Q: I love being a therapist, but I hate writing progress notes and sometimes can’t bring myself to do it. I know it’s risky not to write them. Is there a way to make this task less onerous? A: Every therapist knows that avoiding progress notes puts their practice in jeopardy. But of the thousands … [Read more...] about I’d Rather Clean the Toilet than Write Progress Notes: Making Peace With An Essential Task
How to Document Prognosis for Mental Health
Medicare just added Prognosis to its list of documentation requirements. UGH! One more thing to think about and document. But how? What Is a Prognosis? Prognosis refers to making an educated guess about the expected outcome of treatment. Based on the medical model, it’s a prediction of a … [Read more...] about How to Document Prognosis for Mental Health
How To Survive A Health Insurance Audit
The Insurance Vultures are Circling Insurance companies have recently been conducting audits, like vultures looking for dinner. Especially Medicare. Fight, flight, freeze, or fawn! An audit letter from a health insurance company is enough to send shock waves through your body and make your … [Read more...] about How To Survive A Health Insurance Audit
Can Adjustment Disorder be Billed for Longer Than 6 Months?
Is it possible to bill insurance for someone who has Adjustment Disorder for longer than 6 months? Will this be a red flag and trigger an audit? As is typical, when it comes to answers for psychotherapy – maybe and maybe not. To understand the answer to this question, it’s necessary to know … [Read more...] about Can Adjustment Disorder be Billed for Longer Than 6 Months?
Documenting Safety Protocols for Face-to-Face Psychotherapy Sessions
Documenting Safety Protocols for Face-to-Face Psychotherapy Sessions Most people agree – change creates upset. Despite the restrictions we experience due to the Covid-19 pandemic, change seems constant. This pandemic will not let us rest in what we already know. Every week or so, there’s … [Read more...] about Documenting Safety Protocols for Face-to-Face Psychotherapy Sessions
Helpful Guidelines to Reopening your Psychotherapist Office during the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all made changes and adjustments in our practices to safely meet the needs of our patients and continue to stay safe ourselves. Since many states are gradually relaxing their stay at home orders, you may find some or all of your clients desiring in-person … [Read more...] about Helpful Guidelines to Reopening your Psychotherapist Office during the COVID-19 Pandemic
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 … [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 Telehealth We’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 … [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, … [Read more...] about Can Mental Health Providers Charge For Phone Calls?