COVID-19 MATTERS
Due to Covid-19, Sinnai Behavioral Health Care has transitioned to remote clinical services (Telehealth and Teletherapy).
Clinical services including, individual therapy, family therapy, and medication management, will be conducted with clients at home via Telehealth – video conferencing and phone call by the therapist and psychiatrist. Telehealth works with the use of audio-visual (e.g. Skype, Facetime, etc.) and/or audio-only (e.g. telephone) methods. Limited face to face visits may be available on an as needed basis. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your appointment, please contact our office.
The telehealth services are restricted to use during the emergency declared by Governor Hogan to deal with the threat of COVID-19 and will expire immediately at the end of the declared emergency, unless otherwise stated.
Office hours are Monday-Friday: 8:30am-3:00pm for phone and electronic communication only.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis you may call Baltimore City Crisis hotline at 410-433-5175 or Baltimore County Crisis Hotline at 410-931-2214.
Sinnai Behavioral Health Care has been actively developing policies and practices to deal with the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19). We have increased our hygiene practices to be consistent with the recommendations of the CDC, the Maryland Department of Health, Baltimore City Health Department. These recommendations apply to staff and clients alike and are posted throughout the agency. As you are aware the spread of COVID 19 is rapidly changing and is impacting us all. Consistent with efforts to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission, Sinnai Behavioral Health Care has implemented Telehealth services.
This means that video conferencing is an option for treatment. Your therapist will contact you with information.
Clinical services including therapy and medication management will not be suspended. All of our efforts are being directed toward continuity of care. The office hours will not change. Someone will be there to answer calls and address your needs.
Your health and safety during this time is of utmost importance to use. Please remember to practice good hygiene, and social distancing measures.
We will keep you informed of any updates as it relates to New Vision’s operating procedures.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this trying time.
Telehealth FAQ for Patients
How do I schedule a telehealth visit?
Contact us for more information about scheduling a telehealth visit.
Do I need a computer or webcam?
No. While you may certainly use a computer or laptop equipped with a webcam and microphone, you may also use a smart phone or tablet connected to the internet or mobile data with the Zoom app installed.
Here you will find the iphone or ipad app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zoom-cloudmeetings/id546505307
Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=us.zoom.videomeetings
How do I create a zoom account?
Basic Zoom accounts are free, and you can visit this link to create an account: https://zoom.us/signup
How do I join my outpatient appointment?
You will receive a link or ID number to join your scheduled outpatient appointment via email or text from the provider’s office. An email link will look like this:
- XXX is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting
- Join Zoom Meeting
- https://
- Meeting ID
A text message will include this information:
- Meeting ID
- Password
- Audio # (number to dial to hear and relay voice call if you do not have a microphone for your computer)
What do I do if I need to reschedule my appointment?
Call your provider’s office to reschedule or cancel appointments just as you usually would. It is important that you do not reply to the appointment email to cancel or reschedule. You can also schedule a follow-up telehealth appointment as you usually would.
It is my first video appointment, any tips?
Be sure that you are in a private space with minimal background noise or distractions. You can practice using Zoom or the Zoom app ahead of your appointment so you feel more comfortable with the process.
Zoom Security Tips
Zoom is our HIPPA-compliant platform of choice to deliver our telehealth, teletherapy, and telemedicine services. As such, we are continuously monitoring the reliability and security of our video conferencing services.
A number of changes have recently been made by Zoom to further ensure the security and privacy of its users. Some of those changes include:
- Encryption of meeting data
- Safeguards and controls to limit unauthorized meeting access, including unique meeting IDs and passwords
- Enhanced meeting host controls, including dedicated security controls, that empower hosts to enable and disable certain actions, like unauthorized file sharing
- Additional Zoom-led tutorials and webinars for meeting hosts and participants Sheppard Pratt is implementing some additional steps before your telehealth appointment to ensure the security and privacy of our patients and clients. We recommend some additional steps that you should take you as well:
- Do not share the following information with others:
- Zoom meeting link
- Password
- Meeting ID
- Audio or telephone access numbers
- Ensure that you keep current with Zoom’s updates, you should receive notifications when new updates are available.
- Before joining a meeting, check your surroundings when enabling your camera and audio to better ensure your privacy and security.
- When joining a meeting, you may be placed in a “Waiting Room” until granted entry into the meeting. This is for your security and privacy as it ensures others will not be able to enter your appointment.
- Your meeting host has been provided with resources and training aimed at ensuring your privacy. If you have concerns related to the privacy and security of your appointment, please speak with your provider.