I am so glad you are here today. :)
Please follow all the session instructions you were sent for your visit today.
Typically you will log in here https://doxy.me/advancedmindwaitingroom
or get a text with a link to your video session or a phone call.
If you don't see me in the waiting room or get a texted link or phone call within 15 minutes of your session start time, please contact me via phone or text (see my contact info on the website here). Again no personal healthcare information on text/phone/email for privacy reasons and federal regulations (HIPAA). These are for sending your session info only.
Once you have arrived in the waiting room, and I am done with the client before you, I will begin your session by checking you in and performing some administrative tasks to prepare things for you. This is just like front desk staff and a medical assistant do in a brick and mortar clinic. This will take a few minutes.
Studies have shown, and perhaps your own personal experience has been, that in a brick and mortar clinic the average time from your arrival to seeing your provider is 61 minutes. And sometimes it can be as long as 2 hours. This includes checking in at the front desk, being roomed by the medical assistant, and then waiting in the exam room for the provider. This is after patients have often waited months for their session. And getting there in traffic can also take up time.
Fortunately working with me at virtually is much easier for you. Usually I have same or next day availability if you are having an urgent problem, even for brand new clients. And once you arrive in the virtual waiting room, I can often start your session within a few short minutes rather than over an hour on average of check in, rooming, and waiting for your provider in a brick and mortar clinic.
Like brick and mortar clinics, a specific time is allotted for your session. Usually this is 90 to 120 minutes for new clients. 15 to 45 minutes for sessions for established clients. Some of that time is for after we end the face to face session for me to send prescriptions, and do other administrative tasks. So typically our time together won't have to be that long. But scheduling this way prevents your visit from being too short so that your needs are not addressed. We can always break up your session into 2 parts if needed. And I try to be as time-efficient as possible to respect your time needs. I understand that you have other commitments. However, certain unexpected situations require more time. They cannot be rushed when your safety and well being are at stake. Unfortunately this pushes out later sessions that day. This means on occasion I will be running behind due to situations beyond my control such as client emergencies or technical difficulties. Please be patient. And know that if you need extra time, it will be provided to you too. That said, by working for myself and not having big-business hanging over my head, you will find that I rarely run behind because I have the ability to decide with you how long each session should be, and to schedule time accordingly on a more realistic basis for what clients truly need.
If you are unable to wait, you may easily reschedule your visit by texting/phoning/emailing with appointment info only. Remember, for your privacy, not to send personal health information. Only send scheduling information. And if I don't hear from you about a missed session, I will try to reach out to you too.
It is very important that you know everything you need to for safe, quality, effective, timely care. And while certain treatments are somewhat helpful, a comprehensive treatment plan is more likely to help you to feel much better in a shorter period of time. While you are waiting, please review your after session instructions. That way you can ask me any questions you have during your session.
At the end of your sessions we will discuss your next session and schedule it. So, you should always have your next one scheduled. And if you need anything between visits, please move your session closer so that we can discuss it in detail ASAP.
If you believe you are having a medical or psychiatric emergency, go to the closest ER. Or if you can't get their safely, call 911.
Your instructions are discussed the blog post on this topic.
They are in the order that I recommend you read them.
This information is important for your safety and to achieve optimal results.
Please read thoroughly all the blog posts and revisit this information often whenever you need a refresher.