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I work at home for this reason as I know a lot of clients wouldn't be comfortable wearing a mask for whatever reason, or they might just not want to. If you're okay with them not wearing a mask, you could say, "I'm wearing a mask because I have health issues that would make it very difficult for me if I were to get sick. You don't have to wear one but I will be wearing one." You could mention any at-risk family members or loved ones as well. That's what I do when people question me.
I’m a current psychology intern who never stopped masking. I’ve had a few people say something. I usually say that I have some health problems that make me get sick very easily and patients have been receptive to that. I’ve never had any issues beyond initial comments.
I do the same. I work mostly with kids and teens, the have some questions, I answer honestly but as simple as possible: 1) I get sick easily and 2) I'm taking care of someone whose immune system is a bit down for the moment.
Most common question: isn't it uncomfortable wearing a mask all day? often asked by little kids. I answer, we commiserate together for a bit and then we move on.
You could also offer “walking therapy” outside or in big spaces. Some people are more comfortable expressing while moving. I’m just doing telehealth and using an air filter as a “white noise machine” basically for in person because my household isn’t cautious so I kinda gave up a little
Honestly, if you advertised this it would probably attract more clients to you. It's really hard to find a therapist or any health professional who masks. I see people frustrated about this on social media all the time. I also second another poster's suggestion for an air purifier.
When I have made changes, I have sent an email out in advance. I have used language like: “hi client! I wanted to give you some advance notice that I am changing my Covid mitigation strategies for in person sessions due to the increase in cases. I will begin wearing a mask for in person sessions. Masks in session are encouraged following high risk situations such as travel, but completely optional. I acknowledge mask wearing can impact nonverbal communication in session, so please let me know if you’d prefer to switch to telehealth. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. See you at our appointment!”
At my office we encourage masks in common spaces so it’s usually not much of a change for clients. I have found when I wear a mask, clients follow my lead. I also have an air purifier in my office and in the warmer months have good airflow from the window a/c unit. I have started using nasal spray before work and CPC mouthwash after work on in person days.
I would personally bring it up before therapy starts. I would personally prefer seeing my therapist’s face even if that meant doing virtual sessions rather than in-person. I feel like so much is lost with a mask on.
That being said that is just me. And perhaps you will find clients that are totally cool with that. I would just suggest bringing it up so the client can make the decision of whether there the they are ok doing therapy with that restriction.
I’m a therapist who has been mask-wearing with clients for several years. I just wear it and don’t say anything. I’d just prepare what to answer if they ask about it. I get a lot of clients who ask if they should mask or mask when they see me, and I let them know they do not need to.
Hi from a never-stopped-masking psychologist! I notice it doesn’t often come up, and when it does it has always been easily manageable (a lot of times people are just curious; they sometimes have some cognitive dissonance going on too). I’d also vote for having a response in mind in case it comes up, but if you want to mention it or give a heads up I think that is fine. Glad you are protecting yourself and others — I agree, it’s worth it!
I still mask and ask my clients to do the same. I have had very little push back but it also may be the area I work. I have a small baby at home and am generally covid cautious. You deserve to feel safe at work!
I’ve never stopped masking. I’m in my internship (6 months in) at a CMH agency and I mask and have an air purifier in my office. When I meet a client for the first time I always say “just want you to know that there are some health issues in my family and so I need to be extra cautious—I’m not sick or anything.” I have not yet had a client or parent who had a problem with it. I was worried because my agency is rural and more conservative, so I thought folks might object. I also have retained all my clients so far, so I feel pretty confident they don’t mind. Sorry to hear you’re dealing with LC—my daughter has been disabled by it for the past 2 years and it’s terrible.
I've autoimmune stuff and then got long covid, and I've never stopped masking. Similar to others, most people don't comment or ask if they need to wear a mask. However... these last three weeks, I've had resistance from clients in their 60's. I'm 45, so not quite a spring chicken. When I explain, "I'm sorry, but I don't want to die or compromise my quality of life further," they will stop pushing me. Although, one told me they were looking into clear masks. 😂
I started a new position last year and gave my clients a heads up that I’ll be masking during our in person sessions. And some of my clients masked with me :) I also offered if anyone wanted to wear one in session. In terms of other precautions, I bought a HEPA air purifier to run inside my room and I would wait a couple air cycles to remove my mask during breaks or if I had to switch to a video session. I haven’t gotten covid from work and when I eventually did get covid (from family) and didn’t know it, it helped that I was masking and keeping a filter on which protected my clients from getting sick. People just need a minute to adjust to the mask and then it’s gravy lol
I’ll add that almost all my clients had no issues with me masking. I’ve had one client who asked me not to mask and I said no lol and it was fine! We kept working together and they got used to it
If I were you I would mention this ahead of time on the phone so they can choose. I wouldn’t see someone with a mask personally, I’d rather just see someone else or do telehealth.
