Advertise on podcast: The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

When Your Client is a Little Bit Famous: The unique needs and perspectives for working with content creators in therapy Curt and Katie chat about the unique needs that content creators (youtubers, podcasters, onlyfans performers) bring to session. We look at the development stages of being a creator, what exactly a “content creator” is, pros and cons (for mental health) of being a content creator, and how therapists can work more effectively with these folks. We also talk about the safety concerns and ways that therapist scan support content creators in protecting themselves. This is a continuing education podcourse. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode we talk about therapy with content creators Content creators and influencers have their own sets of mental health challenges. Therapists working with content creators have many factors to consider when it comes to the particularly unique influences that this occupation has on a person’s mental health. This workshop explores how content creation, streaming, and parasocial relationships affect the mental health and worldview of creators in ways that are both similar and different to other types of performers. Receive Continuing Education for this Episode of the Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide You can find this full course (including handouts and resources) here: https://moderntherapistcommunity.com/podcourse/ Continuing Education Approvals: Continuing Education Information including grievance and refund policies. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/  

The Power and the Peril of Pop Psychology Curt and Katie chat about pop psychology. We look at what it is, how it influences society, the dangers of leaving it unchecked, and how therapists can support their clients in navigating through all the different self-help content. We also challenge the use of Enneagram and Myers Briggs as “identity” and talk about using pop psychology as a starting point for conversation rather than taking it all at face value. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode we talk about the dangers of pop psychology Curt has had a bee in his bonnet about pop psychology and the potential harms of watering down psychology for the public. We decided we’d take a critical look at what’s out there, including self-help, business, and news content that may be harming the public. What is pop psychology? ·      Researchers sharing their findings through popular media using lay language ·      Applied psychology – practical self-help created by psychology practitioners geared toward improving your life ·      Targeting people with mental health concerns to decrease suffering – may be created by people with lived experience and is self-help in the place of therapy ·      Applying psychology to other realms (like business or sales, spirituality) What are concerns with pop psychology? ·      Overemphasizing the importance of specific pop psychology principles and claiming these things as identity ·      Not going back to the evidence base or looking at who the authors are (is it their research or is it a good storyteller who is extrapolating) ·      The impact of the audience on which stories or psychological findings are shared How does Malcolm Gladwell fit into this conversation about the dangers of pop psychology? ·      He was enamored with the “Broken Windows” theory of policing and his writings influenced the use type of policing in New York (including Stop and Frisk) ·      He ignored the criticism of these policies, like the racial bias that was seen ·      He chose not to write about policies that were working to decrease the over prescribing opioids ·      He has not recognized the influence on those who read his work What role can therapists play in supporting our clients around pop psychology? ·      Talk with our clients about what they are reading and use it as a starting point ·      Bring the evidence-based science into the conversation ·      Help them to create a unique, tailored plan for your client to use what works for them ·      Correcting misinformation (e.g., the stages of grief) ·      Putting out content that is accurate ·      Staying current on what is being talked about in popular media Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Is AI Really Ready for Therapists? An interview with Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey Curt and Katie interview Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey of QA Prep about her assessment of the AI tools available for therapists. We chat about the high expectations many clinicians have for note writing tools (and whether these expectations are really reasonable right now). We also look at what therapists are getting wrong when starting to use these tools, exploring some concerns related to HIPAA compliance and who is actually putting together these tech tools. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode, we talk about the development of AI tools for therapists Curt and Katie asked Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey to come on and talk about what she thinks about AI for documentation. What are therapists getting wrong about AI? ·      Therapists believe that AI can do their notes, but it is often a lot of work and/or is an expensive application is required ·      There is a choice when using a free platform and/or an untrusted platform is that you are either writing an insufficient note or adding PHI, which causes you to break HIPAA ·      AI for notes takes a very long time due to how slowly they process the information as well as your need to review and edit each note ·       Some platforms are claiming to be HIPAA compliant and are not What are the different ways that AI works to provide documentation? ·      AI listens to the session and/or you upload the recording or a transcript ·      You enter the information on what happened in the session and AI writes the formal notes What do therapists need to know about an AI platform before using it? ·      Checking for actual HIPAA compliance versus a false statement about HIPAA compliance ·      Understand how it is telling you to use the software ·      Do they give you a BAA? ·      The pricing is relatively similar to an EHR - $10-$40 per month ·      This is not an electronic health record or