Telehealth Consent & HIPAA Notice

Effective Date: February 1, 2026 | Last Updated: February 1, 2026

This page contains our Telehealth Informed Consent, which explains how telehealth services work and your rights as a telehealth patient. Our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, which describes how we may use and disclose your Protected Health Information and your rights under federal law, is published on its own page: Notice of Privacy Practices.

PART 1: Telehealth Informed Consent

1.1 Nature of Telehealth Services

Telehealth involves the use of electronic communications to provide therapy services when you and your provider are not in the same physical location. This includes real-time audio and video conferencing using secure, HIPAA-compliant technology platforms.

Telehealth sessions are conducted with the same professional standards as in-person sessions. Your provider is licensed in one or more of the jurisdictions we serve (Arizona, Arkansas, Virginia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and will provide the same quality of care regardless of the delivery method.

1.2 Client Location Requirement

You must be physically located in a jurisdiction where our clinicians are licensed (Arizona, Arkansas, Virginia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) during all telehealth sessions. If you travel outside these jurisdictions, please notify your provider in advance, as we may be unable to provide telehealth services while you are there. At the beginning of each session, your provider will confirm your current physical location.

1.3 Technology Platform and Requirements

ZipHealthy uses HIPAA-compliant video conferencing technology for telehealth sessions. A link to access your session will be provided before each appointment. To participate in telehealth sessions, you will need:

• Stable Internet Connection: A reliable high-speed internet connection for uninterrupted video and audio
• Private Space: A quiet, private location where you can speak freely without being overheard
• Camera and Microphone: A device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) with a functioning camera and microphone

1.4 Benefits of Telehealth

• Convenience: Access therapy from the comfort of your home or office
• Accessibility: Eliminates travel time and transportation barriers
• Continuity of Care: Maintain consistent therapy appointments even when travel or illness prevents in-person visits
• Flexibility: Easier scheduling for those with busy schedules or caregiving responsibilities

1.5 Potential Risks and Limitations

While telehealth is an effective treatment modality, there are some potential risks and limitations:

• Technology Failures: Sessions may be interrupted due to internet connectivity issues, software problems, or equipment failures. If a session is disconnected, your provider will attempt to reconnect. If reconnection is not possible within 10 minutes, the session may need to be rescheduled.
• Privacy Concerns: Despite using secure, encrypted platforms, there is always some risk of unauthorized access to electronic communications. You are responsible for ensuring your own environment is private during sessions.
• Not Suitable for All Conditions: Telehealth may not be appropriate for all mental health conditions or situations. Your provider will discuss whether telehealth is appropriate for your specific needs and may recommend in-person services when clinically indicated.
• Emergency Limitations: In an emergency, your provider may not be able to provide immediate in-person assistance. See Section 1.8 below for emergency protocols.

1.6 Recording Prohibition

Telehealth sessions are not recorded by ZipHealthy or its clinicians. You may not record sessions (audio, video, or screenshot) without the prior written consent of your provider and all participants. Unauthorized recording may constitute a violation of applicable federal and state wiretapping and eavesdropping laws.

1.7 Your Rights Regarding Telehealth

You have the right to:

• Withdraw your consent for telehealth services at any time without penalty or impact on your access to other services
• Request to switch to in-person sessions, subject to availability and clinical appropriateness
• Ask questions about telehealth technology, procedures, and privacy safeguards at any time
• Expect the same confidentiality protections as in-person sessions
• Receive information about alternative treatment options, including referral to in-person providers

1.8 Emergency Protocols for Telehealth

If you experience a mental health crisis during a telehealth session:

• Provide Your Location: At the beginning of each telehealth session, confirm your current physical address with your provider so that emergency services can be contacted if needed
• Emergency Contact: Provide an emergency contact person who can be reached if you become unreachable during a crisis
• Call 911: If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or have your provider call 911 on your behalf
• Local Resources: Your provider will provide you with local crisis resources

1.9 Consent Acknowledgment

By scheduling and participating in a telehealth session with ZipHealthy, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to the terms of this Telehealth Informed Consent. A signed copy of this consent will be obtained as part of your clinical intake process. The signed version, rather than this web page, constitutes the binding consent document. This web page is provided for your information and reference.

PART 2: HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

Our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices is now published as its own page so that the version you read here, the version in your client portal, and the paper copy are always the same document. Please read it at Notice of Privacy Practices (version 2026.09, effective September 1, 2026). You sign your acknowledgment of the Notice in the client portal before your first session, and you may ask for a paper copy at any time.

3. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Telehealth Consent or our Notice of Privacy Practices, or wish to exercise any of your rights, please contact our Privacy Officer:

ZipHealthy PLLC
Attn: Privacy Officer
240 S Main St, Suite 270
Bentonville, AR 72712
Email: info@ziphealthy.com
Phone: (479) 259-1390