Contact Us

Please contact Dr. Hart's office via phone for inquiries or appointments. 

3214 50th Street Court Northwest
Gig Harbor, WA, 98335
United States

253- 514-8331

Cheryl Hart Psychologist

Telehealth Policy

 You can access your telehealth appointment at https://doxy.me/cherylohart

Telehealth Information:

This practice provides video-based (aka, telehealth) treatment designed for healthcare using a secure, HIPAA-compliant, 128-bit encryption telehealth platform via Doxy.me. All communication is protected with end-to-end encryption and occurs directly between you and your provider. Doxy.me does not require downloads or accounts and does not store session video or personal health information on your device, helping ensure your visit remains private and confidential.


CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. PROVIDE YOUR OWN PHONE, TABLET, OR COMPUTER: 

The client will provide their own technology (including a secure internet connection, video/webcam, microphone, and audio). A smart phone will work, but is not ideal as incoming texts and notifications tend to freeze the video feed.


2. MAKE SURE YOUR SESSION IS IN A CONFIDENTIAL/PRIVATE SETTING:
DO'S: The client agrees to participate from a non-public location that allows privacy and minimizes the possibility of the appointment being overheard. Therapy must be conducted in complete privacy (pets are ok to, and frequently do, join in). You may consider placing a “do not disturb” notice on the closed-door of the room that you will use. Consider using a white noise machine outside the room if you think you might be overheard by others.


DON'TS: The client agrees to not initiate their telehealth appointment in a public place, while driving or riding as a passenger in a car, using public transportation, or in a room or other location with another person. The client also agrees to not attempt a telehealth appointment while around, or while responsible for providing childcare for, children of any age. If the client does not uphold the expectation of providing a safe and confidential space free of children, the appointment will be canceled (if that occurs, the client will be responsible for paying the full fee associated with a last-minute appointment cancellation).


3. USE 911 FOR IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY SERVICE:
I understand that telehealth treatment via Doxy.me is not to be used for emergency services. In the event of an emergency, I will use a phone to call 9-1-1 or I will present to the nearest hospital Emergency Department for assistance. I understand that I can also call the Pierce County Crisis Line (800-576-7764), the Kitsap County Crisis Call Line (888-910-0416), or the nationwide suicide hotline (988).


4. SET UP & TEST OUT DOXY.ME AT LEAST 24 HOURS BEFORE OUR FIRST SESSION:

Please sign into doxy.me and have the system “test” your audio and video no later than the day before your appointment. These tasks are usually not a big deal. (REMEMBER: You DO NOT have to set up your own Doxy.me account.) Please go to the Doxy.me "waiting room." Then click on the "Pre-call test" button at the bottom left to find out if you have any electronic barriers to using Doxy.me to do telehealth. (Don’t worry if it says you have 'low bandwidth;’ you can still use telehealth in a low bandwidth situation - it just won't be perfect quality transmission.)

          4a. The supported web browsers are Google Chrome and Firefox. The Doxy.me website has instructions for setting up specific web browsers. If you have followed all of the instructions for your browser, and are still having trouble, you might try contacting the Doxy.me support team or the Doxy.me tech team, if they are not available, you will need to consult your own "Geek Squad"-type professional or use Google to look up solutions.

          4b. Please give your browser permission for Doxy.me to access your webcam and microphone.

        

Clients will need to agree to the following in their intake paperwork:

  • I understand that Dr. Hart has offered me telehealth services which will not be the same as an in-person office visit due to the fact that I will not be in the same room as Dr. Hart.

  • I understand that due to the laws governing licenses to practice psychology, I must be inside the State of Washington to participate in telehealth services. If I show up to a session and I am outside the State of Washington, the appointment will be canceled (if that occurs, I will be responsible for paying the full fee associated with a last-minute appointment cancellation).

  • I understand and agree that the information transmitted during telehealth services are not to be and will not be recorded by me or Dr. Hart. It is illegal to record someone else without their permission in Washington State.

  • I understand that telehealth services have potential benefits including easier access to care and the convenience of meeting from a location of my choosing within the State of Washington.

  • I understand that there are potential risks and annoyances to telehealth including interruptions, unauthorized access, and technical difficulties. I understand that if there is a service disruption due to technology failure, that my provider will attempt to call me by telephone to continue the appointment in that format.

  • I understand that if I do not access telehealth services from a safe and fully confidential space, the appointment will be canceled (if that occurs, I will be responsible for paying the full fee associated with a last-minute appointment cancellation).

  • I agree to not attempt a telehealth appointment while around, or while responsible for providing childcare for, children of any age.

  • I understand that Dr. Hart or I can request to discontinue the telehealth services if we agree that the video-conferencing connections are not adequate for my situation.

  • To maintain confidentiality, I agree to not share the telehealth appointment link to anyone unauthorized to attend the appointment.

  • I understand that I can have a direct conversation with Dr. Hart, during which I can ask questions about Telehealth services. I know that I can contact the office at 253-514-8331 to ask any questions I have about Telehealth services.

  • I can access more Doxy.me security and privacy infomation here.

  • I do not assume or expect my provider to have access to or understanding of any technical information about the Doxy.me platform. I understand that Doxy.me has tech support options to trouble shoot any difficulties that I might be having.   NOTE: The last 5 years have proven that the vast majority of Doxy.me connection problems are quickly resolved by 1 or both participants signing out of Doxy.me then immediately signing back in.