practice management system ·      Some of the AI applications do not have access to the diagnosis, assessment, treatment plans, so you will have to insure that you prove medical necessity and demonstrate the clinical loop Are these AI platforms really ready for therapists? ·      The tech experts are taking care of data security ·      Many companies are still figuring these things out ·      All of the platforms Maelisa tested created fake elements of sessions (i.e., put things in the notes that did not happen) What else can therapists use AI for? ·      Creating templates for progress notes (i.e., not for a specific client, no PHI) ·      Creating resources for clients What do therapists need to do for their clients if they are using AI? ·      You must inform your client that you are using AI (informed consent) ·      AI is experimental, so it must be optional for your clients to opt in ·      You must insure that the platform is actually secure and HIPAA compliant ·      Ethics codes aren’t really saying anything, but some statements could be coming out soon on the ethics of how to use AI with or for clients What do therapists need to know about AI? ·      It is very new and changing constantly ·      This is going to happen, so we need to understand and participate in this transition ·      New resources will be created through AI Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Are Therapists to Blame for Ineffective Workplace Wellness Programs? Curt and Katie chat about a recent New York Times article that claims that individual mental health interventions are not effective in the workplace. We explore that and other studies on workplace wellness programs, looking at what is ineffective, what actually works, and what roles therapists can play in improving outcomes for employees (and employers). We also take a quick look at the ethical or moral questions therapists face when being paid to do these programs. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode we talk about a recent study on workplace wellness programs In a recent New York Times article, they talked about a study that shows little efficacy of workplace wellness programs in the UK. We decided to dig deeper into the research and see what therapists need to know when signing on to provide these programs. What does the research say about workplace wellness or individual-level mental health interventions on outcomes for employees and employers? ·      People in these programs are not better off than people who are not ·      Some desired outcomes (health markers, absenteeism, job performance) are not significantly better ·      Some positive clinical and employment outcomes from actual mental health programs ·      Individual solutions don’t solve systemic problems What are the dynamics at play in employee well-being? ·      Things that do work: more compensation, more say in how their work looks ·      The difference between convenience and work-place wellness ·      Typically, organizations are not assessing efficacy of their own wellness programs What is the therapist role in workplace wellness? ·      We know that many of these programs are ineffective – should we still continue to do them? ·      How should consumers of these products and programs inquire about efficacy or even completion? ·      Should therapists be concerned about whether people complete their course or find benefit from it? ·      Understanding what resources are available (and being encouraged to use them) may help folks to better benefit from them (as extrapolated from Curt’s undergraduate research) What can clinicians do to support actual workplace wellness? ·      Don’t co-sign on the idea that the onus is on the individual to fix the system ·      Provide actual mental health interventions for mental health needs ·      Facilitate conversations about systemic problems and solutions ·      Support positive interventions for individuals that are doable and effective ·      Exploring the ethics of providing these programs Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/  

When Your Client is a Super Fan: Exploring parasocial relationships and their effects on mental health Curt and Katie chat about parasocial relationships. We talk about what parasocial relationships (and break ups) are, who is most likely to engage in these relationships, and the positive and negative impacts of these one-sided relationships. We also look at how to use these relationships within therapy. This is a continuing education podcourse. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode we talk about parasocial relationships People develop relationships with celebrities, TV personalities, and others in the public eye. But do therapists assess the impact these relationships have on their clients and their mental health? This episode explores the ways that clients interact in one-sided relationships, the mental health benefits and drawbacks to engaging in these relationships, and ways for therapists to assess the potential impacts on client mental health and behavior. How can parasocial relationships show up (and be utilized) in therapy? ·      How to help clients identify appropriate role models ·      Using parasocial relationships as practice for social relationships ·      Ask what content clients are consuming to identify what messages they are receiving ·      Get very direct: ask about all of the content they regularly consume ·      Look especially at the content or influencers talking about things relevant to their presenting problems ·      Explore how clients with social anxiety are interacting with potential parasocial relationships ·      Staying abreast of news stories related to parasocial objects ·      Listening for certain types of unhealthy messages (like toxic masculinity) ·      Helping to expand your clients’ critical thinking and influences in their lives ·      Understanding why they are choosing these relationships and the meaning they are making from them ·      Using these relationships as practice or places to seek self-awareness and insight, especially related to identity and values ·      Grief work when there are parasocial breakups Receive Continuing Education for this Episode of the Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide  Continuing Education Information including grievance and refund policies. Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/  

