Telehealth Policy & Consent

Effective Date: December 7, 2025
Provider: Matthew Baker, LCSW
Practice: WhatIf Therapy
Contact: matt@whatiftherapy.com

Telehealth involves the use of secure, HIPAA-compliant video technology to deliver mental health services when you and your therapist are not in the same location. Telehealth allows for increased accessibility, flexibility, and continuity of care while maintaining professional and privacy standards.

By participating in telehealth, you agree that:

• You must be physically located in California during each session.
• You will confirm your location at the start of each session.
• If you travel outside of California, services cannot be provided until you return to the state.
   

• Your privacy is protected under HIPAA, state law, and the BBS Practice Act.
• Sessions are conducted through a secure, encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platform (SimplePractice).
• Sessions will not be recorded by either party without explicit written consent.
• You are responsible for choosing a quiet, private location for sessions to protect your confidentiality.
   

Telehealth has possible benefits (accessibility, convenience) and limitations:

• Technology issues such as poor internet connection, dropped calls, and audio/video delays may occur.
• In rare cases, technical failures may interrupt or prevent sessions.
• Telehealth may not be appropriate for all clinical situations; your therapist may recommend in-person services or referrals if needed.
   

Telehealth therapy is not appropriate for crisis or emergency situations.
You agree to:

• Provide an emergency contact and your physical address at the start of treatment.
• Seek emergency care (911 or nearest ER) if you are in immediate danger.
• Contact 988 or Crisis Text Line (741741) for urgent but non-emergent crises.
   

If a safety concern arises during a session and you become unresponsive, your therapist may contact emergency services or your provided emergency contact.

By engaging in telehealth services with WhatIf Therapy, you acknowledge that:

• You understand the nature of telehealth, including potential risks.
• You consent to participate in telehealth therapy voluntarily.
• You may withdraw consent at any time by notifying your therapist in writing.
• Ending telehealth consent may require transitioning to in-person care or a referral.
   

• Telehealth services are billed at the same rates as in-person services.
• If using insurance, coverage for telehealth may vary depending on your plan.
• You are responsible for confirming telehealth benefits with your insurer.
   

• Email and text messaging may be used for administrative purposes (scheduling, billing, forms) but are not secure methods for clinical discussions.
• Email/text should not be used for emergencies or urgent clinical matters.
   

By continuing with telehealth sessions, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Telehealth Consent Notice.