COVID-19 Statement
Greetings:
In light of our current situation, Lifeline Family Enrichment Counseling wants you to know your health and well-being is our top priority! As we continue to monitor health and safety developments around the world, I want to provide you with an update about the corona virus outbreak. I want to let you know all the precautions I am taking to maintain a safe space for your counseling services. Below are some updates on my office protocols; ways to continue to engage in therapy services and helpful resources during this time of uncertainty. Please know that in times like these it is normal to experience a lot of different emotions and I want to be available to assist and support you. Remember, maintaining a sense of routine and consistency can sometimes help decrease feelings of fear and anxiety. If therapy is something within your week that feels supportive for you, I want to encourage you to keep your appointment. Please know I am dedicated to maintaining your continuity of care during this difficult time.
Additionally, the safety of my clients as well as myself is my utmost concern. I am continuing to closely monitoring the current situation and as well as following guidance from public health officials and government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
In an effort to increase the frequency of cleaning protocols and to decrease contamination at the office, the following safety precautions are in effect:
·  All surfaces, & doorknobs handled in therapy sessions are cleaned and sanitized in between sessions.
·  Greetings and goodbyes that usually consist of hugs or high fives are now done in the air without any touch occurring.
·  Clients are reminded to cough/sneeze into their sleeves and use available tissues.
·  Clients are reminded to use hand sanitizer provided in the office.
·  Clients are reminded to wash hands thoroughly (at least 20 seconds) using soap and water when visiting bathroom facilities.

For everyone’s safety, I am asking all clients who are not feeling well to reschedule their appointment for a later date. This includes anyone with symptoms of fever, chills, cough, gastrointestinal issues, and shortness of breath.  Also, I am requesting  you and/or your child remain home if anyone in your family is symptomatic. If you choose to cancel your upcoming therapy session, please do so at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment to prevent being charged the full session fee. Should you find yourself ill or not feeling well in under that 24-hour policy, simply call my office one hour prior to your appointment.

New Option Available
If you primarily engage in talk therapy and are unable to physically come to the office because of illness, I am happy to announce my availability to soon be able to offer telehealth appointments in place of in-person sessions through Doxy.me. This is a free, secure, HIPAA compliant platform that allows you to continue working on your therapeutic goals through a cell phone, tablet, or computer access. If you are interested in this option, please me by email at [email protected]. Additionally, if you have a child receiving therapy services, please reach out to your therapist to discuss if teletherapy is an appropriate option for your child.
I am actively following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, federal agencies, and other global health organizations to collect the most up-to-the-minute information to ensure the actions we're taking are comprehensive and expedient. To learn more about COVID-19 and other precautions you can take, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and AustinTexas.gov. Please stay in contact with your individual therapist about upcoming appointments and potential cancellations.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me by phone at 512/779-3539 or by email at [email protected]. On behalf of Lifeline Family Enrichment Counseling, I pray blessings good health and a peaceful heart for you and your family. Thank you for choosing Lifeline Family Enrichment Counseling to be a part of your wellness journey.
Respectfully,
Barbara Fountain, MAHS, LPC-Supervisor