What Is It Like To Be a Medicare Therapist? An interview with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW Curt and Katie interview Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW, about what it looks like to take Medicare. We talk about common myths and what the actual experience is like. We also explore the business case for taking Medicare and why (and how) therapists can grow their practice by opting in as a Medicare provider. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode, we talk about taking Medicare as a therapist Curt and Katie asked Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW to come in to talk about what it is like to take Medicare as a therapist.  What is involved in being a Medicare provider? ·       Clientele on Medicare include elderly and disabled ·       There is a huge need to clinicians to take Medicare ·       You will get a lot of referrals – Gabrielle filled up her caseload and made 6 figures in her first year in private practice What types of clinical expertise is necessary for therapists who take Medicare? ·       Loss of independence and aging issues ·       Grief and loss ·       Chronic health conditions and illnesses ·       Loss of mobility ·       Dementia and cognitive issues ·       Family dynamics and estrangement ·       Understanding later in life logistics ·       Caregiver concerns What are the business or day-to-day elements of taking Medicare? ·       Referral sources are medical doctors, care managers, and other therapists ·       Website content designed with caregiver or family member in mind (who would be searching for the services) ·       Sorting through Medicare and Medicare Advantage (i.e., commercial insurance Medicare replacement) plans – clients don’t know the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage ·       Ask to see all of their insurance cards to identify what coverage they have: o  Bill Medicare directly for patients with Medicare – you are a Part B provider (outpatient) – you will get 80% from Medicare and the other 20% from the patient, a supplemental plan, or Medicaid o  Bill the commercial insurance plan for Medicare Advantage patients (like regular insurance billing) ·       Audits are not common and are navigable with good notes and ability to make corrections ·       Audits are more likely if you’re doing unusual billing practices ·       The application process is probably the most challenging part of taking Medicare Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