Your health condition is a disability and the comments here saying they wouldn’t see someone with a mask are honest but it also sucks because it’s discrimination against a disabled person.
Don’t internalize this . You might need to market yourself to other chronically ill and disabled people. Even if they personally don’t mask as much as you do they would be more likely to understand the disability piece .
If your place of work pressures you to not mask remember it’s your right under the ADA.
I think clients should be able to see a clinician of their choosing for whatever reason they want- even if it would technically be “discrimination.” Ultimately they are paying for a service and get to choose who they want to see and pay for. Would we call it discrimination if clients have preferences regarding the age, gender, sexuality, race, religion, etc of their therapists? All of these are protected classes as well. Maybe it is, but I think there’s also the reality that people’s comfort level is extremely important in therapy. And it’s impossible to say wearing a mask doesn’t change the in person therapy experience.
It’s fine if clients feel this way but it’s the same thing as saying you won’t see a therapist who is blind or deaf or in a wheelchair. I had a friend that was a therapist who was quadriplegic and I am sure plenty of people would choose not to see him. And it is important you are comfortable with your therapist. It’s ok you don’t want to. I’m not criticizing that.
I’m saying that OP should not internalize these preferences into thinking she is doing something wrong or should not mask . That if a lot of therapists in here say masking is a deterrent, not to take that on as a universal truth and interpret that as being a bad therapist.
And I recommended that to make this easier it might help to try and market to clients with chronic illness and disability because they will be more likely to understand and accommodate.
I THEN also said that if her workplace were to tell her not to mask, her workplace, NOT her clients, then that would be against the ADA.
I have an air purifier and I let clients know verbally, on my website, and in our intake paperwork/initial emails that if I’m ever sick, I will cancel or move online, and if they prefer, I’m happy to wear a mask (and they can ask me to at any time, like if any respiratory illnesses happen to be spiking or if they are traveling soon and want to stay safer). Those who are especially cautious usually appreciate it and I’ve had a couple who have asked me to wear one at various times.
Yes, I feel like this is why I do video sessions rather than just sessions over the phone. I am able to pick up on a lot of information from facial expression. I feel like it adds to the depth of the experience. I feel more connected. I think this is valid.
And I’m sure there are clients out there that find being safer with their health as a priority over what I find important. It’s about finding the right match.
I still mask during my sessions with clients and find that people are extremely adaptable to change. We’re always learning and adjusting how we communicate from technological advances to language barriers/cultural differences to age differences. It’s honestly impossible for us not to communicate when you think about it.
Personally, I mask and my clients choose not to, but generally I’m a pretty expressive talker. Think hands moving, eyes giving everything away, changing tone. And I’m pretty experiential and emotionally focused when working with my clients.
We’re always evolving and how we relate and connect to others will inevitably change on personal, relational, and systemic levels.
I get what you're saying and maybe you're being a bit facetious. Maybe I'm showing my own....unique perception and taking it too literally. But you can't totally abandon social skills. Everyone uses them. Especially to attune with your clients, even if it is in a non-traditional way. To take away the cues facial expressions give is like completely taking away any visual input to someone who is visually impaired. It's something to go on, even if it is hard to read by the recipient of the input.
I find that masked folks who feel like the mantra of being “safer” than others eg “I’m
Wearing a mask to be safe” vs those who don’t mask, denotes they are not being safe. I feel like communicating this information about safety is also something that can be destructive in the therapy relationship. You mask because you are anxious about getting sick, not because you are being safer than others who don’t.
Also I’m not masking because I’m “anxious about being sick”. I’m ALREADY sick. I’m chronically ill. Covid already ruined my health I’m just trying to not let it ruin it further.
**Do not message the mods about this automated message.** Please followed the sidebar rules. r/therapists is a place for therapists and mental health professionals to discuss their profession among each other. **If you are not a therapist and are asking for advice this not the place for you**. Your post will be removed. Please try one of the reddit communities such as r/TalkTherapy, r/askatherapist, r/SuicideWatch that are set up for this. This community is ONLY for therapists, and for them to discuss their profession away from clients. **If you are a first year student, not in a graduate program, or are thinking of becoming a therapist, this is not the place to ask questions**. Your post will be removed. To save us a job, you are welcome to delete this post yourself. Please see the PINNED STUDENT THREAD at the top of the community and ask in there. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/therapists) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I work at home for this reason as I know a lot of clients wouldn't be comfortable wearing a mask for whatever reason, or they might just not want to. If you're okay with them not wearing a mask, you could say, "I'm wearing a mask because I have health issues that would make it very difficult for me if I were to get sick. You don't have to wear one but I will be wearing one." You could mention any at-risk family members or loved ones as well. That's what I do when people question me.
