COVID-19 Response
Telehealth Services
In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency. This declaration, in part, permits and encourages mental health providers, and other health care professionals, to prevent the spread of the disease by providing their clinical services remotely. The Maryland Department of Health later issued guidance on telehealth services. These guidelines permit psychotherapists to provide their counseling services via telephone or HIPAA-compliant video conferencing whenever possible. Fortuitously, before the pandemic hit, the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors approved teletherapy for all licensed counselors. To better serve my clients and manage my home life, all my counseling services are provided either by phone or a HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform (e.g., Psychology Today). If you have any questions regarding this policy, please let me know.
State guidelines continue to evolve on this issue. Please check back periodically to check for updates on the State's guidance. If you would like more information about the guidance from the Maryland Department of Health, please refer to the Maryland Department of Health's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document by clicking the following link.
https://bha.health.maryland.gov/Documents/FAQ%20-%20Telehealth%204.27.2020.pdf
State-by-state provisional license changes for medical and mental health providers due to COVID-19 can be found at this link: https://www.ebglaw.com/content/uploads/2020/08/Changes-in-State-Professional-Licensure-Requirements-Due-to-COVID-19-Telemental-Health-Laws.pdf
out-of-state counseling services
Teletherapy services provided across state lines
The Maryland Board of Professional Counselors approved telehealth service delivery for all licensed counselors. The regulations require that either the client, the counselor, or both need to be in the State of Maryland at the time the services are delivered. As long as one of us are in Maryland when we meet, we are in compliance with the regulations.
Insurance authorizations
Some insurance companies will authorize teletherapy sessions offered across state lines with specific limitations. If you live outside of the State of Maryland and will be using your insurance benefits for counseling services, please check with your insurance company to verify that they will allow you to receive counseling services across state lines.
Changing landscape
It is important to note that these provisions could be influenced by future impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is possible that these provisions allowing for teletherapy across state lines could ultimately become permanent, there are no guarantees at this time. It is equally possible that these provisions may end with little or no warning. I ask that we share responsibility for monitoring the laws in our states for any changes that could impact our ability to meet virtually.