What Can Therapists Do When They Get a Life-Threatening Diagnosis? An interview with Patricia Ravitz, LMFT Curt and Katie interview Patricia Ravitz, LMFT, on how she navigated her pancreatic cancer diagnosis as a therapist. We talk about what happens when a therapist must take time away from their practice without notice, what therapists can do to navigate seeing clients while in treatment, and how you and your clinical work can change when you’re facing mortality. We also talk about support and resources.  Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode, we talk about how therapists can manage their practice when facing a potentially life-threatening diagnosis Curt and Katie asked their dear friend, Patricia Ravitz, LMFT to come talk about how she handled her practice after getting a cancer diagnosis.  What happens when a therapist must suddenly take time away from their practice for medical treatment? Determining how long will be needed to take time off (if that can be predicted) Identifying how to notify patients and what to share with patients Understanding whether you can have these conversations with patients (or not) Choosing a method for notification  Consulting with a colleague who can help with notification and/or follow up What can therapists do to continue to see clients while in chemotherapy? Assessing your response to chemotherapy and when you might be able to work Identifying days that you typically are able to be present and focused for your clients Determining who you can effectively see as a therapist and who you need to refer out Scheduling therapy around your treatment schedule as well as their clinical needs How might your clinical work change when you’re facing mortality as a therapist? The reality of the precariousness of life can impact the sense of urgency Sorting through what each client wanted to hear about or needed to talk about Focus and sharpening the therapy, moving away from complacency The emotions and care from the clients to the therapist Processing the relationship in a different way What kind of support or resources should therapists use when facing a challenging diagnosis? Personal support, therapy, consultation groups A professional will Understanding how this impacts other relationships and how you look at the world These types of experiences transform how we operate Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Want to Fix Mental Health Workforce Shortages? Speed up the Licensing Boards: An interview with Dr. Ben Caldwell Curt and Katie interview Benjamin E. Caldwell, PsyD, about licensing board inefficiencies leading to incredible delays in folks getting licensed. We talk about the impacts of paperwork processing delays as well the inadequate infrastructure of most licensing boards. We also explore policy and individual options to mitigate or address these problems. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode, we talk about how the mental health workforce shortages are exacerbated by licensing boards Curt and Katie decided to invite Dr. Ben Caldwell back onto the podcast to talk about how licensing board inefficiencies are exacerbating mental health workforce shortages. Impacts of delays of paperwork processing on clients and clinicians ·   Delays of folks increasing income as a licensed clinician ·   Lack of mental health clinicians in the work force ·   Prospective clinicians dropping out of the process to become licensed due to the time and financial burden Licensing board infrastructure is often inadequate to get individuals licensed timely ·   Computer systems that licensing boards use are not typically modern ·   The contracts for streamlining processes are often restrictive to specific systems or to how quickly these improvements can move ·   There is little that is automated, but rather includes manual entry which is inefficient and introduces opportunities for error What are potential solutions for the pervasive inefficiency found in licensing boards? ·   Scanning and using optical recognition software for applications and counting hours ·   Contracting with private technology companies that are already gathering this data ·   Finding automated systems that are set up properly from the beginning to minimize training needs ·   Legislation to put pressure on state licensing boards to update computer systems ·   Hiring more people to take on these tasks ·   Using financial reserves to improve systems ·   Mitigating the effects of the delays on the workers (i.e., being able to take required exams for licensure while accruing your hours) ·   Simplifying processes wherever possible (i.e., less buckets of hours with minimum and maximum hours that need to be met) ·   Simplifying applications to make them more understandable for both applicants and reviewers ·   Policy analysis related to the rules – boards make the inaccurate assumption that if a rule exists it must be good ·   Using the legislative process to hold licensing boards accountable for not getting through applications timely and potentially even giving folks provisional licenses while waiting for the application to be reviewed What can individual therapists do to address the delays in processing licensing paperwork? ·   Be as clear as possible in applications and communication to the board to decrease confusion ·   Don’t apply for licensure early (i.e., before requirements are completed) ·   Show up to board meetings and let the licensing board know that delays are a huge problem ·   Advocate with your professional org and/or to your legislators Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

REPLAY - Structuring Self-Care  We’re still on vacation, but wanted to share another one of our favorite episodes with all of you. We start with a quick reflection on the episode and what we’ve learned since it originally aired. Today’s replay is of Episode 141: Structuring Self-Care. We talk about structuring self-care into your business practices. We look at how to incorporate self-care best practices into the way you build your work day. We also talk about common challenges to taking this advice. You can find the original show notes and transcripts here: Structuring Self-Care.

REPLAY - Therapists Are Not Robots: How We Can Show Humanity in the Room We’re on vacation, but wanted to share one of our favorite episodes with all of you. We start with a quick reflection on the episode and what we’ve learned since it originally aired. Today’s replay is of Episode 255: Therapists Are Not Robots: How we can show humanity in the room. We talk vulnerably about how we have managed some pretty challenging life crises while also being therapists. You can see the original show notes and transcripts for episode 255 here: Therapists are Not Robots.

