Telehealth Informed Consent

Effective Date: January 1, 2026 | Last Updated: April 19, 2026

IMPORTANT: This page provides general information about our telehealth services. Formal informed consent for telehealth will be obtained during your intake process before any telehealth services begin, as required by California law.

What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth (also referred to as telemedicine or teletherapy) is the delivery of healthcare services, including mental health services, through electronic communications technology. At Pasadena Clinical Group, telehealth allows you to participate in therapy sessions with your clinician via secure video conferencing from a location of your choosing, without the need to travel to our office.

Under California Business and Professions Code Section 2290.5, we are required to obtain your informed consent before providing telehealth services.

Telehealth Services We Offer

Individual psychotherapy via secure video
Group therapy via secure video
Psychiatric medication management consultations
Clinical assessments and evaluations
Follow-up and check-in sessions

Benefits of Telehealth

Convenience and Access: Receive care from the comfort and privacy of your own home, which can be especially beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges, transportation difficulties, or health concerns
Continuity of Care: Maintain your regular therapy schedule even during travel, inclement weather, illness, or other disruptions
Reduced Barriers: Eliminates travel time and associated costs, making mental health care more accessible
Flexibility: Greater scheduling flexibility with extended hours for telehealth appointments

Potential Risks and Limitations

While telehealth has many benefits, there are inherent risks and limitations you should be aware of:

Technology Limitations: Sessions depend on reliable internet connectivity. Technical difficulties such as poor audio/video quality, dropped connections, or software glitches may disrupt sessions
Privacy Risks: Despite our use of encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platforms, there is always a small risk of unauthorized access to electronic communications. We cannot control all aspects of your environment (e.g., who may overhear you)
Clinical Limitations: Some clinical assessments or therapeutic techniques may be more effective in person. Your clinician may recommend in-person sessions if telehealth is not appropriate for your needs
Emergency Situations: In a crisis, your clinician may not be able to provide direct, in-person assistance. You will be asked to provide your physical location at the start of each telehealth session so that emergency services can be dispatched if necessary
Not Suitable for All Conditions: Telehealth may not be appropriate for all clinical presentations. Your clinician will assess whether telehealth is appropriate for you and may recommend in-person services if needed

Your Rights Regarding Telehealth

Under California law, you have the following rights:

Right to Refuse: You have the right to refuse telehealth services at any time without affecting your right to future care or treatment, and without risking the loss or withdrawal of any health benefits
Right to In-Person Services: You may request in-person services at any time in lieu of telehealth
Right to Withdraw Consent: You may withdraw your consent for telehealth at any time, verbally or in writing
Right to Privacy: All telehealth sessions are subject to the same confidentiality protections as in-person sessions, including HIPAA regulations and California's Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA)
Right to Information: You have the right to know the identity and qualifications of the clinician providing telehealth services

Technology Requirements

To participate in telehealth sessions, you will need:

A device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone)
A stable internet connection (broadband recommended)
A private, quiet location where you can speak freely without being overheard
An up-to-date web browser or the designated telehealth application

Privacy and Security Measures

Pasadena Clinical Group takes your privacy seriously. We implement the following safeguards for telehealth sessions:

HIPAA-Compliant Platform: We use encrypted, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing technology
No Recording: Telehealth sessions are not recorded unless specifically agreed upon in writing by both parties
Secure Environment: Clinicians conduct telehealth sessions from private, secure locations
Identity Verification: We verify your identity at the beginning of each telehealth session
Physical Location: You will be asked to confirm your physical location at the start of each session for safety purposes

Emergency Protocols

Before beginning telehealth services, we will:

Confirm your physical address/location at the start of each session
Obtain an emergency contact person and phone number
Identify the nearest emergency room to your location
Develop a safety plan if clinically indicated

If you are in crisis during a telehealth session: Your clinician will assist you in contacting emergency services. If the session is disconnected during a crisis, your clinician will attempt to reconnect and, if unable to do so, will contact your emergency contact and/or local emergency services.

California Licensing Requirements

All clinicians at Pasadena Clinical Group who provide telehealth services are licensed or registered in the State of California. Under California law, our clinicians may only provide telehealth services to clients who are physically located in California at the time of the session.

Fees and Insurance

Telehealth sessions are billed at the same rate as in-person sessions. Many insurance plans cover telehealth services; however, coverage varies by plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify your telehealth benefits. Under California law (AB 32 and SB 803), health plans are required to cover telehealth services on the same basis as in-person services.

Consent Process

Before your first telehealth session, you will be asked to:

Review this information thoroughly
Ask any questions about telehealth services
Sign a formal Telehealth Informed Consent form provided during your intake

Your signed consent will be kept in your clinical record.

Contact Us

If you have questions about our telehealth services or the consent process, please contact us:

Pasadena Clinical Group
301 N. Lake Ave, STE 600
Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: 626-354-6440
Fax: 323-801-8264
Fax: 323-801-8264
Email: office@pasadenaclinicalgroup.com