Author: Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist
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How to Write the Objective in SOAP Notes?
SOAP notes are a widely adopted method of progress note documentation used by mental health professionals to write down and organize information clearly, concisely, and systematically. The SOAP method offers a structured framework to document therapy sessions, track client progress, and support clinical decision-making. This method fosters a holistic view of the client while focusing on specific…
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CPT Code 90846: Complete Description (+Reimbursement Details 2024)
Description Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Code 90846 is used within mental and behavioral health services to denote a specific type of therapeutic interaction. This code is important in the coding and billing process as it helps categorize mental health professionals' services. CPT code 90846 is used for 50-minute face-to-face or telehealth family psychotherapy sessions when…
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90838 CPT Code (description, code time, reimbursement, modifier, documentation requirements, frequency)
CPT Code 90838 Description CPT Code 90838 refers to individual psychotherapy sessions that last 60 minutes, with the patient physically present for the session. This code is essential to the billing and documentation process for mental health professionals, including psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and counselors – any mental health professional providing and paying…
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CPT Code 90832: Complete Description (+Reimbursement Details 2024)
CPT Code 90832 Description CPT code 90832 is a code used in the mental and behavioral health field, and it reflects the provision of an individual 30-minute psychotherapy session with the patient physically present. This code is part of a broader set of CPT codes designed to categorize and standardize mental health treatments for billing…
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99404 CPT Code (description, code time, reimbursement, modifier, documentation requirements, frequency)
First let's see What is a CPT Code? A CPT code, or Current Procedural Terminology code, is a medical code used to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services and procedures. CPT codes are part of a coding system created by the American Medical Association (AMA). These codes, used by healthcare providers, insurance companies, and accreditation…
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Psychodynamic Treatment Plan With Examples (PDF Template Included)
A psychodynamic treatment plan is an essential tool that therapists use to guide their work with clients when taking a psychodynamic therapeutic approach. Psychodynamic treatment planning involves the assessment of a client’s symptoms and identifying underlying emotional conflicts. The therapist creates plans and methods to tackle these issues, such as using free thought, interpreting dreams, and working through emotions.…
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How to Take Effective Psychology Notes: Importance, Techniques & Best Practices
A sometimes-overlooked skill, note-taking can significantly impact the quality of mental health professionals’ work. Effective notetaking helps psychologists: This article explores several techniques and best practices for note-taking that are tailored to the specific needs of psychologists. The Importance of Note-taking for Psychologists Psychologists manage vast amounts of information that includes data obtained through clinical…
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Psycho-Educational Evaluation
Psychoeducational evaluation allows clinicians to identify and address various learning difficulties and developmental challenges. This article will explore the elements of psychoeducational assessment, including its components, who performs it, the types of assessments, an example of a psychoeducational evaluation, and a discussion of its relevance for both adults and children. But before that let's see…
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Simplepractice vs Therapynotes: A Detailed Comparison (Features, Cost & Reviews)
SimplePractice and TherapyNotes are two popular electronic health records (EHR) and practice management platforms that offer several great features for mental health professionals. TherapyNotes delivers simple efficiency, while SimplePractice offers a wealth of premium options. This article explores how each platform differs in features, cost, and value. How User-Friendly are the Platforms? TherapyNotes is known for its user-friendly…
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How to Facilitate a Successful Group Therapy Session Online (Platform, Ideas, Tips for therapists)
A significant shift in the field of psychotherapy was the transition from traditional in-person group therapy sessions to online group therapy. Accelerated (and in many cases, required) by the COVID-19 pandemic, online group therapy expanded opportunities for therapists to provide support and treatment to a much larger audience. This article explores how psychotherapists can effectively…
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10 Best Psychology Magazines & Journals for Psychologists for 2025
While there are many psychology magazines and journals available, it can be challenging to determine which ones are the best for psychologists. Using the term “best” is subjective, as it depends on a psychologist’s specific interests and research focus. This article focuses on a list of ten highly regarded psychology periodicals that all psychologists might…
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How to conduct a family therapy session?
