In this time of increased anxiety and stress, we want to provide support in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We have collected some resources that may be helpful to EMDRIA members below. We know that EMDR therapists are also following the guidelines and regulations of their respective mental health professions.
Guidelines for Virtual EMDR Therapy
A Report of the Virtual Training and Therapy Task Group. At this time, the body of published research literature that provides a foundation of knowledge regarding the delivery of online EMDR therapy is limited. This gap in knowledge underscores the need for research in this area. This report introduces relevant issues with regard to the virtual delivery of EMDR therapy and specifically addresses professional practice and guidelines, ethical considerations, and overarching issues for EMDR therapy delivered by virtual means.
Resources
Please Note: We will continue to add resources as they become available during this time of emerging knowledge and best practices.
Returning to work
Many therapists are struggling with how best to help their clients and themselves stay safe during the fluctuating levels of coronavirus risk and increasing numbers of people receiving the vaccine. The decision to resume in-person work, return to the workplace, or provide services via telehealth is a difficult one. There are many aspects to consider and an array of guidelines to choose from. Stay informed by checking in with your local or regional regulatory bodies. Consult with colleagues. EMDRIA members can post questions and share information in the COVID-19 Resource Community.
Resources from government organizations:
- CDC. Workplace decision tool. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/workplace-decision-tool.html
- CDC. Interim CDC guidance on handling non-COVID-19 public health activities that required face-to-face interaction with clients in the clinic and field in the current COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/non-covid-19-client-interaction.html
- OSHA. Guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
- The White House. COVID-19. https://www.whitehouse.gov/priorities/covid-19/
- WHO. Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/getting-workplace-ready-for-covid-19.pdf
Sample Informed Consents for Returning to In-Person Services:
- APA. Sample informed consent form for resuming in-person services. (2020). https://www.apaservices.org/practice/clinic/covid-19-informed-consent
- Caldwell, B. (2021, July 13). What to consider before you return to in-person sessions. Pollen. https://www.simplepractice.com/blog/how-to-return-to-in-person-sessions/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sp-pollen&utm_campaign=20210715-paid-trial-pollen-weekly-return-in-person-sessions
- CAMFT. Helpful resources during COVID-19. Building your Back To Business plan. https://www.camft.org/covid19#7
Other Resources:
- American's Health Insurance Plans. Health insurance providers respond to Coronavirus (COVID-19). (2021). https://www.ahip.org/health-insurance-providers-respond-to-coronavirus-covid-19/
- AAMFT. COVID-19: Reopening practices and resuming in-person sessions. https://www.aamft.org/Events/Coronavirus-Reopening-Guidelines.aspx
- APA. COVID-19: When is it OK to resume in-person services? (2020). https://www.apaservices.org/practice/news/in-person-services-covid-19
- Boring-Bray, W. (2020). Counseling after COVID-19: What should providers do? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/new-beginning/202005/counseling-after-covid-19-what-should-providers-do
- Camper, A. B., & Felton, E. M. (2020). Social worker's disclosure responsibilities during the pandemic. NASW Office of General Counsel. https://www.emdria.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Social-Workers-Disclosure-Responsibility-During-COVID-19-1.pdf.
- Article addresses situations in which social workers have been asked to disclose client names in order to assist in tracing exposure to the coronavirus. Retrieved from NASW Legal Resources webpage: https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Legal/COVID-19-Legal-Resources
- Higdon, K. (2020). Checklist: Returning to the therapy office after COVID-19. https://www.zynnyme.com/blog/returning-to-the-counseling-therapy-office-after-covid-19
- NASW. Social work safety. COVID-19: Practice guidelines for reopening social work practices. https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Infectious-Diseases/Coronavirus/Social-Work-Safety
- Sheperis, D. S., Ordway, A., Kocet, M., & Hermann, M. (2020). Ethics in the time of COVID: Contact tracing. Counseling Today. https://ct.counseling.org/2020/09/ethics-in-the-time-of-covid-contact-tracing/?MvBriefArticleId=46805
Stimulus Relief Information
Many EMDR therapists are sole proprietors/self-employed or run a small business. The stimulus package passed by Congress provides various supports to small businesses and sole proprietors. The following resources could provide information on help for which you might qualify.
- National Board for Certified Counselors. Stimulus package benefits available to counselors. https://www.nbcc.org/resources/nccs/newsletter/stimulus-package-benefits-available-to-counselors
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Guide to small business COVID-19 emergency loans. https://www.uschamber.com/report/covid-19-emergency-loans-small-business-guide
- U.S. Department of the Treasury. The CARES Act provides assistance to small businesses. https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares/assistance-for-small-businesses
- U.S. Small Business Administration. Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small business guidance & loan resources. https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
Resources by Mental Health Profession
Be familiar with your legal responsibilities for the delivery of telehealth services by checking with your state licensing board. In addition, each profession may have its own guidelines and ethical codes for the provision of mental health services via telehealth.
- Counseling: American Counseling Association, http://www.counseling.org
- Marriage Family Therapy: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, http://www.aamft.org
- Psychology: American Psychological Association, http://www.apa.org
- Psychiatry: American Psychiatric Association, http://www.psychiatry.org
- Social Work: National Association for Social Workers, http://www.socialworkers.org
Mental Health Assistance
For patients and family members in need of immediate assistance:
- Disaster Distress Helpline: Call 1-800-985-5990. Text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse Hotlines. 1-844-616-3400.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255. Chat with Lifeline
- Crisis Help Line: Call 1-800-233-4357
- Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741
- Mental Health Information for Disease Outbreaks via Mental Health America
- Resources for mental health care providers and frontline workers assisting with the global COVID-19 crisis
SAMHSA Tip Sheet for Clients
For Ongoing Updates on the Coronavirus
Keep current regarding recommendations for risk mitigation from:
- Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019