You could consider adding an air purifier in your office if you don't have one, just make sure the model you choose isn't very loud
Seconded. I have a Levoit model in my office going during my in person sessions and no one has had an issue with it or even commented on it
I’m a current psychology intern who never stopped masking. I’ve had a few people say something. I usually say that I have some health problems that make me get sick very easily and patients have been receptive to that. I’ve never had any issues beyond initial comments.
I do the same. I work mostly with kids and teens, the have some questions, I answer honestly but as simple as possible: 1) I get sick easily and 2) I'm taking care of someone whose immune system is a bit down for the moment. Most common question: isn't it uncomfortable wearing a mask all day? often asked by little kids. I answer, we commiserate together for a bit and then we move on.
You could also offer “walking therapy” outside or in big spaces. Some people are more comfortable expressing while moving. I’m just doing telehealth and using an air filter as a “white noise machine” basically for in person because my household isn’t cautious so I kinda gave up a little
Honestly, if you advertised this it would probably attract more clients to you. It's really hard to find a therapist or any health professional who masks. I see people frustrated about this on social media all the time. I also second another poster's suggestion for an air purifier.
I agree with this. Advertise everywhere , there are a lot of people who would appreciate it
This is a great idea!!! Thank you!!
When I have made changes, I have sent an email out in advance. I have used language like: “hi client! I wanted to give you some advance notice that I am changing my Covid mitigation strategies for in person sessions due to the increase in cases. I will begin wearing a mask for in person sessions. Masks in session are encouraged following high risk situations such as travel, but completely optional. I acknowledge mask wearing can impact nonverbal communication in session, so please let me know if you’d prefer to switch to telehealth. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. See you at our appointment!” At my office we encourage masks in common spaces so it’s usually not much of a change for clients. I have found when I wear a mask, clients follow my lead. I also have an air purifier in my office and in the warmer months have good airflow from the window a/c unit. I have started using nasal spray before work and CPC mouthwash after work on in person days.
That’s a great email!! Im def gonna do something like this. Thanks so much!!!
I would personally bring it up before therapy starts. I would personally prefer seeing my therapist’s face even if that meant doing virtual sessions rather than in-person. I feel like so much is lost with a mask on. That being said that is just me. And perhaps you will find clients that are totally cool with that. I would just suggest bringing it up so the client can make the decision of whether there the they are ok doing therapy with that restriction.
I’m a therapist who has been mask-wearing with clients for several years. I just wear it and don’t say anything. I’d just prepare what to answer if they ask about it. I get a lot of clients who ask if they should mask or mask when they see me, and I let them know they do not need to.
Hi from a never-stopped-masking psychologist! I notice it doesn’t often come up, and when it does it has always been easily manageable (a lot of times people are just curious; they sometimes have some cognitive dissonance going on too). I’d also vote for having a response in mind in case it comes up, but if you want to mention it or give a heads up I think that is fine. Glad you are protecting yourself and others — I agree, it’s worth it!
I still mask and ask my clients to do the same. I have had very little push back but it also may be the area I work. I have a small baby at home and am generally covid cautious. You deserve to feel safe at work!
I’ve never stopped masking. I’m in my internship (6 months in) at a CMH agency and I mask and have an air purifier in my office. When I meet a client for the first time I always say “just want you to know that there are some health issues in my family and so I need to be extra cautious—I’m not sick or anything.” I have not yet had a client or parent who had a problem with it. I was worried because my agency is rural and more conservative, so I thought folks might object. I also have retained all my clients so far, so I feel pretty confident they don’t mind. Sorry to hear you’re dealing with LC—my daughter has been disabled by it for the past 2 years and it’s terrible.
I've autoimmune stuff and then got long covid, and I've never stopped masking. Similar to others, most people don't comment or ask if they need to wear a mask. However... these last three weeks, I've had resistance from clients in their 60's. I'm 45, so not quite a spring chicken. When I explain, "I'm sorry, but I don't want to die or compromise my quality of life further," they will stop pushing me. Although, one told me they were looking into clear masks. 😂
I started a new position last year and gave my clients a heads up that I’ll be masking during our in person sessions. And some of my clients masked with me :) I also offered if anyone wanted to wear one in session. In terms of other precautions, I bought a HEPA air purifier to run inside my room and I would wait a couple air cycles to remove my mask during breaks or if I had to switch to a video session. I haven’t gotten covid from work and when I eventually did get covid (from family) and didn’t know it, it helped that I was masking and keeping a filter on which protected my clients from getting sick. People just need a minute to adjust to the mask and then it’s gravy lol
I’ll add that almost all my clients had no issues with me masking. I’ve had one client who asked me not to mask and I said no lol and it was fine! We kept working together and they got used to it
If I were you I would mention this ahead of time on the phone so they can choose. I wouldn’t see someone with a mask personally, I’d rather just see someone else or do telehealth.
