March 30: An Update from Kids In The Middle

March 30, 2020

To our valued clients,

Kids In The Middle (KITM) places the safety of our clients, guests, and staff as a top priority. We have continued to monitor the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), local health departments, and government offices. As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in the St. Louis region, KITM recognizes that it is critical to prevent the spread of new cases and protect our staff, clients, and community. Therefore, KITM will be extending the following restrictions through Friday, April 24, 2020, with the expectation that services will resume, in office, on Monday, April 27, 2020.

  • In addition to continuing the postponement of most Group services, KITM will be conducting Initial Intake Assessments, Consultations, Family, Joint Co-Parenting, and Individual sessions for clients 11 years of age and older via an electronic system, through April 24, 2020. All Agency services are currently expected to resume on Monday, April 27, 2020. Saturday hours will cease beginning March 28 and will not recommence until Saturday, May 3, 2020.
  • KITM has implemented a Telehealth system, Doxy.me, where clients will be able to meet with their therapist via video or audio conference.
    • Doxy.me is an easy to use, secure, telemedicine tool that is accessible from desktop, tablet, or smartphone!
    • Your therapist will contact you with additional information regarding your appointment. Clients are also encouraged to reach out to their therapist for questions or concerns.
  • For children ten years of age and younger, electronic services will be determined by you and your child’s therapist and may not be appropriate for all children.
    • KITM is offering shorter sessions, 25-30 minutes in length, as an option for Individual Child counseling. This makes it easier to provide video sessions as an option for younger children (10 and younger).
    • Those parents whose children’s services may need to be postponed will receive a phone call once a week by your child’s therapist to check-in, and resources, activities and coping skills will be provided based on the need of the child.
    • Parents are also encouraged to reach out to their child’s therapist directly with questions or concerns.
  • If parents need a session to check-in, specifically about their child, KITM is adding an opportunity for shorter and more frequent Treatment Reviews with your child’s therapist.
  • Additionally, some of our groups, may continue via Telehealth.
    • If this applies to you or your child’s group, you will be notified by your child’s therapist.
    • KITM is offering Group Individual services in place of Group services.
    • We have set the expectation with our group members that they must be in a quiet, confidential location and wear headphones to protect confidentiality as much as possible.
  • KITM recognizes how difficult this time is for parents and families, and want to continue to provide support to the community remotely.
    • KITM’s parenting class will start on schedule, via Telehealth, on Thursday, April 9 @ 5:30 pm.
    • The parenting class is available to current KITM clients and to parents in the community looking for additional support.

We want you to know that our thoughts are with you and your families as we navigate this unprecedented and unpredictable time.

  • If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, Behavioral Health Response has a 24-hour crisis hotline that can be reached at 314-469-6644 or 800-811-4760.
  • If you are experiencing a need for additional resources or help with food, rent and utility payments, please call United Way at 2-1-1 or visit 211helps.org

 

As we continue to monitor this situation, these procedures are subject to change with new recommendations, which we will keep you informed as soon as they become available.

Wishing you and your families continued health and wellness,

Katy Walter
Chief Executive Officer