Mental health outcome measures are valuable instruments used to assess the progress of individuals' mental well-being. These measures effectively capture a range of metrics, including various aspects of client functioning, symptomatology, and treatment experiences. Such assessments capture baseline data at the commencement of services, as well as progress documented as support continues. What Are We […]
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 […]
Simple and quick to complete, GAD-7 is famous for giving both clinicians and clients a clearer picture of how anxiety shows up day-to-day. In this article, we’ll walk through how to score the GAD-7, interpret the results, and use it to guide treatment and track progress over time. Because using the GAD-7 effectively requires periodic […]
We've all been there. Your heart starts racing as you think about having to give a presentation in front of the class. Or maybe the idea of making small talk at a party makes you break out in a cold sweat! Social anxiety is something most people can relate to on some level. But for […]
You’ve probably heard about CPT codes, but how familiar are you with the nitty-gritty details? If you’re a mental health professional interested in couples and family therapy, it’s time to get up close and personal with CPT code 90847. When used correctly, this code is the key to unlocking insurance reimbursement for couples and family […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 methods for this deeper exploration is the mental status examination (MSE). In this blog, which comes with a […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
A psychoeducational group is a structured therapy format that combines education and emotional support – helping clients understand their challenges, build coping skills, and grow through shared experience. They can be incredibly rewarding to lead, but keeping up with each client’s progress and notes can quickly become a lot to manage. Without a good documentation […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