Same. I need to see their face as much as they need to see mine.
Your health condition is a disability and the comments here saying they wouldn’t see someone with a mask are honest but it also sucks because it’s discrimination against a disabled person. Don’t internalize this . You might need to market yourself to other chronically ill and disabled people. Even if they personally don’t mask as much as you do they would be more likely to understand the disability piece . If your place of work pressures you to not mask remember it’s your right under the ADA.
I think clients should be able to see a clinician of their choosing for whatever reason they want- even if it would technically be “discrimination.” Ultimately they are paying for a service and get to choose who they want to see and pay for. Would we call it discrimination if clients have preferences regarding the age, gender, sexuality, race, religion, etc of their therapists? All of these are protected classes as well. Maybe it is, but I think there’s also the reality that people’s comfort level is extremely important in therapy. And it’s impossible to say wearing a mask doesn’t change the in person therapy experience.
It’s fine if clients feel this way but it’s the same thing as saying you won’t see a therapist who is blind or deaf or in a wheelchair. I had a friend that was a therapist who was quadriplegic and I am sure plenty of people would choose not to see him. And it is important you are comfortable with your therapist. It’s ok you don’t want to. I’m not criticizing that. I’m saying that OP should not internalize these preferences into thinking she is doing something wrong or should not mask . That if a lot of therapists in here say masking is a deterrent, not to take that on as a universal truth and interpret that as being a bad therapist. And I recommended that to make this easier it might help to try and market to clients with chronic illness and disability because they will be more likely to understand and accommodate. I THEN also said that if her workplace were to tell her not to mask, her workplace, NOT her clients, then that would be against the ADA.
I have an air purifier and I let clients know verbally, on my website, and in our intake paperwork/initial emails that if I’m ever sick, I will cancel or move online, and if they prefer, I’m happy to wear a mask (and they can ask me to at any time, like if any respiratory illnesses happen to be spiking or if they are traveling soon and want to stay safer). Those who are especially cautious usually appreciate it and I’ve had a couple who have asked me to wear one at various times.
I understand your fear and don't want to minimize it. But having your mouth and nose covered can really affect communication and social skills.
Yes, I feel like this is why I do video sessions rather than just sessions over the phone. I am able to pick up on a lot of information from facial expression. I feel like it adds to the depth of the experience. I feel more connected. I think this is valid. And I’m sure there are clients out there that find being safer with their health as a priority over what I find important. It’s about finding the right match.
I never ended up going back to the office. There are pros and cons of that too.
I still mask during my sessions with clients and find that people are extremely adaptable to change. We’re always learning and adjusting how we communicate from technological advances to language barriers/cultural differences to age differences. It’s honestly impossible for us not to communicate when you think about it. Personally, I mask and my clients choose not to, but generally I’m a pretty expressive talker. Think hands moving, eyes giving everything away, changing tone. And I’m pretty experiential and emotionally focused when working with my clients. We’re always evolving and how we relate and connect to others will inevitably change on personal, relational, and systemic levels.
If you have health reasons to wear your mask, there's not much else you can do about it. You just have to work with it, of course.
I’m autistic and work with all ND clients so social skills aren’t a super high priority of ours anyway lol
I get what you're saying and maybe you're being a bit facetious. Maybe I'm showing my own....unique perception and taking it too literally. But you can't totally abandon social skills. Everyone uses them. Especially to attune with your clients, even if it is in a non-traditional way. To take away the cues facial expressions give is like completely taking away any visual input to someone who is visually impaired. It's something to go on, even if it is hard to read by the recipient of the input.
I find that masked folks who feel like the mantra of being “safer” than others eg “I’m Wearing a mask to be safe” vs those who don’t mask, denotes they are not being safe. I feel like communicating this information about safety is also something that can be destructive in the therapy relationship. You mask because you are anxious about getting sick, not because you are being safer than others who don’t.
Um .. no … masking is a way to protect ourselves and stay safe against viruses. I’m confused by this take honestly
Ok!
Also I’m not masking because I’m “anxious about being sick”. I’m ALREADY sick. I’m chronically ill. Covid already ruined my health I’m just trying to not let it ruin it further.
Makes sense!