Preparing for the worst, a professional will is not enough

Mental health clinicians are so busy caring for others that tending to the business aspects of their practice is a challenge. Despite emergency planning being required by our Codes of Ethics and HIPAA, it is often overlooked or not addressed thoroughly. Without a comprehensive plan (a Professional Will is not enough!), those left to pick up the pieces are often directionless. Details like contacting patients, billing for work, or accessing Electronic Health Records and other computer systems can significantly hamper closure and transition. With proper planning and organization, a greater crisis can be avoided.

This presentation will focus on the who, what, where, why, and how of creating a transition plan. More than just a professional will, a transition plan considers any reason that might cause a counselor to be unable to continue seeing their clients. This could be due to death of a family member, extended illness, disability, moving out of state, retirement, or any number of other reasons. An effective transition plan must include all the information necessary for another qualified professional to ensure continuity of care for clients. This presentation will teach mental health clinicians how to construct such a plan, ensuring that their clients are cared for, no matter what circumstances arise. Also discussed will be the process of identifying an Emergency Response Team, those who will take over for the clinician should the need arise.