Author: Courtney Gardner, MSW

Courtney holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree as well as two Master of Social Work degrees in Childhood Studies and Social Work. They believe that sustainable change requires active community participation as well as the involvement of internal resources. Since then, they have devoted their professional career to advocating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and to educating others on mental health practices.

What Is E-Prescribing What are it Benefits and How Does It Work in Mental Health?

General and Other

Are you keeping up with the latest trends in healthcare? If not, you should know that e-prescribing is taking the industry by storm, especially among mental health professionals. It's a game-changer in medication management, and it's all thanks to modern technology! With e-prescribing, you can send prescriptions directly to pharmacies from your electronic health record system […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Therapist Burnout: Signs, Causes, and Tips to Prevent it

General and Other

You've dedicated your life to helping others work through challenging times, but when was the last time you focused on yourself? As therapists, our job is emotionally demanding. We absorb the stress and trauma of our clients daily, often leaving little time for self-care. If you're not careful, you can feel depleted, unmotivated, and dreading […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
When can Psychotherapy Notes be Disclosed?

Session Documentation

Have you ever found yourself in a tough spot as a therapist when a client asks to see their psychotherapy notes? With so many rules and regulations surrounding these notes, it can be challenging to navigate through it all – especially with lawyers or insurance companies involved. But fear not! This article is your ultimate […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Get the Correct ICD-10 Code for Anxiety F41.9

Session Documentation

F41.9 is a specific code in the American ICD-10-CM system (effective October 1, 2024) used for billing purposes. It signifies a diagnosis of “Anxiety Disorder, Unspecified.” Be aware that international versions of ICD-10 may use different codes for anxiety diagnoses. Overview of ICD-10 Codes for Anxiety It is crucial to determine the appropriate ICD-10 code […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Clinical Documentation Cheat Sheet

Session Documentation

Are you tired of drowning in paperwork as a mental health professional? Do you wish there was an easy solution to make documentation a breeze? Look no further! We have compiled a quick reference guide to help you master clinical documentation like a pro. With our practical tips, you can document faster, more accurately, and […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)

Session Documentation

Are you ready to take your therapy game to the next level? Get excited about the PCL-5, a powerful assessment tool that will revolutionize how you identify potential posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in your clients. With a simple and quick process, you can gain valuable insight into your client’s symptoms and how they compare to the DSM-5 […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F33.2 2023

Session Documentation

Do you ever feel lost in a sea of medical billing codes? As a mental health professional, it’s critical to grasp the codes to provide the best treatment for your clients. One of the most common codes you’ll encounter is F33.2 – recurrent severe major depressive disorder without psychotic symptoms. With over 300 million people worldwide […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
ICD 10 Code for Adjustment Disorder

Session Documentation

In the American healthcare system’s ICD-10-CM coding (effective October 2024), F43.22 functions as a specific code for billing purposes. It signifies a diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety F43.21 also functions as a specific code for billing purposes. It signifies a diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood. Be aware that international versions of ICD-10 may utilize different codes […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
ICD-10 Code for Schizophrenia F20: A Complete Guide

Session Documentation

The Essential Guide to ICD-10 Codes for Schizophrenia: What Every Therapist Must Know As a therapist, staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in this field is crucial for providing the best care possible. By now, you may have heard some buzz about ICD-10 codes, but how confident are you in diagnosing, treating, and reporting on […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
90837 CPT Code: Complete Description (+Reimbursement Details 2025)

Session Documentation

Understanding the Ins and Outs of CPT Code 90837 for Therapists Is billing for therapy sessions giving you a headache? Are you curious how to squeeze the most value out of each session? Let us introduce you to the powerful tool that is the 90837 CPT code. This little gem is a game-changer for mental […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
DSM-5 TR | What It Is, Changes & How to Cite It

Session Documentation

Citing the DSM-5-TR in APA Format: Looking to cite the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision) in your APA style references? Here’s a quick guide: A new client comes into your office for the first time, nervous and uncertain about the process. After listening to their story, your mind starts […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Networking for Therapists: Building Connections for Career Success & Client Care

General and Other

As a therapist, it is essential to recognize that the journey of learning and growth never stops. To give your clients the best care, you must keep informed of the latest research and connect with other therapists. By committing to lifelong learning and networking with your peers, you’ll gain invaluable insights, find inspiration from mentors […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
How Much Does it Cost to Start a Counseling Private Practice?

General and Other

Are you considering starting a private counseling practice? It can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. There are many factors to think about before putting up your sign. How much will it cost to start? Should you go virtual or rent office space? What tools and resources will you need to succeed? With the increasing demand […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
How to Catch Up on Therapy Progress Notes?

Session Documentation

The Productive Therapist’s Guide to Catching Up on Progress Notes You know the feeling – it’s the end of another long week filled with client sessions, paperwork, and life’s other demands. Your progress notes from the past few days are staring at you, unfinished, and the guilt is creeping in. As therapists, we want to provide the […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Quoting Clients Therapy Progress Notes

Session Documentation

Are You Maximizing the Use of Client Quotes in Your Therapy Notes? You know how important it is to capture the essence of your therapy sessions in your notes. But are you making the most of your client’s own words? Quoting your clients directly in your therapy progress notes can be incredibly powerful. Their words provide a window […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Play Therapy Notes: Best Practices for Documentation

Session Documentation

If you are considering a career in play therapy and are passionate about working with children, this comprehensive article is tailored for you. You must maintain accurate documentation as a play therapist to ensure your practice’s success. Your job involves interacting with children and conducting critical evaluations. However, transforming these observations into concise, informative notes for your colleagues […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW