Private practice therapists are expected to write a new treatment plan once a year. What happens when your well thought out plan gets thrown to the wind before it's time for an update? This scenario may be happening right now since the sudden outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Problems, goals, and … [Read more...] about How to Document Changes in Treatment During Covid-19 Without Writing Another Plan
EMRs and EHRs and Online Programs, oh my!
Do psychotherapists need to use EMRs or EHRs for writing clinical notes? The short answer is, “no.” Not yet. And maybe-not-ever. There are other (better) tools psychotherapists can use for writing clinical notes and documenting medical necessity. Really? Yes! To understand the … [Read more...] about EMRs and EHRs and Online Programs, oh my!
Use CPT Code 90837 for Higher Reimbursement Rates!
When CPT codes for psychotherapy were revised in 2017, it became possible to bill for longer therapy sessions. The one being addressed in this blog, is 90837, which is 53 minutes or more. Many of us spend 55 to 60 minutes with clients anyway because for many clients, the additional 10 -15 minutes … [Read more...] about Use CPT Code 90837 for Higher Reimbursement Rates!
“I Love Writing Psychotherapy Notes”
If you ... experience doing your notes as a never-ending and tedious task, find it clinically irrelevant, andwould rather clean the bathroom I get it! You... don't know what or how much to write.resent the time it takes.wonder how to maintain client confidentiality.worry about legal … [Read more...] about “I Love Writing Psychotherapy Notes”
How to Document “Low Self-Esteem”
Esther Perel's definition of self-esteem is, "Seeing yourself as a flawed person, and still holding yourself in high regard." It's a common occurrence that clients come to treatment feeling broken and hopeless, reporting low self-esteem, and not believing they will ever be able to hold themselves … [Read more...] about How to Document “Low Self-Esteem”
I Don’t Take Insurance. Do I Still Need to Write Treatment Plans and Progress Notes?
Yes! Documentation has always been a standard in our profession so it's required. And here are other good reasons why. Even if you do not take insurance, if you see a client who has out-of-network benefits and uses a PPO, you can still be audited. This means you still have to justify … [Read more...] about I Don’t Take Insurance. Do I Still Need to Write Treatment Plans and Progress Notes?
When a Client Wants SSI or SSDI
A therapist recently asked me how to handle a request from the Social Security Administration for the medical records of a client she hadn’t seen in several months and only for two sessions. The request was accompanied by a signed release so it was legitimate. Not having access to the client’s … [Read more...] about When a Client Wants SSI or SSDI
How to Diagnose for Couple’s Counseling
Many couples presenting for couple’s counseling do not fit into a billable diagnostic category. How do I write a treatment plan and session notes -- or bill the insurance company if I don’t have a diagnosis? I’ve been getting a version of this question in my workshops, Misery or Mastery; … [Read more...] about How to Diagnose for Couple’s Counseling