Improving and Simplifying Case Notes: Practical Strategies for Clinicians

Many mental health professionals receive little or no training in documentation prior to starting their practice. However, writing case notes is a significant aspect of most clinicians' daily work. The lack of adequate training and support in the documentation process, coupled with most professionals' dislike for this task, often contributes to feelings of resentment, anxiety, and fear at the mere mention of “notes” or “records request.” However, thinking about notes from the perspective of those in treatment, who are often helped by clinical notes, can help clinicians see how writing notes can be a meaningful part of any therapy practice. 

In this two-hour interactive web conference, Dr. Maelisa Hall will cover essential strategies for writing high-quality case notes, review common pitfalls clinicians experience with documentation, and share realistic and helpful examples designed to replace any negative emotions surrounding documentation with confidence. Dr. Hall will highlight the importance of knowing the ethics requirements for documentation and share how to individualize and apply these concepts effectively in practice. In addition, this presentation will evaluate different options for note templates and outline strategies to simplify clinical notes and still meet ethical and insurance guidelines. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and share real-life challenges they have experienced with clinical documentation during question-and-answer sessions.

This introductory instructional level course is designed to help clinicians:

1. Identify an individualized notes template that applies to clinical practice.
2. Outline the components of a progress note incorporating applicable ethical guidelines.
3. List the most common risks associated with clinical documentation.
4. Identify how medical necessity may impact notes for insurance.
5. Describe at least three strategies for writing case notes more efficiently and effectively.
6. Evaluate client case notes objectively from intake to termination.

If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference or would like more information, please contact us here.

Event Reviews from Members

Everything was excellent.  As someone who has been away from the field for a time, and is returning, I found all of it extremely helpful. - Monica Bowen, LPC

Continuing Education (CE) Information

Two CE credits will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety.

GoodTherapy.org is an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within documentation and legal, ethical, and professional development.

GoodTherapy.org has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6380. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. GoodTherapy.org is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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