The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) is an 18-item checklist made by the World Health Organization (WHO) along with ADHD experts, psychiatrists, and researchers to check for ADHD symptoms in adults, since ADHD looks different in adults than in kids. The questions follow DSM-IV criteria but use adult-focused language that shows how symptoms might pop […]
Couple therapy sessions are different compared to individual therapy sessions. Therapists have to handle the complex back-and-forth between partners while staying neutral and making sure everyone feels safe enough to be vulnerable. New therapists often find nothing in grad school that prepares them for how intense these sessions can get or how complicated the patterns […]
Paperwork burnout happens when therapists engage in client documentation to the point of emotional and physical exhaustion. Mental health professionals often face this when writing progress notes. High caseloads and administrative tasks can make it worse. This creates a cycle of stress and burnout that hurts therapists. This stress affects therapists and the care they […]
The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale (RAADS-R) is a clinician-administered self-report tool designed to identify autism-related traits in adults—particularly those whose presentations may not have raised diagnostic flags in childhood. It assesses four domains: language, social communication, sensory-motor symptoms, and focused interests. While the RAADS-R is not a diagnostic tool, it provides useful clinical information. It is […]
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a psychological instrument to assess the degree to which individuals perceive situations in their lives as stressful. Rather than focusing on specific life events or objective stressors, the PSS measures a person’s subjective experience of stress. This makes it especially useful in therapeutic settings where a client’s emotional interpretation […]
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) is one of the most widely used and trusted tools for measuring self-esteem. For therapists, it serves not only as a diagnostic aid but also as a springboard for deeper conversations and goal setting within the therapeutic process. Self-esteem is a foundational element of emotional well-being and psychological resilience. It […]
The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is a standardized, evidence-based assessment tool developed to help clinicians identify the severity and immediacy of suicidal ideation and behaviors in clients. Originally developed through a collaboration between Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Pittsburgh, it has since become one of the most widely […]
One of the most critical parts of being a therapist is taking and documenting good notes on your clients. The note-taking process in therapy sessions can be a very complicated task. Fortunately, there are several note-taking apps and software available online that will help you to take great notes while at the same time keeping […]
ABA session notes are written records of a therapy session conducted using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques. These notes are typically written by the therapist, who may be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), and they serve as a record of the session for the therapist, the individual receiving […]
The assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder needs good tools that help diagnose correctly and plan treatment. Without a comprehensive assessment, clinicians might miss PTSD symptoms or mix them up with other problems. Among these tools, the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale stands out as the gold standard for mental health workers. It gives a structured but […]
CPT 90785 is an add-on code, which means it must be billed in addition to another primary service—individual or family therapy. This code applies to therapy sessions involving “interactive complexity.” In simpler terms, interactive complexity describes communication challenges or other factors that make a therapy session more difficult than usual. Have you ever had a session where everything […]
Strength-based therapy is a client-focused model that aims to identify and build on an individual’s strengths, capacities, and resources to foster personal growth and resilience. In contrast to more conventional problem-centered models of therapy, which seek to identify and repair deficits, the strength-based model invites clients to identify their current strengths and use them as […]
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a widely used behavioral screening tool that helps identify emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. It was developed by British child psychiatrist Dr. Robert Goodman to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of a young person’s mental health. It captures both strengths and challenges across multiple […]
The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) helps clinicians measure the severity of an individual’s OCD symptoms. This tool has become the standard way to evaluate OCD in both therapy offices and research studies. When first meeting with someone who has OCD symptoms, the Y-BOCS gives clear numbers that show how serious the condition is and […]
Documentation is a key component of therapeutic practice and ethical professional practice. Therapists have an obligation to keep comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurate session records with their clients. Poor documentation exposes therapists to the risk of lawsuits such as malpractice action, complaints with licensing boards, and denial of claims. This piece explains the legal ramifications of […]
Starting a therapy session effectively sets the tone for the entire conversation. A well-structured and thoughtful opening can create a safe space for clients, fostering trust and openness. Whether you are a new therapist or looking to refine your approach, these insights from experienced therapists can help you navigate those first crucial minutes. 1. Ground […]
Trauma-informed therapy is a key intervention in mental health treatment that allows therapists to deliver safe, empathetic, and effective therapy to clients with trauma. Being a trauma therapist, keeping up with the finest training programs can make your job better and enhance your knowledge further on how trauma affects the body and mind. Below are […]
Working through your struggles with the support of people facing similar issues can be a real game-changer. The whole give-and-take of help can really bring out the best in us. After all, humans have been tackling life’s challenges together in squads since the dawn of walking on two legs. Penning progress notes in group therapy, however, is a […]
As a mental health professional, do you struggle to keep track of your client’s treatment progress? Do you have difficulty remembering the details of your last session when a client asks about their progress? Look no further than SOAP notes! They are the perfect solution to your documentation woes. SOAP notes provide a quick and […]
Therapy sessions don’t always flow smoothly. There are moments when the conversation suddenly halts. A client who was actively engaged just seconds ago now stares at the floor, answers in monosyllables, or seems to have mentally left the room entirely. These shutdowns aren’t roadblocks but doorways that, when approached with care, often lead to the […]
Clinical supervision models provide various approaches based on our stage of development as therapists, the challenges we encounter, and the feedback that best supports our growth. Clinical supervision isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. In fact, the type of supervision that helps a brand-new therapist build confidence isn’t necessarily what a seasoned clinician needs to refine their […]
Stigma affects individuals that need mental health support in many ways. It creates shame and makes them feel judged. This prevents clients from seeking mental health treatment. Some avoid treatment altogether. Others withhold important information that is necessary for diagnosis and treatment. Clinical communication play a vital part in shaping client’s therapy experience. The way […]
Therapists play an important role in helping clients manage mental health challenges but their role goes beyond holding sessions with clients. Note-taking is one of their most essential yet time-consuming tasks. Clear and organized notes enable the tracking of clients progress after each session. It also ensures continuity of care. Still, many therapists find documentation […]
Psychological trauma in children doesn’t always show up in the ways we would expect. Sometimes, children may have typical responses, like nightmares, panic attacks, or mood swings. Other times, they appear to be just fine, but a noticeable shift follows. They start isolating themselves from their friends; their academic performance declines, and the little things that used to be shrugged off quickly […]
