By now, many parts of the country are in self-isolation or some form of lockdown. As a result, at a time of heightened anxiety or increased obsessional worry, children’s therapists’ offices may be closed to prevent the risk of spreading the virus.

If your child needs therapy and you want to consider teletherapy, be aware that as of March 17, 2020, the government has relaxed its rules during this national emergency so that therapists and those covered by HIPAA can use any non-public facing communications system to conduct audiovisual therapy sessions.  Apple FaceTime, Facebook Messenger video chat, Google Hangouts video, and Skype can all be used, although you and the therapist should attempt to use encryption if it is available.

Other rules that the government has relaxed for telehealth services can be found in their Notification of Enforcement Discretion for telehealth remote communications during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency.

See also other waivers and clarifications by the government during this national emergency, as some affect the therapist’s ability to share information with family members and others. You can find the government’s notifications on these issues here.