October 5, 2021 -
Due to the COVID-19 Delta variant, all appointments are telehealth until further notice. We look forward to seeing clients back in the office when it is safe for everyone!
March 16, 2020 -
A Message to Heather's Clients
I'm writing to share that effective Monday, March 16, 2020 I have made the difficult decision to switch all appointments to telehealth (using a computer or phone for our appointment). As you know, our community is currently attempting to navigate extreme and unusual circumstances of a global pandemic of which we are not yet certain ultimate outcomes. I want to assure you that I did not come to the decision lightly. And yet, it is a way to keep us connected in this unprecedented situation. I am confident that this means of communication will be an effective way to support you on your therapeutic journey. Indeed, I am more committed than ever to holding compassionate space for all you are feeling, helping you identify your challenges and successes and helping you make values-aligned choices.
I am including a telehealth FAQ below. Please let me know any and all questions and concerns this raises for you - I am here to work through this with you. If you are going to experience a hardship in connecting with me virtually, please get in touch with me as soon as possible so we can come up with a plan. As we are getting ever changing information, there may be some accommodations available for in-person meeting for extenuating circumstances.
Please respond to this communication via email or by text acknowledging you have received the notice.
Warm Regards,
Heather Holt, MSW, LICSW
What is telehealth?
Telehealth provides a platform for us to meet virtually, similar to FaceTime.
How does it work, and what kind of device can I use?
Just before the time of your appointment, you will want to put this link (www.doxy.me/bravechoices) into an internet browser of a device that has both a camera and microphone enabled (phones, computers, tablets and ipads should all work). It will ask you to login, you can enter your name and you will be added into a "virtual waiting room". At the time of our appointment I will begin the call. I recommend being in a private and quiet place and having headphones available if you live with others.
If you are having trouble connecting to doxy.me, please contact me and we can go on a different telehealth platform. Please go to www.bravechoicesmn.com/telehealth.
Is it HIPAA compliant?
Yes. I use a platform called doxy.me that meets all HIPAA requirements to protect your confidentiality and does not store nor require any protected health information.
What if I can't or don't want to do telehealth?
If you are unable to use or not comfortable with this platform, please let me know so we can work out a specific plan to meet your unique needs. You may also cancel your appointment with more than 24 hours notice (see below for cancellation fee policies).
Will my insurance cover it?
Thankfully, I am approved with all insurance companies to provide telehealth, so there should be no interruptions in your coverage.
What are the telehealth cancellation fees?
Telehealth cancellation fees are the same as in-person: cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged a fee, unless you are in a sudden, unforeseeable situation that prevents you from meeting (unless you have discussed your specific needs with me).
What do people say about telehealth?
By and large, the utilization of telehealth is positive. I've noticed that the people who have the best experiences are calling from a private, quiet place. Many clients that I exclusively use telehealth with report that it works for them and can be nice to be in their own space. I think that everyone's experience of it is slightly different. I cannot say that you will like it, nor get as much out of it as you do in-person...but I hope you will give it a try.
Due to the COVID-19 Delta variant, all appointments are telehealth until further notice. We look forward to seeing clients back in the office when it is safe for everyone!
March 16, 2020 -
A Message to Heather's Clients
I'm writing to share that effective Monday, March 16, 2020 I have made the difficult decision to switch all appointments to telehealth (using a computer or phone for our appointment). As you know, our community is currently attempting to navigate extreme and unusual circumstances of a global pandemic of which we are not yet certain ultimate outcomes. I want to assure you that I did not come to the decision lightly. And yet, it is a way to keep us connected in this unprecedented situation. I am confident that this means of communication will be an effective way to support you on your therapeutic journey. Indeed, I am more committed than ever to holding compassionate space for all you are feeling, helping you identify your challenges and successes and helping you make values-aligned choices.
