Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Telehealth Services Consent
Axis Mental Health is committed to providing high-quality psychiatric care through secure telehealth technology. This Telehealth Informed Consent explains how telehealth services are delivered, the associated benefits and risks, your rights as a patient, and your responsibilities when participating in remote healthcare services.
By participating in telehealth appointments, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Consent.
What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth refers to the delivery of healthcare services using secure electronic communication technologies that allow patients and healthcare providers to interact remotely.
Telehealth services may include:
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Medication management
- Follow-up appointments
- Mental health consultations
- Treatment planning
- Patient education
Telehealth appointments may be conducted using secure video conferencing platforms approved by Axis Mental Health.
Benefits of Telehealth
Telehealth offers several advantages, including:
- Convenient access to psychiatric care from your home or another private location.
- Reduced travel time and transportation costs.
- Increased appointment availability.
- Improved continuity of care.
- Reduced exposure to contagious illnesses.
- Greater accessibility for patients living in rural or underserved areas.
Potential Risks
While telehealth provides many benefits, there are inherent limitations and risks, including:
- Internet connectivity issues.
- Audio or video interruptions.
- Technical failures.
- Delays in communication.
- Limited ability to perform certain physical examinations.
- Potential unauthorized access if patients do not use secure networks or private locations.
Although Axis Mental Health uses commercially reasonable security measures, no electronic communication system can guarantee absolute security.
Confidentiality
Axis Mental Health maintains the confidentiality of telehealth visits in accordance with:
- HIPAA
- HITECH Act
- Applicable Florida laws
Healthcare providers use secure communication platforms designed to protect patient privacy.
Patients are encouraged to:
- Participate from a private location.
- Use a secure internet connection.
- Wear headphones when appropriate.
- Prevent unauthorized individuals from overhearing conversations.
Technology Requirements
Patients are responsible for ensuring access to:
- A reliable internet connection.
- A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone.
- Updated software compatible with the telehealth platform.
- A quiet and private environment.
Technical difficulties may require appointments to be rescheduled or completed by another appropriate method if permitted.
Patient Responsibilities
During telehealth appointments, patients agree to:
- Provide accurate personal and medical information.
- Participate from a safe and private location.
- Verify their identity when requested.
- Inform the provider of their physical location at the beginning of each session.
- Notify the provider if another individual is present during the appointment.
- Follow treatment recommendations.
- Inform the provider of any changes in contact information.
Provider Responsibilities
Axis Mental Health providers will:
- Maintain professional standards of care.
- Protect patient confidentiality.
- Use secure telehealth technology whenever possible.
- Document telehealth encounters in the patient’s medical record.
- Recommend in-person evaluation when clinically appropriate.
Emergency Situations
Telehealth services are not intended for emergency care.
If you experience:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Thoughts of harming yourself
- Thoughts of harming others
- A psychiatric emergency
- A medical emergency
Do not wait for your telehealth appointment.
Immediately:
- Call 911
- Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Visit the nearest emergency department
- Seek assistance from local emergency services
Axis Mental Health cannot guarantee immediate response to electronic communications.
Prescriptions
When clinically appropriate, providers may prescribe medications during telehealth visits in accordance with:
- Federal regulations
- Florida law
- DEA requirements (when applicable)
Certain medications may require:
- In-person evaluation
- Additional documentation
- Laboratory testing
- Identity verification
Prescription decisions remain solely at the discretion of the treating provider.
Recording of Sessions
Patients may not audio record, video record, photograph, livestream, or otherwise reproduce telehealth appointments without the prior written consent of Axis Mental Health and the treating provider.
Likewise, Axis Mental Health will not record telehealth sessions unless required for clinical purposes and with appropriate authorization or legal justification.
Right to Withdraw Consent
Participation in telehealth services is voluntary.
Patients may withdraw consent at any time before or during treatment by notifying Axis Mental Health.
Withdrawal of consent will not affect access to other healthcare services that may be available.
However, certain services may require in-person evaluation if telehealth is declined.
Limitations of Telehealth
The provider may determine that telehealth is not clinically appropriate for certain situations, including but not limited to:
- Psychiatric emergencies.
- Severe mental health crises.
- Situations requiring immediate physical examination.
- Circumstances where patient safety cannot be reasonably ensured.
In such cases, patients may be referred for in-person care or emergency treatment.
Insurance and Billing
Telehealth services may be billed to your insurance provider when applicable.
Coverage varies by insurance carrier and plan.
Patients remain responsible for:
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
- Deductibles
- Non-covered services
- Outstanding balances
Verification of insurance benefits does not guarantee payment.
Consent
By participating in telehealth services with Axis Mental Health, you acknowledge that:
- You understand the nature of telehealth services.
- You have had the opportunity to ask questions.
- Your questions have been answered satisfactorily.
- You understand the potential benefits and risks.
- You understand your privacy rights.
- You voluntarily consent to receive psychiatric care through telehealth technologies.
Contact Information
Axis Mental Health
Florida, United States
Phone:
(305) 804-9624
Phone:
(786) 450-4490