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 […]
You finish the session feeling good about the progress made – then comes the part no one looks forward to. Writing the ABA notes. That’s why more and more ABA professionals are turning to tools that make life easier. An ABA Notes Generator helps turn that blank page into clear, structured, professional notes in minutes. […]
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 […]
For clinicians, pursuing the right trauma training isn’t just professional development. Trauma-informed therapy is essential to deepening empathy, refining technique, and understanding how trauma shapes both body and mind. In this guide, you’ll find ten of the best trauma-informed therapy trainings for therapists to expand your skills and confidence in trauma work. And when it comes to applying what you’ve learned […]
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 […]
The connection built in the first therapy session can shape the entire therapeutic journey. Research consistently shows that the quality of the initial interaction significantly impacts treatment outcomes. It’s a delicate blend of professional skill and raw human empathy—where every word, every pause, and every shift in body language plays a role. There’s a moment—right […]
There is often an underlying issue when people come to therapy battling depression, relationship issues, or job stress. Creating a self-esteem treatment plan is supporting clients through the nagging inner voice saying, “You’re not good enough.” Not only does it hurt them, but it builds walls around them, impacts their relationships, and keeps unhealthy patterns […]
Depression assessment tools have come a long way since the early days of psychiatry, and one that has stood the test of time is the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). As therapists, having reliable measurement tools in our clinical arsenal is not only helpful but essential for tracking progress, making treatment decisions, and communicating effectively […]
Client resistance means unwillingness or opposition to change and growth in therapy sessions. This could be conscious or unconscious. Resistance can cause ruptures in the therapeutic alliance and hence it is important to be aware of the kinds of resistance that there are and how a therapist can work with a resistant client. This article […]
The American Psychological Association defines Gender Dysphoria as severe distress that occurs when an individual’s gender identity is not the same as the sex they were assigned at birth. Dysphoria can cause a substantial effect on transgender and non-binary people’s mental and social well-being, which is why it is so crucial for mental health treatment professionals to create customized, comprehensive treatment plans aimed at addressing each client’s individual needs. Whether you have been working with gender-diverse clients throughout your career or are new to this practice, […]
Building clients’ self-esteem is more than sharing their experiences during therapy. In many circumstances, therapists must take action to improve their client’s self-confidence. This article aims to guide therapists who seek to improve clients self-esteem. Clients with healthy self-esteem have better mental health outcomes. They also have reduced levels of anxiety and can handle difficult […]