Family therapy, or family counseling, is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving the relationships, communication, and dynamics within a family system. It involves working with multiple family members together in a therapeutic setting to address problems, issues, conflicts, or concerns affecting the family. The goal of family therapy is to build understanding, enhance…
/
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ICD-10 Code for Suicidal Ideation 2024 – R45.851
Accurate coding is critical for proper billing, record-keeping, and statistical analysis. It is the linchpin that connects various aspects of client care, administrative processes, and research data and analyses. Accurate and appropriate coding is even more critical in the field of mental health, where understanding the client's condition through precise codes is essential for proper…
/
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Private counseling practice requirements
Are you a mental health professional considering the pursuit of a private counseling practice? If so, it’s essential to understand the numerous requirements and considerations required for your practice’s establishment and success. If you’re seeking autonomy, flexibility, and the opportunity to tailor your services to your preferences and client base, building a private counseling practice…
/
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What are IGBIRP Notes?
IGBIRP Introduction Within the mental health field, effective documentation and structured treatment planning are essential elements of providing quality care to clients. The IGBIRP Progress Notes Method offers mental health professionals a systematic framework for organizing, documenting, and evaluating client progress. This method assures comprehensive assessment, individualized treatment planning, and ongoing monitoring to support clients in achieving their therapeutic…
/
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ICD-10 Code for Altered Mental Status Unspecified- R41.82
Introduction "Altered Mental State, Unspecified" is a term used to describe a change in a person's mental function or consciousness that is not specifically identified or diagnosed. This diagnosis indicates there is a noticeable difference or disturbance in typical mental clarity, perception, awareness, cognition, or responsiveness, but the exact cause or specific nature of the…
/
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ICD-10 Code for Panic Attacks
What's a panic disorder? Panic disorder is a psychiatric condition that affects approximately 4.7% of U.S. adults at some point in their lifetimes (NIMH, 2023). Panic disorder often starts in the teens or early adulthood, and it is twice as common in women than in men (NIMH, 2023). This condition is characterized by unexpected and…
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F41.1 2024 Generalized Anxiety Disorder ICD-10-CM Code
In the US healthcare system, F41.1 is a specific code within ICD-10-CM used for billing purposes. It signifies a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This code became effective in October 2023 (2024 edition). Remember, international versions of ICD-10 may utilize different codes for this diagnosis. Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a common…
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Get the Correct ICD-10 Code for Depression
ICD-10-CM Code for Major Depressive Disorder is F32.9 In the mental health field, the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), is an essential tool for accurately documenting, classifying, and coding mental health conditions. For mental health professionals, finding the right ICD-10 code for depression is critical for ensuring appropriate client care, treatment planning, filing insurance claims,…
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How to Document a Mental Health Prognosis?
In the mental health field, the term ‘prognosis’ refers to a prediction of the course, duration, severity, and outcome of a mental health condition. A prognosis can be given before treatment begins, so the client can weigh the benefits of different treatment options. The prognosis may also include a prediction of improvement reached at different intervals during…
/
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ICD-10 Code for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
The Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is classified under Mood Disorders and is assigned code F32.9. This applies specifically to the American edition of ICD-10-CM (effective October 1, 2023). International versions of ICD-10 may use different codes. Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is a mental health condition that affects the functioning of millions of individuals worldwide.…
/
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Borderline Personality Disorder DSM-5: Criteria for Diagnosis
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is an often misunderstood, complex mental health condition that involves instability in how individuals relate to others, perceive themselves, and regulate their emotions. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) provides a framework for diagnosing BPD, including criteria that mental health clinicians use to identify and evaluate…
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F43.1 2025 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code for PTSD
While the American ICD-10-CM system (effective October 2023) includes the code F43.1, it’s not recommended for billing purposes. This is because more specific codes exist within the F43.1 category, offering greater detail for diagnoses. International versions of ICD-10 may have different practices regarding F43.1. ICD-10 Code for PTSD Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that…
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DSM-5 Criteria for PTSD Diagnosis
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after someone has experienced a traumatic event. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), provides guidelines for diagnosing PTSD. These criteria are useful for mental health professionals in identifying and evaluating…
/
-
How to Write the Objective in SOAP Notes?
