We would like to update our clients and their families on our response to COVID-19, in light of recommendations from our local, state, and national governments. COVID-19 is a new virus, for which there is not yet a vaccine, and no antiviral treatment.  Worldwide, thousands have died, and the number of individuals infected in America is currently rising. We know that COVID-19 is different from the flu – more contagious, and more deadly. In some people, COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia. Immunocompromised individuals and people over 60+ are most at risk, but COVID-19 has also landed younger people in the hospital.

We share this information not to incite fear or panic, but simply to provide the facts, and to help our clients and their families make reasonable and appropriate decisions to stay safe. The current medical advice is to wash your hands more, touch your face less, keep some physical distance from others in public, and reduce non-essential travel. If you are at all struggling with what the reasonable and medically recommended steps are to keep yourself safe, be sure to discuss this with your therapist.

The Center for OCD and Anxiety will be making the following changes to services below. We will provide another update when we are ready to resume business as usual.

With regard to our work together, please note the following for all clients:

1.  Our standard cancellation policy is to charge $70 for cancellations with less than 24 hours notice. While we would appreciate 24 hours notice, for the next month we ask for only 12 hours notice before implementing the late cancellation fee, meaning that you have more time to contact your provider if you need to cancel, without incurring a fee. If you are physically ill, please call/email your provider directly to cancel your therapy appointment and also contact your PCP office.
2. Because of the long incubation period for the coronavirus/COVID-19, with no symptoms for up to 14 days after exposure, our practice is moving to telehealth or virtual sessions, as much as possible, in the coming weeks to assist in mitigating spread of the virus. Currently, all Highmark and Aetna plans cover telehealth sessions so clients with these insurance plans can expect to migrate to telehealth sessions. UPMC and Medical Assistance plans are not covering telehealth sessions at this time. The Center for OCD and Anxiety will do our best to provide continued care – your individual clinician can review options with you.
3. We are committed to continuing to provide you with the treatment you need.  We anticipate being able to meet everyone’s needs, but would request flexibility from clients as our individual clinicians are adapting to the changing circumstances which may require changes in days/times of usual appointments.

Please contact your individual therapist to follow up as needed and thank you for your understanding at this time,

The Center for OCD and Anxiety