GROUP RULES
Group members, please review and consistently follow the following rules to receive credit for class (ONLINE OR IN PERSON) and individual sessions:
If you have a cell phone, it must only be used for accessing the virtual class otherwise it must be turned off or on silent and placed out of sight; use of the phone & text messaging is not allowed while in class.
NO FOOD allowed in the group; non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.
You are expected to listen to your classmates during the sessions and therefore no talking will be permitted while your classmate is participating, if you have questions or comments, raise your hand, and wait for permission by the instructor.
You are required to participate. If you are drowsy or fall asleep during class, you will not get credit for the class and your payment is non-refundable. Laying down in any manner is not allowed, please sit upright.
The instructor will inform you of class breaks (if applicable) throughout the course. In case you need to use the restroom, it should take no longer than 5 minutes unless you have prior approval from the counselor or OCC staff to be out of class longer; it is suggested participants use the restroom prior to class or during break. If you leave class for an extended time (more than 5 minutes), you may not get credit for class. The instructors will take attendance throughout the class and if you are always not present, you will not get credit. Classes are held for their entirety.
Payment for services is due 24 hours prior to class, all payments must be made through the link (online portal) which was emailed to you; fee is non-refundable if any part of the service is rendered. You will not be allowed to attend groups unless payment is made. Please text and or call once and someone will return your call or text as soon as we are able, multiple calls are not allowed and only delay the process.
Upon entering class, it is required that you enter with your first and last name on the screen, remain on the screen throughout the class (no screen saver or blank screen allowed), and remain in one room, the room that allows you the best conditions to attend class such as a quiet room. You must be focused and facing the webcam throughout the class.
Upon entering, the classes are Non-Smoking or vaping. Should I come to the program under the influence of alcohol or other mind-altering chemicals, I could be terminated from the program and will not be allowed to remain in class. This will be reported to my referral source and a recommendation for a substance abuse evaluation and random drug screenings will be made.
I hereby agree to enter all my sessions ON TIME . I understand that I will NOT be admitted to my group FIFTEEN MINUTES AFTER THE DESIGNATED START TIME. I further understand that if I miss three classes, I must restart the program, beginning with session one and must again pay the course fee.
In the case of cancellation of a class session due to adverse weather conditions or other emergency, group members will be notified by telephone about cancellation and informed about when the class will continue.
If an individual exit interview is to be conducted, please call 817 360-2983 Monday thru Friday from 10 am to 5 pm to schedule. Payment is required to schedule your exit session.
I will bring completed homework assignments to group. If I do not have completed homework, I will discuss with my instructor my plan to resolve this problem.
I hereby agree to contact OCC by phone at 817 360-2983 when I am unable to attend a scheduled session – THIS ACTIONS WILL NOT EXCUSE ME FROM THE GROUP BUT WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION AS TO THE REASON FOR MY NO-SHOW.
I hereby agree not to be abusive towards any staff person or other group members. Also, I will not display any conduct inconducive to the orderly operation of the course.
Children of any age including infants, relatives, and others are NOT permitted in class to protect the group’s confidentiality and to be attentive.
I hereby agree to respect the confidentiality rights of my fellow group members. I further understand that a violation of this rule shall result in immediate termination from the program and shall be reported to the proper authorities.
I hereby agree to notify OCC staff person of all emergencies that I am either a part of or a witness to.
I understand that OCC is committed to helping me gain a better understanding of my problems and how to find productive solutions and that, that is the main goal of my classes.
If you do not follow any of the group rules, the instructor can briefly place you in the waiting room and allow you to return with the expectation that you follow the rules. If you are removed from class, you will be unable to return to class until your next class or when the Director contacts you. Removal from class constitutes a no-show and could lead to consultation with the Director to determine provision of future services; non-refundable.
Upon entering class, please maintain microphone off (on mute) unless you are participating. When you finish participating, keep mic off to eliminate background noise. Side conversations are not allowed, conversation need to be with the group and with the instructor. Counselor may request for you to unmute your mic to ensure appropriate background environment is in place during class.
Multi-tasking is not allowed while in class because your full attention to the class is required therefore NO driving, working, watching TV, working on the computer, etc.
Focus on you and the help you need and let us know what you are needing from the group to support your improvement. If you give feedback to others, please provide positive feedback.
Participation is required, please be prepared to participate and when this is requested from you.
