Telehealth Informed Consent

SOULFLO Therapy provides telehealth (teletherapy) services to clients in California, Oregon, and Florida (where the treating therapist is licensed). This informed consent describes the nature of telehealth, its benefits and risks, and your rights as a client, in compliance with California Business and Professions Code § 2290.5 (AB 415) and other applicable state and federal laws.

1. What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth is the delivery of health care services using electronic information and telecommunication technologies. At SOULFLO Therapy, this typically means video conferencing sessions conducted through a HIPAA-compliant secure platform. Telehealth allows you to receive therapy services from your own home or another private, safe location.

2. Benefits of Telehealth

• Access to therapy from the comfort and privacy of your own space
• Eliminates travel time and transportation barriers
• Greater scheduling flexibility
• Access to specialized providers (e.g., EMDR, IFS) who may not be available locally
• Continuity of care during travel, illness, or other circumstances

3. Risks and Limitations of Telehealth

• Technology issues: Sessions may be interrupted by connectivity problems, audio/video quality issues, or platform outages
• Privacy and security: Despite safeguards, no electronic transmission is 100% secure; there is a small risk of unauthorized access
• Crisis management: In an emergency, your therapist may be limited in their ability to respond directly; you will need to know your local emergency resources
• Reduced non-verbal cues: Some body language and environmental context may be less apparent than in person
• Not appropriate for all situations: Telehealth may not be suitable for certain crises, severe symptoms, or situations requiring in-person care

4. Privacy and Security

We use HIPAA-compliant video platforms to conduct telehealth sessions. To protect your privacy:

• Choose a private, quiet, and well-lit space for your sessions where you will not be overheard
• Use a secure internet connection (not public Wi-Fi)
• Do not record sessions unless explicitly agreed upon in writing
• Your therapist will conduct sessions from a private, secure location

5. Emergency Protocols

At the start of telehealth treatment, your therapist will confirm your physical location and identify local emergency contacts. In the event of a mental health emergency during a session:

• Your therapist will attempt to help you stabilize and connect with local emergency services
• If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
• If you are in a mental health crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• If your therapist cannot reach you during a session and is concerned for your safety, they may contact your emergency contact or local emergency services

6. Alternatives to Telehealth

Telehealth is one option for receiving therapy. You may also choose in-person services (available at our San Diego office with select therapists) or seek services from another provider. Your therapist will discuss with you whether telehealth is appropriate for your specific needs.

7. Your Rights

• You may decline or discontinue telehealth services at any time without affecting your right to future care
• You may request to transition to in-person services if available
• You have the right to privacy and confidentiality as you would in in-person therapy
• You may ask questions about telehealth at any time

8. Interstate Practice

Nancy Phung-Smith, LMFT is licensed in California (LMFT138181), Oregon, and Florida. All other therapists at SOULFLO Therapy are licensed or registered in California and provide telehealth services only to clients physically located in California at the time of the session. You must be physically located in a state where your therapist is licensed at the time of each telehealth session.

9. Contact

If you have questions about telehealth or this consent, contact us at:
SOULFLO Therapy
7290 Navajo Road #105, San Diego, CA 92119
(619) 292-8885
nancy@soulflotherapy.com

By beginning telehealth services with SOULFLO Therapy, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this informed consent and agree to participate in telehealth services. You may withdraw consent at any time.