1. What telehealth means here.
Telehealth at Pasadena Clinical Group ("PCG") refers to the delivery of mental health services using telecommunications technologies — typically secure video conferencing, occasionally telephone — that allow you and your clinician to interact in real time without being physically in the same place. This page provides the informed-consent disclosures required by California Business and Professions Code §2290.5 ("the Telehealth Act").
2. Right to refuse telehealth.
Participation in telehealth is voluntary. You may decline telehealth and request in-person services at our Pasadena office (subject to availability). Withdrawing consent for telehealth does not affect your right to future care.
3. Technology requirements.
Telehealth sessions are conducted on a HIPAA-compliant video platform with end-to-end encryption. You will need a private location, a stable internet connection (or telephone line), and a device with a camera and microphone. We recommend headphones for privacy. Please conduct sessions from a private space — not a workplace cubicle, public space, or moving vehicle.
4. Limitations of telehealth.
- Telehealth is not appropriate for psychiatric emergencies. If you are in crisis, call 911 or 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.
- Some conditions are best treated in person. Your clinician will discuss this with you if it applies.
- Technology failures may interrupt sessions. We will have a backup plan (phone) and discuss what to do if the connection drops.
5. Location requirement — California.
You must be physically located in California at the time of each telehealth session. PCG clinicians are licensed to practice in California; we are not authorized to provide treatment to clients located in other states. You agree to confirm your current physical location at each session and to notify your clinician if you have crossed state lines (for example, while traveling). If you will be outside California for an extended period, we will discuss options with you including possible referral to a clinician licensed in your destination state.
6. Identity verification.
At the start of each telehealth session, your clinician will verify your identity. You agree to confirm your full name and current physical location.
7. Confidentiality and privacy of telehealth.
The same confidentiality protections apply to telehealth as to in-person treatment, including HIPAA, CMIA, and California Welf. & Inst. Code §5328. The HIPAA-compliant platform we use does not record sessions and does not share session content with third parties. You agree not to record any session without our prior written consent.
8. Emergencies during telehealth.
If you experience a mental health emergency during a telehealth session, your clinician will work with you to access local emergency services. To support this, you will be asked to provide a current emergency contact and your physical address at the start of treatment, and to update them if they change.
9. Availability.
Telehealth at PCG is available seven days a week within posted office hours. Specific clinician availability varies and will be confirmed by our scheduling team.
10. Acknowledgment.
By signing the printed telehealth-consent form provided at intake, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and consented to the terms above. This online text is informational; the signed paper or e-signed consent in your clinical record governs.