After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with her degree in Counseling Psychology, Angela M. Doel worked as a psychotherapist, primarily with families and couples. Her research interests include interpersonal communication, and in 2020, she published The Couples Communication Workbook: Therapeutic Homework Assignments to Foster Supportive Relationships. Along with publishing ten other mental health workbooks, Ms. Doel has written hundreds of mental health articles, blog posts, white papers, and psychotherapy assignment worksheets for adults, teens, and couples.
Embedded Behavioral Health (EBH) is an integrated approach to delivering mental health care designed to meet the unique demands of specific populations, such as military personnel, first responders, and corporate employees. This model brings mental health services directly into the environments where individuals work and live, reducing barriers to access, normalizing mental health treatment, and […]
Behavioral health screening tools offer a structured way to assess, monitor, and guide client treatment. These tools help identify mental health challenges early, track progress over time, and support clinical decision-making. Here’s a list of the top 10 behavioral health screening tools for therapists, complete with practical examples and tips for effective use. 1. PHQ-9 […]
Managing finances effectively is a critical aspect of running a successful therapy practice. From invoicing and expense tracking to tax preparation and financial reporting, the right accounting software streamlines a therapist’s operations and saves valuable time. With so many options available, choosing the best software for a practice’s unique needs can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive […]
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselors play a vital role in addressing the addiction crisis, but retaining skilled counselors in this field is an ongoing problem. High turnover rates negatively impact client care, staff morale, and organizational resources. This article discusses practical strategies to improve staff retention rates for SUD counselors. Strategies to Improve Staff Retention […]
Understanding which expenses are business-related is crucial to managing a private practice. Properly tracking and deducting these expenses is essential for accurate accounting, tax compliance, and maximizing profits. This guide will summarize what qualifies as a therapy business expense, provide examples, and offer a step-by-step approach to efficiently managing your finances. What Is a Business […]
Explosive outbursts and aggressive reactions negatively impact relationships, job performance, and overall well-being. When a client can’t control their anger, creating a structured anger management treatment plan allows them to understand and manage their anger triggers, identify coping mechanisms, and regulate their emotional responses. Treatment plans are the roadmap that includes measurable goals, therapeutic interventions, […]
Substance abuse treatment plans guide clients in recovery, setting clear goals and measuring progress over time. A well-written and precisely structured treatment plan outlines specific, individualized strategies that address the client’s unique treatment needs, strengths, and challenges. This article describes how to write an effective substance abuse treatment plan, focusing on its essential elements and […]
Understanding medical billing is essential for serving your clients effectively. One term you’ve likely encountered is the superbill—a document for practices that offer out-of-network services. Whether you’re new to private practice or looking to streamline your billing processes, this guide will explain everything you need to know about superbills and their role in clinical practice. What […]
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A core CBT tool is cognitive reframing, which helps clients identify, challenge, and replace negative or distorted thought patterns with healthier, more realistic perspectives. Reframing helps clients develop a more balanced view of themselves, others, and the world, reducing symptoms of anxiety, […]
Electronic health records (EHRs) are the backbone of efficient and effective clinical practice management. Yet many therapists still rely on traditional paper records, whether out of habit, perceived convenience, or apprehension about change. While paper records have served the field well for decades, the advantages of EHRs are impossible to ignore (Clay, 2012). This article explores why therapists […]
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective and versatile approaches in psychotherapy, offering many benefits that make it a cornerstone of mental health treatment (Hofmann et al., 2012). Its evidence-based framework provides therapists with strategies to address a wide range of mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to complex conditions like […]
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical, effective, evidence-based strategies to help clients manage anxiety by addressing the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral elements that contribute to it. The following are evidence-based, impactful CBT techniques that therapists should consider when working with anxious clients. Cognitive Restructuring (Challenging Negative Thoughts) This core CBT technique enables clients to recognize […]
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, causes overwhelming fear and avoidance of social situations due to concerns about being judged, humiliated, or embarrassed (Clark & Beck, 2010). Understanding and utilizing evidence-based CBT techniques can significantly help clients overcome their fears and build confidence. This article explores the best CBT techniques for treating […]
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent obsessions and compulsions that significantly impact a client’s quality of life (Grayson, 2014). When therapists use the best tools for treating OCD, they can deliver effective, evidence-based treatment. This article explores the best OCD recovery tools, including therapeutic techniques, apps, self-help resources, and professional development opportunities. Evidence-Based Therapeutic […]
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming behavioral healthcare. For therapists, AI offers tools that support positive client outcomes, streamline administrative tasks, and create innovative treatment pathways. AI is a powerful ally to therapists, allowing them to focus on what they do best—delivering personalized, effective care to their clients. Tailored Treatment Planning AI technology offers incredible […]
Treatment for Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct (AD-MDEC) must be holistic, integrative, and multidimensional. It must focus on managing symptoms, addressing stressors, and building coping skills. The following are evidence-based modalities and strategies for effective intervention. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is highly effective for addressing the emotional and behavioral components […]
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the gold standard for treating mental health conditions, especially among adolescents (Kendall, 1993). Adolescence is marked by many physical, emotional, and social changes, making it a time when mental health challenges can emerge. CBT, which focuses on reshaping unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, offers teens practical tools for managing anxiety, […]
Play therapy offers powerful ways to address children’s anxiety. It allows them to express themselves, process their emotions, and build resilience in a safe, engaging environment. Below are effective play therapy interventions specifically designed to treat childhood anxiety. Play Therapy Interventions For Childhood anxiety. The Safe Place Visualization This empowers children to create a mental […]
Substance abuse group activities are essential to the recovery process, providing a supportive, structured space for individuals to connect with others who have faced similar challenges. Research shows that group therapy activities for addiction can be as effective as individual treatment for substance use disorders (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2005). Support groups […]
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is based on psychoanalytic theory, which explores unconscious processes and past experiences to understand present behavior. Psychodynamic psychotherapy emphasizes self-reflection, emotional insight, and the therapeutic relationship as tools for change. The Origins of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Psychodynamic psychotherapy emerged from Sigmund Freud’s theories and has evolved over the last century to become a more […]
Coping with stress is a routine problem for clients, it is therefore common for therapists to create structured stress management treatment plans. This article outlines the process of writing an effective stress management treatment plan, including key components, goals, objectives, and evidence-based strategies with practical examples. What is a Stress Management Treatment Plan? The treatment […]
Stress therapy, also known as stress management therapy, is a set of techniques to help clients reduce stress and better cope with stressful life events. Instead of eliminating stressors, this approach teaches clients to change how they respond. This approach provides clients many practical tools to manage life’s inevitable pressures. Who Benefits from Stress Therapy? […]
Strengths-based therapy prioritizes clients’ strengths, talents, and resources. Instead of focusing on problems, therapists help clients feel empowered by identifying what’s already working and building on that. This approach helps clients strengthen resilience and increase self-efficacy, allowing them to cope with challenges using their own talents, skills, and abilities. Strengths-based therapy is a positive, client-centered […]
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, ranging from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs. Writing an effective treatment plan for clients diagnosed with bipolar disorder requires managing symptoms, sharing psychoeducational materials, monitoring medication adherence, and suggesting lifestyle changes. This article provides a guide to developing a comprehensive […]
