Telehealth Information & Informed Consent

Peter Pham, PMHNP-BC provides psychiatric care via telehealth (live video) to patients located in California, Oregon, and Florida, and provides in-person care at our Orange County, California office. This page explains how telehealth works, its benefits and limitations, and what you are agreeing to when you participate in a telehealth visit.

States we serve

  • California — telehealth and in-person
  • Oregon — telehealth only
  • Florida — telehealth only (out-of-state telehealth provider registration with the Florida Department of Health)

You must be physically located in one of these three states at the time of your appointment. If you travel outside these states, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

What telehealth involves

A telehealth visit is a real-time, face-to-face video appointment using a HIPAA-secure video platform. You will see and hear your provider, and your provider will see and hear you. The clinical standard of care is the same as an in-person visit.

Benefits of telehealth

  • Convenience and flexibility.
  • Access to specialty psychiatric care without travel.
  • Reduced exposure to other illnesses.
  • Easier scheduling for follow-ups.

Risks and limitations of telehealth

  • Technology can fail. If the connection drops, your provider will call you on the phone you have on file.
  • Telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies. If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of harming yourself or others, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.
  • Some clinical situations require in-person evaluation. Your provider may determine, after evaluation, that telehealth is not appropriate for your needs and may refer you for in-person care.
  • Privacy at your location is your responsibility. Please attend your visit from a private space where you can speak freely.
  • A controlled-substance prescription may require additional verification or, in some cases, an in-person visit, consistent with federal and state law.

Privacy and security

We use HIPAA-compliant video and electronic-health-record platforms. We do not record sessions. Your information is protected by HIPAA and applicable state law. See our Notice of Privacy Practices for details.

Controlled substances and telehealth prescribing

Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) telemedicine flexibilities, extended through December 31, 2026, currently permit prescribing of controlled medications via audio-video telehealth without a prior in-person evaluation, subject to clinical appropriateness and applicable state law. Our practice prescribes controlled substances (including stimulants for ADHD) consistent with federal and state law, professional standards, and individualized clinical judgment. We participate in California's CURES program and check applicable state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs before prescribing.

Informed consent

By scheduling and attending a telehealth appointment with Peter Pham, PMHNP-BC, you confirm that:

  1. You have read the information above and have had the opportunity to ask questions.
  2. You understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of telehealth.
  3. You are physically located in California, Oregon, or Florida during the appointment.
  4. You agree to inform your provider if you experience a clinical emergency during the visit and to follow safety instructions provided.
  5. You may withdraw consent for telehealth at any time and request alternative care arrangements (subject to availability and clinical appropriateness).
  6. You understand that telehealth visits are billed at the same rate as in-person visits unless otherwise noted, and that some insurance plans may have different coverage rules for telehealth.

A separate, signed consent form will be provided through the patient portal at intake.

Questions?

Email info@blackonyx.care or call (714) 844-5541.