SOAP notes are a widely adopted method of progress note documentation used by mental health professionals to write down and organize information clearly, concisely, and systematically. The SOAP method offers a structured framework to document therapy sessions, track client progress, and support clinical decision-making. This method fosters a holistic view of the client while focusing on specific…
/
-
CPT Code 90846: Complete Description (+Reimbursement Details 2024)
Description Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Code 90846 is used within mental and behavioral health services to denote a specific type of therapeutic interaction. This code is important in the coding and billing process as it helps categorize mental health professionals' services. CPT code 90846 is used for 50-minute face-to-face or telehealth family psychotherapy sessions when…
/
-
90838 CPT Code (description, code time, reimbursement, modifier, documentation requirements, frequency)
CPT Code 90838 Description CPT Code 90838 refers to individual psychotherapy sessions that last 60 minutes, with the patient physically present for the session. This code is essential to the billing and documentation process for mental health professionals, including psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and counselors – any mental health professional providing and paying…
/
-
CPT Code 90832: Complete Description (+Reimbursement Details 2024)
CPT Code 90832 Description CPT code 90832 is a code used in the mental and behavioral health field, and it reflects the provision of an individual 30-minute psychotherapy session with the patient physically present. This code is part of a broader set of CPT codes designed to categorize and standardize mental health treatments for billing…
/
-
99404 CPT Code (description, code time, reimbursement, modifier, documentation requirements, frequency)
First let's see What is a CPT Code? A CPT code, or Current Procedural Terminology code, is a medical code used to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services and procedures. CPT codes are part of a coding system created by the American Medical Association (AMA). These codes, used by healthcare providers, insurance companies, and accreditation…
/
-
Psychodynamic Treatment Plan With Examples (PDF Template Included)
A psychodynamic treatment plan is an essential tool that therapists use to guide their work with clients when taking a psychodynamic therapeutic approach. Psychodynamic treatment planning involves the assessment of a client’s symptoms and identifying underlying emotional conflicts. The therapist creates plans and methods to tackle these issues, such as using free thought, interpreting dreams, and working through emotions.…
/
-
How to Take Effective Psychology Notes: Importance, Techniques & Best Practices
A sometimes-overlooked skill, note-taking can significantly impact the quality of mental health professionals’ work. Effective notetaking helps psychologists: This article explores several techniques and best practices for note-taking that are tailored to the specific needs of psychologists. The Importance of Note-taking for Psychologists Psychologists manage vast amounts of information that includes data obtained through clinical…
/
-
Psycho-Educational Evaluation
Psychoeducational evaluation allows clinicians to identify and address various learning difficulties and developmental challenges. This article will explore the elements of psychoeducational assessment, including its components, who performs it, the types of assessments, an example of a psychoeducational evaluation, and a discussion of its relevance for both adults and children. But before that let's see…
/
-
Simplepractice vs Therapynotes: A Detailed Comparison (Features, Cost & Reviews)
SimplePractice and TherapyNotes are two popular electronic health records (EHR) and practice management platforms that offer several great features for mental health professionals. TherapyNotes delivers simple efficiency, while SimplePractice offers a wealth of premium options. This article explores how each platform differs in features, cost, and value. How User-Friendly are the Platforms? TherapyNotes is known for its user-friendly…
/
-
How to Facilitate a Successful Group Therapy Session Online (Platform, Ideas, Tips for therapists)
A significant shift in the field of psychotherapy was the transition from traditional in-person group therapy sessions to online group therapy. Accelerated (and in many cases, required) by the COVID-19 pandemic, online group therapy expanded opportunities for therapists to provide support and treatment to a much larger audience. This article explores how psychotherapists can effectively…
/
-
10 Best Psychology Magazines & Journals for Psychologists for 2025
While there are many psychology magazines and journals available, it can be challenging to determine which ones are the best for psychologists. Using the term “best” is subjective, as it depends on a psychologist’s specific interests and research focus. This article focuses on a list of ten highly regarded psychology periodicals that all psychologists might…
/
-
How to conduct a family therapy session?
