In these challenging times, feeling stressed, anxious, and depressed are common responses. Your mental health and safety are our first priority.
Here are some questions and answers you may have about mental health counseling services and our response to the novel (new) coronavirus, COVID-19:
1) What can I do to maintain good mental health?
- Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and take time to do something you enjoy.
- Stay informed. Get information from reputable sources, but limit the time you spend on news coverage.
- Strengthen your relationships. Keep in touch with your family, friends, and co-workers.
- Seek professional help. If you or someone you know are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
2) Is Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i open?
Yes, on a limited basis. Counselors are providing counseling sessions via telehealth and videotherapy. Staff are working remotely as much as possible, checking email and answering telephone calls during normal office hours Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm. The office is open on a limited basis for administrative tasks that cannot be completed remotely.
3) Are you accepting new clients?
Yes, we are accepting new clients, both insured and uninsured.
4) Are you doing face-to-face counseling sessions?
Most mental health counseling sessions are offered via telehealth. However, a limited number of in-person sessions are available in Honolulu, by appointment only, with appropriate physical distance and face coverings, depending on counselor schedules and room availability.
Mental health care is an essential service. The decision to meet face-to-face should be made by you and your counselor. Please talk with your counselor about whether telehealth counseling is right for you.
5) How are you keeping clients and staff safe?
All staff members follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, including maintaining physical distance; wiping down surfaces before and after appointments; washing your hands after using the toilet, before eating, and if you cough/sneeze into your hands (follow the 20-second hand-washing rule); using hand-sanitizers; coughing/sneezing into your sleeve, preferably into your elbow; opening the windows regularly to ensure open ventilation; and avoiding touching your face, particularly eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands.
Clients and staff should maintain appropriate physical distance and wear face coverings.
Clients and staff who experience flu-like symptoms are expected to postpone face-to-face sessions. Current clients may be offered the option of telehealth counseling.
6) Is mental health counseling covered by health insurance?
Yes, mental health counseling is covered by most major insurance plans. You may also be eligible for sessions through your Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
For individuals who are uninsured or whose insurance will not cover the cost of mental health care, we offer sliding-scale fees and a Client Assistance Fund (CAF).
7) Is telehealth (also called TeleMental Health or VideoTherapy) covered by health insurance?
Yes, telehealth is covered by most major insurance plans. You may want to check with your insurance plan to find out if a pre-authorization is required. Please talk with your counselor or call 808-545-2740 to decide whether telehealth counseling is right for you.
8) How do I get started with telehealth counseling?
Learn about our telehealth counseling services. Once you and your counselor decide that telehealth counseling is right for you, you should sign the Client Intake Forms and “Consent to VideoTherapy.” Scan or take photos of the signed forms, then email to info@samaritanhawaii.org, fax to 808-545-2852, or mail to Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i, 1020 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96814. You will need a smartphone, computer, or tablet with Internet access and audio/video capabilities; and a private, secure location.
If this is your first counseling session, your counselor will ask you to hold up an official photo ID to verify your identity; ask you to confirm where you are and whether anyone else is in the room; ask for an alternate phone number or email in case there are technical issues; and suggest that you agree on a safe word or phrase in case it becomes unsafe to continue the session, such as if another person enters the room.
a
This Q&A will be updated as we have new information. Please call Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i at 808-545-2740 Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm for up-to-date information or to schedule an appointment.
Follow Us