When feeling stressed or emotionally upset, you can share your thoughts and feelings with the class, please let the instructor know if you need to take a break to help you calm down.
Disruptive behavior of any form is not allowed during group or individual sessions.
Group member’s picture as the background is not allowed.
Potentially offensive messages or logos on clothes or surroundings with access to the camera are not allowed.
Upon entering class, group members are only allowed to chat with host.
If you drop out for any reason and do not reconnect immediately, no credit for class. If a short break is taken, you must return timely and remain in class.
The use of headphones or ear buds is allowed but only if you are attending to the class by such equipment otherwise such items are not allowed.
OCC is grateful to be able to offer VIRTUAL CLASSES and treatment services. Please read this entire document to help you understand online groups, confidentiality, the risks and benefits of these services and ways to help safeguard you and your fellow participants.
Confidentiality and Privacy:
OCC adheres to professional, legal, and ethical guidelines of confidentiality. Information about your group and/or individual sessions will be released by OCC only with your signed consent to do so, unless otherwise authorized by applicable law including, without limitation, situations such as allegations of child or elder abuse, or risk of immediate danger or harm to self or others.
OCC will use phone communication including voice and text message and email to make administrative arrangements for the group and individual sessions, such as setting up group meetings or receiving cancellation notices from group members. Email is not considered a secure method for sharing detailed clinical information with OCC. Should you need to speak with OCC about clinical matters, please call Enrique (Rick) Saldivar, Director of Services at 817 360-2729. You may also leave a secure voicemail for OCC by calling (817) 360-2983.
OCC will host the group using a HIPAA compliant platform. Members participating in group psychoeducation and treatment services agree with one another to hold in confidence the identity and personal information of group members. The educational content from the classes can be shared with others outside of the group.
In order to help protect privacy online, the following is required of group members:
1. Be in a quiet, private setting, alone and with the door closed; outdoors is not a private setting.
2. Headphones/earbuds are recommended so that what group members are sharing is protected.
3. Should someone enter your room, alert your instructor immediately, cover your screen, and reduce the volume to Zero. If the disruption is not brief, you may need to exit the group until you are alone again. If you are unable to return to group before the end, please contact OCC to inform them of the reason you were unable to return to group.
4. Use a secure Wi-Fi/internet connection rather than a public or free Wi-Fi.
5. Group members and group leaders will not record or take screenshots of the sessions.
6. Group members will not disclose to anyone outside the group any information that may help to identify another member. This includes, but is not limited to, names, physical descriptions, biological information, and specifics to the content of interactions with other group members.
Expectations during Group Sessions:
Some considerations for helping others experience your “presence” in group, and ways to help you feel the “presence” of others:
1. It is required that you connect using both video and audio throughout the class, unless you make prior arrangements with your group leader.
2. Try your best to eliminate distractions: put “do not disturb on your door,” turn off cell phone.
3. Avoid potential distractions such as children, email, pets etc.. during the group session.
4. Look at the screen/camera throughout the class to show you are attentive.
5. If possible, sit at a desk with your device at face level.
6. If possible, use a larger screen than the size on a cell phone.
7. Dress and prepare for the group similar to an in-person group – fully clothed - Appropriate Attire.
8. The chat feature can only be used to communicate with the instructor or moderator.
9. Sit with an adequate light source behind your camera, so that your face is visible. Try to avoid sitting with your back to a window because this could lead to too much shadowing.
Remember that by moving to a technology-based service we will lose things we take for granted in an in-person format, such as non-verbal cues. Bandwidth can offer some additional disruptions and images can lack detail. There is room for misinterpretation by group leaders and group members. Please clarify with group leaders and peers if you feel misunderstood. Group leaders will also ask periodically for clarification.
If there are technological issues that disconnect you from the group session, please try to re-join the group. If you are unsuccessful in re-joining, please contact OCC at 214 708-7779 and inform staff of the reason that you left the group. Please text and/or call ONLY ONCE and someone will return your call/text as soon as we are able, multiple calls are NOT allowed and only delay the process.
Please remember that between group sessions if you find yourself in crisis, call 911 for emergency service and Enrique (Rick) Saldivar, Director of Services at 817 360-2729 for assistance with other class-related issues other than emergency services requiring 911.
I have received, read, understand, and agree to adhere by these Guidelines for OCC Group Psychoeducation and Treatment Services.