Resources for psychotherapists/counselors in San Francisco, CA


(Current as of 6/5/2020  This page is not being updated, so be sure to check with local health authorities for updates to the current standing City orders.)

On a statewide level: 
Before reopening, all facilities must:
  1. Perform a detailed risk assessment and create a site-specific protection plan
  2. Train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes how to screen themselves for symptoms and when to stay home.
  3. Set up individual control measures and screenings
  4. Put disinfection protocols in place
  5. Establish physical distancing guidelines

Post the following on the entrance to the premesis: https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/Social%20Distancing%20Protocol%20for%20Businesses%20%28fillable%29.pdf

The current City order, as of 5/16/2020, can be found here: https://www.sfdph.org/dph/alerts/files/OrderC19-08b-ElectiveSurgeriesRoutineAppointments-05152020.pdf

Violation of the order is a crime (misdemeanor), punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.

1.) All appointments must still be conducted via remote, AND to implement all practical mitigation strategies to help prevent transmission.

2.) Failure to comply is a “menace” to public health.

3.) In-person interactions, all healing arts professionals must wear a face covering or PPE.  If a procedure  does not allow for the wearing of a face covering, it may be removed solely when necessary for the purposes of the care being received, and then only for the minimum extent necessary to facilitate care or the procedure being provided.

4.) To determine if an appointment must be conducted in-person, healing arts practitioners must consult with patients/clients.  The default position remains that remote treatment or care is presumed.

5.) If you determine, through consultation with your patient, that in-person appointments are necessary, face masks must be worn.  In addition, you must complete two additional tasks:

First, you must conduct a screening the day before, or at the very least before they enter into your building.  They cannot come in building until they have answered the screener.  The in-person appointment asks the following questions, and these questions can be conducted via phone, email, or other method.  If the screener is positive you must cancel the appointment.  You also must tell them to get a test for COVID-19.

​Here is the screener: 


​Second, if the screener is negative, you can proceed with the appointment , but social distancing requirements must be followed to the greatest extent possible.  

Note that your patients living in the City (not just you) are also required to follow these orders.  So it’s not solely on you.

Important flexibility: 
HHS has issued a temporary teleconferenceing waiver (as of Feb 2020) for HIPAA requirements, but you still can’t use a video conference platform that is public facing, such as FB live, Twitch, TikTok, etc.  But during this time and until the waiver expires you can use FB Messenger chat, Google Hangouts, Skype, etc., all of which aren't public facing but aren't HIPAA compliant by default.