Mentalyc Blog

  • 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 […]
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist Avatar
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist
  • 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 […]
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist Avatar
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist
  • Mental Status Exam (MSE) Cheat Sheet & Checklist for Therapists and Counselors

    As helping professionals, our first priority is to truly understand the people who turn to us for guidance. There are many respectful ways to learn about a client’s world—sometimes it’s through quick check-ins, and other times through deeper conversations that uncover how they think, feel, and function day to day. One of the most effective […]
    Dr. Salwa Zeineddine Avatar
    Dr. Salwa Zeineddine
  • DSM-5 Cheat Sheet: Quick Reference Guide to Common Diagnoses & Codes

    You may feel confident in your counseling skills, but even experienced therapists admit that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5th Edition  (DSM-5) can be tough to keep straight in daily practice. Between shifting criteria, new DSM-5-TR diagnostic codes, and pages of detailed descriptions, it’s easy to feel bogged down. Many clinicians say the challenge isn’t knowing […]
    Courtney Gardner, MSW Avatar
    Courtney Gardner, MSW
  • Collaborative/Concurrent Documentation (With Examples)

    Are you ready to shake things up and transform the mental health field? Imagine a world where mental health practitioners collaborate seamlessly to provide tailored, comprehensive care for each client. With collaborative documentation, this vision is within reach. By pooling your expertise with other professionals, you can unlock invaluable insights and develop innovative treatment plans that genuinely […]
    Courtney Gardner, MSW Avatar
    Courtney Gardner, MSW
  • 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. […]
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist Avatar
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist
  • 90853 CPT Code: Complete Description (+Reimbursement Details 2025)

    CPT codes are numbers used to reimburse specific mental health services. CPT codes are essential for billing, ensuring the accuracy of services reported, and receiving reimbursement from third-party payors. Billing the correct CPT code is necessary for a mental health clinician. CPT codes help ensure accurate documentation of the services you provide. Psychotherapists must know […]
    Marissa Moore, LPC, LCPC Avatar
    Marissa Moore, LPC, LCPC
  • How to Properly Identify and Document Impairment in Mental Health?

    As a mental health professional, providing accurate and detailed documentation of a client’s case history and present symptoms is crucial. By thoroughly and ethically reporting on impairments in functioning, you ensure your clients get the coverage and care they need. But how do you accurately and ethically record the client’s impairments to make a case […]
    Courtney Gardner, MSW Avatar
    Courtney Gardner, MSW
  • 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 […]
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist Avatar
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist
  • 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 […]
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist Avatar
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist
  • How to Write School Counselor Notes? (With School Counseling Notes Template & Forms)

    The ABCs of Documentation for School Counselors: Notes, Forms, Templates, and More Welcome to school counseling, where dedicated professionals tirelessly support and guide students on their educational journey. As a school counselor, your role is vital in helping students cope with challenges, develop essential life skills, and navigate through the ups and downs of adolescence. […]
    Courtney Gardner, MSW Avatar
    Courtney Gardner, MSW
  • 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. SimplePractice vs TherapyNotes: How User-Friendly are the Platforms? TherapyNotes is known […]
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist Avatar
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist
  • What is a Psychoeducational Group?

    Psychoeducational Group As mental health professionals, we have a noble goal of helping our clients overcome their daily challenges. We are constantly exploring new and innovative ways to support them in their journey towards healing. Psychoeducational groups have emerged as a powerful tool in this regard. These groups aim to impart knowledge and build skills, […]
    Courtney Gardner, MSW Avatar
    Courtney Gardner, MSW
  • Mental Health ICD-10 Codes Cheat Sheet

    Attention all mental health professionals! Are you tired of flipping through countless pages and scrolling endlessly through online databases to find the perfect ICD-10 code for your mental health diagnosis? Well, look no further! This comprehensive guide has everything you need to revolutionize how you navigate the world of mental health coding. Whether you're a […]
    Courtney Gardner, MSW Avatar
    Courtney Gardner, MSW
  • Informed Consent in Counseling (Benefits, Tips & Examples)

    Have you ever found yourself in a hospital awaiting surgery or sitting in a therapist’s office, only to be handed a consent form before your treatment commenced? In healthcare, it is commonplace for doctors and mental health professionals, including counselors and therapists, to ask clients to provide their informed consent. This crucial step ensures that individuals have been adequately […]
    Dr. Salwa Zeineddine Avatar
    Dr. Salwa Zeineddine
  • SOAP Notes in Mental Health Counseling: Examples, Templates & Writing Guide (2025)

    Sometimes, one might have nightmares for no reason at all. At other times, your work might be spilling over into your dreams! You are astonished. Aren’t you? Let me explain: you are a mental health provider struggling with hundreds of patient cases. You scribble down unorganized therapy notes, and you end up crashing with therapeutic standards […]
    Dr. Salwa Zeineddine Avatar
    Dr. Salwa Zeineddine
  • Occupational Therapy Documentation – OT Notes (With Examples)

    As occupational therapists and healthcare professionals, we know how important thorough documentationis. Not only does it protect us legally, but it allows us to monitor our clients’ progress over time and collaborate with other providers. Among the various notes we write, occupational notes seem to get the least love 🙁 They’re often an afterthought we scribble down between sessions rather than an opportunity to showcase […]
    Dr. Salwa Zeineddine Avatar
    Dr. Salwa Zeineddine
  • Private Practice Counseling Policies and Procedures

    If you’re a mental health professional who owns a private practice, in your initial paperwork, you will need to have clear policies and procedures for your practice. Setting up a practice can initially feel overwhelming, but being thorough can help you be a successful private practice owner. What you decide to put in your private […]
    Marissa Moore, LPC, LCPC Avatar
    Marissa Moore, LPC, LCPC
  • Can Psychotherapy Notes be Subpoenaed?

    Receiving a subpoena is not something many mental health clinicians like to deal with. You may feel overwhelmed and scared if you’ve received a subpoena to release information about a client. Many clinicians have questions about what is and isn’t required of you. Subpoenas are tricky to deal with because psychotherapy notes aren’t a part of the […]
    Marissa Moore, LPC, LCPC Avatar
    Marissa Moore, LPC, LCPC
  • How to Write Therapy Notes (With Examples)

    What Are Therapy Notes and How to Write Them? Your last session ran over time, you are making sure your patient is wearing the broadest smile, feeling supported, and having all his questions answered; tens of patients are still waiting for your consultation; you have a pile of client emails that need an answer, and […]
    Dr. Salwa Zeineddine Avatar
    Dr. Salwa Zeineddine
  • Mental Health Private Practice Business Plan PDF Template

    Turning Your Passion Into a Business: Creating a Counseling Private Practice Business Plan As a therapist, you have already gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in helping people overcome their mental health challenges. Opening your private practice is the next logical step in your career progression. However, being your own boss means that you […]
    Courtney Gardner, MSW Avatar
    Courtney Gardner, MSW
  • Psychological Assessment Report

    A Therapist’s Guide to Crafting Useful Psychological Assessment Reports Are you tired of preparing assessment reports that gather dust on a shelf, providing little more than cobwebs? As therapists, we understand the importance of offering comprehensive and actionable information to our clients and their caregivers. This guide is designed to assist you in creating assessments […]
    Courtney Gardner, MSW Avatar
    Courtney Gardner, MSW
  • 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 […]
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist Avatar
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist
  • 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 […]
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist Avatar
    Angela M. Doel, Psychotherapist