I am including a telehealth FAQ below. Please let me know any and all questions and concerns this raises for you - I am here to work through this with you. If you are going to experience a hardship in connecting with me virtually, please get in touch with me as soon as possible so we can come up with a plan. As we are getting ever changing information, there may be some accommodations available for in-person meeting for extenuating circumstances.
Please respond to this communication via email or by text acknowledging you have received the notice.
Warm Regards,
Heather Holt, MSW, LICSW
What is telehealth?
Telehealth provides a platform for us to meet virtually, similar to FaceTime.
How does it work, and what kind of device can I use?
Just before the time of your appointment, you will want to put this link (www.doxy.me/bravechoices) into an internet browser of a device that has both a camera and microphone enabled (phones, computers, tablets and ipads should all work). It will ask you to login, you can enter your name and you will be added into a "virtual waiting room". At the time of our appointment I will begin the call. I recommend being in a private and quiet place and having headphones available if you live with others.
If you are having trouble connecting to doxy.me, please contact me and we can go on a different telehealth platform. Please go to www.bravechoicesmn.com/telehealth.
Is it HIPAA compliant?
Yes. I use a platform called doxy.me that meets all HIPAA requirements to protect your confidentiality and does not store nor require any protected health information.
What if I can't or don't want to do telehealth?
If you are unable to use or not comfortable with this platform, please let me know so we can work out a specific plan to meet your unique needs. You may also cancel your appointment with more than 24 hours notice (see below for cancellation fee policies).
Will my insurance cover it?
Thankfully, I am approved with all insurance companies to provide telehealth, so there should be no interruptions in your coverage.
What are the telehealth cancellation fees?
Telehealth cancellation fees are the same as in-person: cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged a fee, unless you are in a sudden, unforeseeable situation that prevents you from meeting (unless you have discussed your specific needs with me).
What do people say about telehealth?
By and large, the utilization of telehealth is positive. I've noticed that the people who have the best experiences are calling from a private, quiet place. Many clients that I exclusively use telehealth with report that it works for them and can be nice to be in their own space. I think that everyone's experience of it is slightly different. I cannot say that you will like it, nor get as much out of it as you do in-person...but I hope you will give it a try.
March 11, 2020
Dear Clients,
There’s growing concern surrounding the potential spread of respiratory conditions like influenza and COVID-19 (the disease caused by the coronavirus). As the news evolves, the main priorities of Brave Choices, Inc. remain the same — to walk alongside our clients in optimizing wellbeing.
What is COVID-19?
The new coronavirus was identified in December 2019 as the cause of an outbreak of illness in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing and can appear from two to 14 days after exposure.
COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets and can persist for a short period of time on some surfaces. It generally takes prolonged and close (fewer than six feet away) contact to become infected. Most patients who are infected have mild disease. Those that have preexisting chronic disease or are elderly are at increased risk for
complications.
Reliable sources for current updates about COVID-19 are:
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int
• National Public Radio (NPR)
https://www.npr.org
How to limit exposure:
There are specific measures you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from coronavirus.
Use the same precautions that you would for the flu or cold:
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly
• Avoid shaking hands
• Cover your cough
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you feel sick
***If you’re sick or think you may have come in contact with someone who is sick, try not to panic. Chances are you have the flu or a common cold. However, because symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can be similar, here are some specific precautions worth taking:
• Stay home
• Monitor your symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing)
• Have an online visit with your provider (Heather: www.doxy.me/bravechoices ; Steve: www.doxy.me/steveplatt )
• Having an online session can reduce the chance of contracting and/or spreading illness.
Contact your medical healthcare provider before going to a clinic or hospital if you meet the following criteria:
• Symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath
• Travel to countries with coronavirus alerts within 14 days of onset of symptoms
• Contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 within 14 days of onset of systems
How Brave Choices, Inc. is adapting:
First and foremost, Brave Choices, Inc. will continue to clean surfaces throughout the office. We concentrate on wiping down/disinfecting the beverage station, restroom sign/key, water cooler, door handles.
