COVID-19 : How Agape is Responding

last updated: April 10, 2020

Agape has been monitoring the news regarding the current COVID-19 / coronavirus situation. We want to assure our clients that we have taken all necessary precautions to avoid exposure to our counselors, staff and clients. We plan to continue operating as normally as possible, throughout this time, and will avoid any disruptions in our client services, to the best of our ability.

Mental Health Workers are considered essential workers, and sessions are considered essential activity, so we will remain open during any COVID-19 Stay-at-Home orders, unless otherwise stated. Our counselors, as independent contractors, are scheduling in-office and/or telehealth sessions during this time, at their own discretion. If you are a current client, please check with your counselor for scheduling options.

We are taking new clients at this time. We are currently able to offer in-person sessions, as well as telehealth sessions (via video call and/or telephone). To inquire about connecting with a counselor, please click on “Schedule Now” in the menu bar of this website (or click here).

During this period, we are taking the following precautions against COVID-19:

• We will continue to provide in person sessions as long as we are able. However, as an alternative to in person sessions, we are also offering video call sessions via a HIPAA compliant platform, called Zoom. The Zoom app is free to download to your smart phone, tablet, or computer. See table below on the types of TeleHealth Sessions that are covered by insurance. This is a great alternative to avoid losing momentum in the progress of your therapy!
• Frequent sanitation of doorknobs, pens, clipboards, and other frequently touched surfaces, including couches and chairs, throughout the day.
• Staff & Counselors are washing hands and/or using hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day.
• We recommend, as much as possible, maintaining the CDC recommended “social distancing” of 6 feet of space between yourself and others in the waiting room, as well as between yourself and your counselor in the counseling rooms.
• Staff & Counselors are self-monitoring for potential symptoms and are encouraged not to come into the office, if they are showing signs of sickness, COVID-19, or otherwise.
• Agape’s bi-monthly counselor supervision meetings are being held via Video Conferencing, rather than in person.
• Clients are encouraged not to come into the office if they are sick or have been in contact with sick people. We ask that you give as much notice as possible, if cancellations become necessary due to illness, we will waive cancellation fees. Alternatively, we can schedule TeleHealth sessions in lieu of in person sessions to avoid disrupting services.

Here is what we know, so far, about insurances & TeleHealth Counseling Services:

 With any of the insurance companies, above, it is always a good idea to check your individual plan to determine if TeleHealth services are covered for Mental Health. Some plans have acceptations. 

We understand that life may look a little different with schools and some businesses closing, operating remotely, etc. Some people may be experiencing additional stress, anxiety, worry, etc, during the COVID-19 crisis. We want you to know that we are committed to continued care and support for our clients throughout this time. Our desire, as always, is to provide a safe environment for our clients to heal and grow.

We will do our best to keep this page updated as we are able. With questions or concerns, we can be reached via the Client Help Desk (click here), or by phone at 314-994-9344 (administrative office hours: Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm).