will need to follow our office safety protocols. If you cannot follow these protocols, you will need to revert to teletherapy.

Note: You and your provider will both be required to wear masks that cover your nose and mouth the entire time you are in the building, including during the session. This may make it diffiuclt to discern facial expressions and may make it difficult to hear. A teletherapy appointment may be preferred to avoid these potential barriers.

What are your safety protocols?

We have established the following protocols to provide care in the safest way possible.

• The majority of our sessions will be done via teletherapy.
• In-person appointments will be scheduled at staggered times to limit the number of people in the building at one time and alternate entrances used to further limit contact.
• The lobby in each building is closed. Patients will wait in their cars for their appointments and will not enter the building nor wait in the lobby. The patient will email/text/call their provider's number to notify them they have arrived and the provider will go to the parking lot to get them for their appointment.
• The restrooms are closed to patients. Providers will disinfect all surfaces after use.
• No children will be permitted in the building, unless they are receiving care.​
• Everyone is to use hand sanitizer every time they enter the building (sanitizer stations available at entrance).
• Everyone is to have their temperature checked upone arrival. If it is over 100°F, they will be asked to leave.
• Everyone is to wear a mask that covers nose and mouth at all times, including during sessions.
• A symptom checklist will be used to deterimine if a patient may have the illness, or may have been exposed in the past 14 days.
• All offices and commonly touched surfaces will be thoroughly cleaned daily.
• No pens will be provided to patients; please bring your own.
• All paperwork is available electronically and is to be completed online. Paper copies will not be available in the office.

We may change the above precautions if additional local, state or federal orders or guidelines are published.

What resources are available about covid-19?

What to do if you think you are sick
Use the online screening tool

Mental Health Resources:

• COVID areline 800-720-9616: 24/7 support for emotional issues due to COVI-19
• NAMI toolkit for surviving COVID-19
• Ohio Dept of Health Recommendations for Coping with COVID-19 Anxiety
• CDC Toolkit for coping with COVID-19 Stress & Anxiety
• Talking to Children about COVID-19
• Guide for Families with Children dealing with COVID-19
• Lockdown Guide for Depression and Anxiety
• American Psychological Association's Recommendations on Dealing with COVID-19
• Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook created by The Wellness Society
• Worksheets for living with anxiety and worry during pandemic

Financial Resources:

• NBC4's list of helpful resources for Central Ohio residents (including unemployment, loan assistance, etc.)
• Disaster Loan Assistance for business owners, homeowners, renters and private non-profits
• Forbearance for Student Loans
• ​Filing your taxes early if you expect a refund
• Ask your landlord or mortgage lender about deferring rent or mortgage payments 
• Check with your utility company to see if they are forgiving utility payments for this month as Westerville did
• Check to see if you are eligible for a government stimulus payment

Home-schooling Resources:

• The Today Show's resource on the 10 steps to home-school
• Ohio Department of Health recommendations for parents and families
• National Institute of Mental Health on How to talk to your children about COVID-19
• Action for Healthy Kids resources for transitioning the learning environment
• Free online resources for distance learning