***Due to recent events and increasing concerns about COVID-19, please remember, telehealth sessions are a healthy alternative to an office visit if your insurance covers this. Please factor in your understanding of your unique health needs and the needs of your loved ones when deciding whether to pursue office versus telehealth visits. Please call your insurance provider and/or reach out to Professional Services Consultants (our billing service) for any plan specific insurance concerns or if you are uncertain as to whether your plan
covers video sessions. You can email at [email protected] or call 651.738.8561 (let them know that you are a client from Brave Choices, Inc.).
There is no right or wrong way to feel about COVID-19. If you have a low level of concern, you are not under-reacting; and, if you are concerned and taking precautions and/or cancelling travel, you are not overreacting. If at any point between sessions you notice a level of fear or anxiety that is concerning to you or difficult to manage,
please reach out through the client portal or by phone.
Thank You,
Heather M. Holt, MSW, LICSW & Steve Platt, MA, LPCC, LADC
www.bravechoicesmn.com
Brave Choices, Inc.
Call/Text: 612.889.7517
Dear Clients,
There’s growing concern surrounding the potential spread of respiratory conditions like influenza and COVID-19 (the disease caused by the coronavirus). As the news evolves, the main priorities of Brave Choices, Inc. remain the same — to walk alongside our clients in optimizing wellbeing.
What is COVID-19?
The new coronavirus was identified in December 2019 as the cause of an outbreak of illness in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing and can appear from two to 14 days after exposure.
COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets and can persist for a short period of time on some surfaces. It generally takes prolonged and close (fewer than six feet away) contact to become infected. Most patients who are infected have mild disease. Those that have preexisting chronic disease or are elderly are at increased risk for
complications.
Reliable sources for current updates about COVID-19 are:
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int
• National Public Radio (NPR)
https://www.npr.org
How to limit exposure:
There are specific measures you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from coronavirus.
Use the same precautions that you would for the flu or cold:
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly
• Avoid shaking hands
• Cover your cough
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you feel sick
***If you’re sick or think you may have come in contact with someone who is sick, try not to panic. Chances are you have the flu or a common cold. However, because symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can be similar, here are some specific precautions worth taking:
• Stay home
• Monitor your symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing)
• Have an online visit with your provider (Heather: www.doxy.me/bravechoices ; Steve: www.doxy.me/steveplatt )
• Having an online session can reduce the chance of contracting and/or spreading illness.
Contact your medical healthcare provider before going to a clinic or hospital if you meet the following criteria:
• Symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath
• Travel to countries with coronavirus alerts within 14 days of onset of symptoms
• Contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 within 14 days of onset of systems
How Brave Choices, Inc. is adapting:
First and foremost, Brave Choices, Inc. will continue to clean surfaces throughout the office. We concentrate on wiping down/disinfecting the beverage station, restroom sign/key, water cooler, door handles.
***Due to recent events and increasing concerns about COVID-19, please remember, telehealth sessions are a healthy alternative to an office visit if your insurance covers this. Please factor in your understanding of your unique health needs and the needs of your loved ones when deciding whether to pursue office versus telehealth visits. Please call your insurance provider and/or reach out to Professional Services Consultants (our billing service) for any plan specific insurance concerns or if you are uncertain as to whether your plan
covers video sessions. You can email at [email protected] or call 651.738.8561 (let them know that you are a client from Brave Choices, Inc.).
There is no right or wrong way to feel about COVID-19. If you have a low level of concern, you are not under-reacting; and, if you are concerned and taking precautions and/or cancelling travel, you are not overreacting. If at any point between sessions you notice a level of fear or anxiety that is concerning to you or difficult to manage,
please reach out through the client portal or by phone.
Thank You,
Heather M. Holt, MSW, LICSW & Steve Platt, MA, LPCC, LADC
www.bravechoicesmn.com
Brave Choices, Inc.
Call/Text: 612.889.7517