Family therapy, or family counseling, is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving the relationships, communication, and dynamics within a family system. It involves working with multiple family members together in a therapeutic setting to address problems, issues, conflicts, or concerns affecting the family. The goal of family therapy is to build understanding, enhance…
/
-
ICD-10 Code for Suicidal Ideation 2024 – R45.851
Accurate coding is critical for proper billing, record-keeping, and statistical analysis. It is the linchpin that connects various aspects of client care, administrative processes, and research data and analyses. Accurate and appropriate coding is even more critical in the field of mental health, where understanding the client's condition through precise codes is essential for proper…
/
-
Private counseling practice requirements
Are you a mental health professional considering the pursuit of a private counseling practice? If so, it’s essential to understand the numerous requirements and considerations required for your practice’s establishment and success. If you’re seeking autonomy, flexibility, and the opportunity to tailor your services to your preferences and client base, building a private counseling practice…
/
-
What are IGBIRP Notes?
IGBIRP Introduction Within the mental health field, effective documentation and structured treatment planning are essential elements of providing quality care to clients. The IGBIRP Progress Notes Method offers mental health professionals a systematic framework for organizing, documenting, and evaluating client progress. This method assures comprehensive assessment, individualized treatment planning, and ongoing monitoring to support clients in achieving their therapeutic…
/
-
ICD-10 Code for Altered Mental Status Unspecified- R41.82
Introduction "Altered Mental State, Unspecified" is a term used to describe a change in a person's mental function or consciousness that is not specifically identified or diagnosed. This diagnosis indicates there is a noticeable difference or disturbance in typical mental clarity, perception, awareness, cognition, or responsiveness, but the exact cause or specific nature of the…
/
-
ICD-10 Code for Panic Attacks
What's a panic disorder? Panic disorder is a psychiatric condition that affects approximately 4.7% of U.S. adults at some point in their lifetimes (NIMH, 2023). Panic disorder often starts in the teens or early adulthood, and it is twice as common in women than in men (NIMH, 2023). This condition is characterized by unexpected and…
/
-
F41.1 2024 Generalized Anxiety Disorder ICD-10-CM Code
In the US healthcare system, F41.1 is a specific code within ICD-10-CM used for billing purposes. It signifies a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This code became effective in October 2023 (2024 edition). Remember, international versions of ICD-10 may utilize different codes for this diagnosis. Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a common…
/
-
Get the Correct ICD-10 Code for Depression
ICD-10-CM Code for Major Depressive Disorder is F32.9 In the mental health field, the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), is an essential tool for accurately documenting, classifying, and coding mental health conditions. For mental health professionals, finding the right ICD-10 code for depression is critical for ensuring appropriate client care, treatment planning, filing insurance claims,…
/
-
How to Document a Mental Health Prognosis?
In the mental health field, the term ‘prognosis’ refers to a prediction of the course, duration, severity, and outcome of a mental health condition. A prognosis can be given before treatment begins, so the client can weigh the benefits of different treatment options. The prognosis may also include a prediction of improvement reached at different intervals during…
/
-
ICD-10 Code for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
The Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is classified under Mood Disorders and is assigned code F32.9. This applies specifically to the American edition of ICD-10-CM (effective October 1, 2023). International versions of ICD-10 may use different codes. Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is a mental health condition that affects the functioning of millions of individuals worldwide.…
/
-
Borderline Personality Disorder DSM-5: Criteria for Diagnosis
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is an often misunderstood, complex mental health condition that involves instability in how individuals relate to others, perceive themselves, and regulate their emotions. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) provides a framework for diagnosing BPD, including criteria that mental health clinicians use to identify and evaluate…
/
-
F43.1 2025 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code for PTSD
While the American ICD-10-CM system (effective October 2023) includes the code F43.1, it’s not recommended for billing purposes. This is because more specific codes exist within the F43.1 category, offering greater detail for diagnoses. International versions of ICD-10 may have different practices regarding F43.1. ICD-10 Code for PTSD Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that…
/
-
DSM-5 Criteria for PTSD Diagnosis
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after someone has experienced a traumatic event. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), provides guidelines for diagnosing PTSD. These criteria are useful for mental health professionals in identifying and evaluating…
/