With the outbreak of COVID-19, it is vital that we protect ourselves and others, doing our bit to reduce the spread of the virus by following the advice of experts in this field.

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The information below is provided to help keep both our staff and clients safe. Staff at Spark for Life are all vaccinated to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The advice on this page is open to change in line with ACT health announcements. Any ACT health directions or advice supercedes the information below.

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Appointments

We ask that for any face-to-face appointments that you are totally healthy, have not been a close contact of a confirmed COVID positive person, are not in isolation, and are not awaiting a COVID test result. 

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We are happy to arrange either a telehealth or alternative appointment if:

• you have been to an exposure site

• you have COVID-19 or you are a close contact

• you feel unwell and/or are displaying cold or flu like symptoms

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It is recommended that you stay at home and test for COVID-19 if you are unwell.

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Vaccination

Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself and your family. All staff at Spark for Life are fully vaccinated and we encourage all our clients to discuss vaccination with their GP if not already vaccinated. We ask unvaccinated people over the age of 12 to wear a mask at all times when attending Spark for Life and encourage the use of telehealth appointments for unvaccinated individuals.

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Masks

We request that masks be worn in the waiting room at all times. In session masks may be required depending on the current situation in Canberra. You will be informed of this as required.

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Hand Hygiene

Please use hand sanitiser as soon as you enter the practice as well as when you leave. There is hand sanitiser at various locations around the practice. Our bathroom has hand towels and a soap dispenser. Please ensure that you wash and scrub your hands for 20 seconds.

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Physical Distancing

Arrive as close to you appointment time as possible to minimise waiting room time, if you arrive early to your appointment, Please wait outside. Our waiting room has been arranged to adhere  to and observe physical distancing rules. Please aim to be at least 1.5m away from each other as much as possible. Please follow hygiene advice (as above), avoiding close contact with others (e.g. touching) and using a tissue if you sneeze or cough.

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Please check in on arrival using the app; this is especially important for parents and other support people who may attend Spark for life.

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Telehealth Services

We continue to provide both telehealth and face to face appointments. Where it is clinically appropriate, a telehealth appointment can be arranged in lieu of a face-to-face appointment. If you feel you need to cancel because you are unwell, our practitioners may be able to provide telehealth (telephone or video sessions) for eligible clients.

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The Government recently announced that currently all Australians eligible to receive services under Medicare may be able to access psychological services delivered via telehealth (i.e., video conference or phone) if clinically appropriate and if their psychologist is offering telehealth services. For more information about how to fund your sessions through Medicare, please visit our Fees & Referrals page.

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If you do not have a mental health care plan from your GP, you may still be able to access telehealth services. Please contact us to discuss what options might be available to you.

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Further Information

For current information and a range of resources from the Australian Psychological Society, please click here.

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Increased Anxiety around COVID-19

If you are feeling very anxious or worried about the COVID-19 virus, this advice on COVID-19 and Anxiety might be helpful.