The Elizabeth Layton Center in Ottawa has announced some changes in response to COVID-19. In order to continue providing essential healthcare services in a manner that is safe for clients and staff, the Center has implemented many precautions and changes, including “Telehealth” service delivery and new office hours. Telehealth means that services are delivered through remote means such as a telephone or televideo options such as zoom. The Federal Government has relaxed HIPAA privacy rules so that behavioral health and other medical services can now be provided through phone and televideo technologies.
Executive Director, Leslie Bjork, says behavioral health services have never been more important and managing the COVID related changes in routine, social isolation, family challenges, financial stressors and grief can be overwhelming for both adults and youth. She adds that face to face services are still available for those who require it.
Office hours will also change. Beginning Monday, they will be open from 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday. Crisis services will continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
