Kicking Off Add on Psychotherapy

Starting an “add on psychotherapy” session with a client can be daunting.  Conversations outside of those focused on the E/M visit are vital to establish trust and comfort as well as to open lines of communication to discuss those more touchy topics negatively impacting their life. If you want to dive into providing add on therapy but need help getting going,  here are some sample sentences you can use. Adjust them to feel comfortable for YOU.

1. "We have a little bit more time today. Is there anything specific on your mind, or anything else in general life you would like to discuss?"

2. "I know that you have been struggling with mood and anxiety. Would you like to talk through some of the things in your life that you think may be contributing to that?"

3. "Good outcomes for mental health often depend on both medication and changes in your environment. Do you think that there are certain things in your environment contributing to your mental health concerns that we can talk through today?"

4. "If a friend or family member of yours were here today with you, is there anything they would encourage you to bring up at this point that we should talk about?”

5. "Is there any area of your life in which you feel stuck, for which I might be able to be a resource?"

6. “I’d like to help you with medication and also with any other life crap holding you back.  What struggles might feel good to talk through?”

Want more mentoring or coaching in providing add on psychotherapy to improve your client’s health and get paid for what you do?  Contact me at: debbie@debbiegranick.com

Your patients are lucky to have you!!