Ethical Considerations for Psychotherapists In today’s rapidly shifting social and political landscape, therapists are navigating new challenges when it comes to documentation. Many clinicians find themselves balancing truthful and ethical documentation with the increased need to protect client … [Read more...] about Mental Health Documentation in an Uncertain World
Medicare and Telehealth Coverage: Clearing Up the Confusion
Life before telehealth is a dim memory. You may have given up your office during the pandemic, saw all your clients virtually and now prefer to keep it that way. Or you have a hybrid practice of in-person and virtual services. So, like me, you may have panicked when you heard that Medicare providers … [Read more...] about Medicare and Telehealth Coverage: Clearing Up the Confusion
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?
Mental Health Documentation for Worker’s Compensation
Mental Health Documentation for Worker’s CompensationA therapist recently asked me how to document for a Worker’s Compensation claim. Some companies will accept a summary of treatment. Most will want the client’s full record. That will include the Diagnostic Assessment, Treatment Plan, … [Read more...] about Mental Health Documentation for Worker’s Compensation
5 Types of Insurance Reviews
If you’ve ever gotten a letter from a health insurance company and felt your blood pressure spike while you open it, you’re not alone. The fear of being audited can cause as much anxiety as having a suicidal client. But just like a range in client risk, there is more or less risk involved with … [Read more...] about 5 Types of Insurance Reviews
Why Therapists Need to Be Anti-Racist
Documentation Wizard stands in solidarity with those who are opposed to the senseless violence and oppression of Black people in this country. As I witness the horrors of what is happening, I see how it is increasing people's sense of alienation, hopelessness, and helplessness. The 21st century … [Read more...] about Why Therapists Need to Be Anti-Racist
How to Document Changes in Treatment During Covid-19 Without Writing Another Plan
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
How to Document for Tele-Mental Health During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Adjusting to TelehealthWe’re all trying to adjust to a new way of living and providing mental health services. I’m going to help you navigate the needs for tele-mental health documentation during the Corona virus pandemic. Most insurance companies are now finally on board with offering tele-mental … [Read more...] about How to Document for Tele-Mental Health During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Can Mental Health Providers Charge For Phone Calls?
Like most answers I give regarding being a mental health therapist and having a private practice, “yes” and “no.” WHY SHOULD MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS CHARGE FOR PHONE CALLS? Phone calls can take a lot of time and time is what we’re paid for. If you don’t charge for these phone calls, you are … [Read more...] about Can Mental Health Providers Charge For Phone Calls?
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 answer, it’s … [Read more...] about EMRs and EHRs and Online Programs, oh my!
Documenting Mental Health CPT Code 90837
Many therapists provide a 60 minute session but afraid of triggering an audit, they do not bill for it. We love our work but unless we are independently wealthy, we need to be paid to do it. We don’t get paid for providing psychotherapy. We get paid for our time. Psychotherapy is what we spend our … [Read more...] about Documenting Mental Health CPT Code 90837
“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 bathroomI 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 issueslose sleep … [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 in … [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.These are the "negative" or the cover-your-butt reasons to maintain good documentation.Remember -- IF IT'S NOT DOCUMENTED IT DIDN'T HAPPEN.On the positive side, writing … [Read more...] about I Don’t Take Insurance. Do I Still Need to Write Treatment Plans and Progress Notes?