BHBA Safety Procedures for IN-PERSON SESSIONS

We have relied on and adhere to recommendations made by the Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (published guide for employers here), as well as the New York State Department of Health and the CDC. Our policies and procedures are subject to change based on changes in recommendations and you will be updated as needed.

The following safety measures are in place for in-person work:

Covid, Cold, and Flu Season Policies

  • We are moving into cold and flu season. There will be many people gathered together in a tight space. If weather permits the window in the group room can be open for ventilation and air exchange. Do not attend group if you are symptomatic with cold or flu symptoms.

  • If you have a fever within 24 hours of the group, do not attend. If you test positive for COVID please isolate for 5 days with day 1 being the day of symptom onset. Isolate beyond that time if you continue to have symptoms. If you were symptomatic from COVID, you may return to the group after masking for 10 days, or taking two sequential antigen tests 48 hours apart that show negative results before day 10.

  • We follow CDC guidelines here. You may be asked to wear a mask during group if you develop a cough or start to sneeze frequently. You may also be asked to leave if you show concerning symptoms during group.

    Masking Policy

  • BHBA has a mask optional policy for in-person sessions. Please speak to your individual therapist if you would like to continue masking.

    Distancing, Ventilation & Personal Safety

  • Please use discretion when feeling symptomatic. If you feel well enough to attend your sessions please take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and therapist.

  • If weather permits, the window in the therapy room will be open for ventilation and air exchange.

  • The window will be open between sessions to increase circulation and air exchange.

  • In the event of a random cough or sneeze, use a kleenex, or your sleeve and cover your mouth and nose.

Sterilization

  • Office Hygiene: The office is cleaned several times a week by the cleaning staff.

  • Every individual therapy office has an air purifier with a HEPA filter that is cleaned regularly. The group rooms have high grade large volume HEPA filter air purifiers.

  • The office has hand sanitizer available in the waiting rooms, group rooms and individual offices. Please use it often.

  • Kleenex is plentiful. Please use Kleenex often. Please wash your hands in the restroom before group.

Attestation and Sick Policies

  • In the event you are well enough to participate, you will have a Telehealth session.

  • As with any session, if you are unable to attend and notice is given with less than 24 hours of your scheduled appointment time, you will be charged in full.

  • If your therapist believes that you are symptomatic and you are in the office, you will be asked to go home. You will incur the full fee for the session.

  • For patients who test positive for COVID, you must follow CDC guidelines and isolate for 5 days. If your next session is within 10 days of your positive COVID test result, you must have a remote session for that week, unless you produce a negative result from a rapid test you took as close to your session day as possible.

  • As always, your individual therapist may have more requirements to allow for in-person sessions. Please consult directly with them.

Individual Psychotherapy Sessions: 
The following therapists are available to work in person at 26 Court Street. Each therapist manages their own schedule and will provide you with specific dates and times they are available to conduct in-person sessions. They will also provide you with the location and code to the suite door, prior to your session. 

Belinda Bellet, Ph.D. (as needed)
Gabrielle DiBenedetto, LMSW
Weldon Lummus, LMSW
Julie Reinhold, Psy.D. Laura Kessler, Post-Doc
Kristen Carpenter, LMSW Amanda Verheyen, LMSW Violeta Bangiyev, Extern Janina Gunderson, Social Work Intern Sonia Turner, Social Work Intern

Remote Telehealth Providers (indefinitely) 
Meg Rowley, LCSW
Morghann Sims, LMSW, MPH

Adult and Multi-Family DBT : 
Group therapy will be offered with an in-person and Telehealth option using Telehealth web platforms such as Zoom and Google Meets until further notice.

If you have any questions regarding these policies, please direct them to your individual therapist or Dr. Bellet by emailing her directly, drbellet@bhbehavioralassociates.