COVID-19 Resources
NFCC wants you to know, “We are here for you during these trying times”.
You may be wondering as a non-profit that has offered in-person mental health treatment to all those in need from the very young to newly formed couples and families all the way across the lifespan to geriatrics, how we intend to maintain continuity of care for current clients, and continue to provide affordable mental health services to all those in need of it. Below are some helpful articles, videos and answers to frequently asked questions that you may find helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Is NFCC remaining open during COVID-19?
Yes, as an essential business providing mental health counseling for the community, we are open with limited sessions at our counseling center during Phase II of our re-opening (effective June 1). However, to also support the physical wellness of all, we are continuing to conduct counseling sessions via telehealth.
I am practicing social distancing. Can I still access mental health services?
Yes! All of our counselors are providing sessions via telehealth. We are also accepting new clients in order to support mental health needs that may arise during this possibly strenuous time.
What is telemental health and does it even work?
Telemental health is counseling provided across a distance through the use of technology (phone or video sessions) rather than in person. The process and session content remains consistent with practices therapist’s would implement during an in person session. The use of technology allows for the therapist to continue to provide services regardless of health status or social distancing practices. The great news is that research has consistently shown equal effectiveness when comparing in-person treatment to telemental health treatment. Further information regarding the practice of telemental health may be found here.
How do you maintain confidentiality via a distance forum?
We maintain confidentiality through a telehealth format in two main ways. First, we use a HIPAA compliant version of Zoom for all of our video sessions—this means that the program has extra layers of security and does not gather nor store any date about the session or client. Secondly, both the counselor and the client must each be in a quiet, confidential space. Additional details can be read in the “Telehealth Consent Form” on our forms page.
I am not comfortable with Zoom and/or do not have access to appropriate technology or service to use it. Can I still receive counseling?
Yes, your counselor can still provide mental health support via a phone session. One note: if you are using your insurance to pay for sessions, you will need to contact your insurance provider to ensure they will cover a phone session.
Will my insurance cover services provided via telemental health?
I have been furloughed or laid off as a result of COVID-19, how can I afford mental health services?
NFCC is committed to doing what we can to ensure that clients are not turned away from mental health services for financial reasons. In addition to working with insurance companies and having a low private pay rate ($95/$75), we also offer a sliding scale. Call us at 713-402-5046 and ask a staff member about a Fee Reduction form. You will need to submit it with supporting financial documentation with the fee reduction form. We will review your application within 48 hours.
I feel so overwhelmed by our new normal and think counseling could help me. However, I have never been to counseling before. Can I schedule even though I have never been to NFCC?
Yes, new client’s are welcome to begin sessions via telemental health. Keep in mind that once we are able to return to in-person sessions, this will be our preferred method of conducting therapy outside of extenuating circumstances.
My young child is struggling with his/her lack of routine, but I am not sure he/she is old enough for telemental health counseling. How can I help my child during this scary time?
We all want what is best for our children and know how difficult it can be to choose what route is best for your child and circumstances. Telemental health counseling has been shown to be effective with young children. Your child’s therapist can help you set up a place in your home for your child to engage in therapy that is both safe and confidential. If you are uncomfortable with this route for your child, parenting sessions are another route. You and your counselor can explore concerns around your child’s emotions, behaviors, and relationships and develop strategies you can implement in your parenting to work with your child. Also, please consider individual or marital therapy, sometimes the easiest route to help your child is to model taking care of yourself and your relationship. Our counselors are trained in various methods and can help you and your child through any of these routes.
What if a client is a safety risk?
Our counselors are trained to assess the safety of a client and their situation. They have also received additional trainings on how to navigate crisis situations in telehealth formats. Client health and safety is of primary importance to us, and we have recommended steps in place that allow us to address safety situations should they arise in the most efficient way possible.
What does a session via telemental health look like?
A telemental health session looks similar to a regular therapy session. If you have been working with a counselor in person, your counselor will conduct the session similarly to what you are accustomed to across the Zoom platform. Sessions will continue to be 45-50 minutes. In addition, a therapist will need your physical location for safety reasons and a contact phone number in case of internet issues.
If you are a new client, your first session will include a thorough discussion of your background, personal history, and therapy needs. As occurs with in-person sessions, your therapist will then discuss goals and develop a treatment plan. Depending on the approach of the therapist, the sessions after that will include interventions and conversations to help you work towards your therapeutic goals. In addition, homework may be assigned and outside resources may be recommended.
Regarding child oriented therapy, your child’s therapist can assist you in determining a confidential space for a play therapy set up. Those who work with children have been trained in techniques to assist in giving their client’s as close to an in-person formatted session as possible via engagement in play. If you have a minor working with a counselor via telemental health, you or another trusted adult will need to be present in the vicinity with an accessible phone in case an issue arises that needs in person assistance.