What do Progress Notes and Dirty Dishes Have in Common?If you don’t write your notes or do your dishes, you can go hungry.Let’s face it, no one likes washing dishes or writing progress notes. They can both pile up faster than rabbits reproduce. But everyone likes it when they’re done. If the reward … [Read more...] about What do Progress Notes and Dirty Dishes Have in Common?
BODY-DOUBLING: Why it Helps Psychotherapists Get Progress Notes DONE!
Why Body-Doubling Helps Psychotherapists Get Progress Notes DONE!“Exhausting, annoying, demoralizing, and lonely.” This is a common refrain I hear from psychotherapists about documentation. These normal feelings breed avoidance, which leads to falling behind on notes. Behind long enough, it’s easy … [Read more...] about BODY-DOUBLING: Why it Helps Psychotherapists Get Progress Notes DONE!
Client, Patient, or Name: Which to Use in Mental Health Documentation?
Client, Patient, or Name: Which to Use in Mental Health Documentation?“What is the proper way to refer to a client when writing my notes? Do I use their first name, or do I refer to them as ‘client’ or ‘patient,’ which is their role in our relationship?” I get this question a lot and am fond … [Read more...] about Client, Patient, or Name: Which to Use in Mental Health Documentation?
Documenting Group Therapy
Documenting Group TherapyTo say that running groups is both challenging and rewarding is like saying that you love to cook but hate to clean up afterwards. The difference is that you can get others to clean up but you still need to write your own notes.REWARDS OF RUNNING GROUP THERAPYThere’s truly … [Read more...] about Documenting Group Therapy
Documenting Crisis Management – HELP!
Documenting Crisis Management – HELP!From Chaos to Calm: Effective Crisis Intervention StrategiesNaomi Golan, the creator of the Golan Model of Crisis Intervention (1978), describes a crisis as a person who faces a situation in which they feel so overwhelmed they go from a state of “balance to … [Read more...] about Documenting Crisis Management – HELP!
Mental Health Documentation and Selfcare
Why in the world would anybody put “selfcare” and “documentation” in the same sentence?Because when therapists start feeling overwhelmed and burnt out the very first thing that’s sacrificed are progress notes! Then the inner Critic berates you by saying, “you’re a bad therapist because you’re behind … [Read more...] about Mental Health Documentation and Selfcare
7 Documentation Requirements You Can Apply Right Now
7 Documentation Requirements You Can Apply Right NowHere are some common questions and answers when it comes to mental health documentation requirements.1. Question: Are notes for private pay clients the same as for insurance?Answer:Yes – justifying medical necessity has become the gold standard of … [Read more...] about 7 Documentation Requirements You Can Apply Right Now
Challenges with AI in Progress Notes
Insights into using AI from a Mental Health Therapist and Documentation ExpertIn an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, it's no surprise that artificial intelligence (AI) is finding a home in mental health care. One area where AI is gaining greater use is in the creation of … [Read more...] about Challenges with AI in Progress Notes
Question & Answer: Intake Summary
Question & Answer: How do I write an Intake Summary without violating client confidentiality?QUESTIONI'm struggling with how to effectively document in a manner that satisfies "medical necessity" requirements while also protecting the privacy of my clients. I understand how to keep progress … [Read more...] about Question & Answer: Intake Summary