What Do Therapists Need To Do About Medicare? Opting in or out for 2024: An interview with Joy Alafia, CAE Curt and Katie interview Joy Alafia, Executive Director of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, on the journey for MFTs and Counselors to become eligible to be Medicare providers. We look at the high-level tasks that every therapist needs to take. We also talk about the decision-making process for whether you should opt in or opt out, providing some basic guidance and resources on the steps you need to take now. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode, we talk about MFTs and Counselors becoming Medicare Providers Curt and Katie have spent hours in advocacy efforts for MFTs and Counselors to become Medicare providers through their past involvement in the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). And it’s finally gone through! We asked Joy Alafia to come join us to discuss this journey as well as what therapists need to do now that we’re eligible to be Medicare providers. We answer the following questions and have a step by step guide in our show notes at mtsgpodcast.com: What was the process for MFTs and Counselors to be included in Medicare? Now that Marriage and Family Therapists and Counselors are eligible to bill Medicare, what do we need to do? What do therapists need to do if they would like to Opt In to provide Medicare services? What do therapists need to do if they would like to Opt Out of billing Medicare? What should therapists consider when deciding whether to take Medicare? ·      Clinical specialty – if you work with folks 65 and older or with disabled folks, you will want to strongly consider taking Medicare as these clients are typically eligible and would like to use their insurance ·      Access – if you have the ability (i.e., space in your caseload) to see Medicare patients, there is a huge need for providers who accept this insurance ·      Credibility – there is increased credibility as a provider when you are able to take Medicare ·      Rates – check out what the rates are for the areas where you see clients. To do so, look for your locality on the Physician Fee Schedule and multiply the rates by 75% if you are a masters level provider. If the rates are sufficient, you will consistently get clients and will consistently get paid. If the rates are not sufficient for your business, you will want to consider opting out and remaining private pay for these clients. ·      Documentation requirements – the documentation requirements are similar for most insurance plans, especially Medicaid. If you’re able to keep clean, efficient documentation, this should not be a deterrent for taking Medicare ·      Billing complexity – you will want to make sure to take trainings available (see below) to understand how you will need to bill this insurance plan and/or hire a biller who does ·      Consistency and recession-proofing your practice – Medicare is known to pay consistently and provide a lot of clients for your practice. As the population ages, this will be a larger and larger portion of the folks seeking mental health services. You may want to consider taking Medicare. Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode: We’ve pulled together LOTS of resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) CAMFT’s Medicare Corner (for CAMFT members) CAMFT’s Medicare Webinars A TON of other Resources can be found on our website at mtsgpodcast.com. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.

How Can Therapists Take a Real Vacation? Curt and Katie chat about how therapists can take extended time away from their therapy practices. We talk about how to budget time and money for vacation as well as what therapists need to have covered when they’re gone. We also look at how to mitigate foreseeable risk and manage continuity of care. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode we talk about how therapists can get time away from work We’ve heard too many people talking about the challenges of taking time off when you’re working as a therapist. How can therapists budget for time off? ·      Determining fees based on time you’re actually working (i.e., charging more or determining number of weekly sessions based on when you can be away) ·      Scheduling based on diminishing the number of actual missed sessions (i.e., scheduling vacations when your clients are on vacation and/or taking long weekends and moving clients within the week to take partial weeks off) What do therapists need to cover when they go on vacation? ·      Clinical coverage within your practice or with colleagues ·      Identify when you’re on-call and how you navigate that within your vacation ·      Supervision coverage planning ·      Understanding when you can respond to clients or supervisees (i.e., being in wise mind) ·      Safety planning with clients, including coverage plan and/or when you’re available How can therapists mitigate the clinical risks for taking longer vacations? ·      Determining when you should stop taking new clients before a longer vacation ·      Teaching your clients to be okay without you ·      Flexibility on when you take time away and how to take time away from the office ·      Planning for foreseeable risks ·      Homework or other resources What does a hybrid work vacation look like? ·      Virtual work as needed ·      Creating times/spaces for clinical sessions and follow up ·      Make sure you have sufficient wifi or cell reception and privacy ·      It’s important to make sure you get downtime and aren’t constantly working Why is it important to take time off when you’re a therapist? ·      Getting rejuvenated and living life ·      Working to prevent burnout ·      Renewed sense of energy within the profession ·      Our job is to talk about pain and suffering and there is so much pain and suffering in the world, so it is important to get restorative breaks Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/