The Private Practice Clinician’s Checklist for Ending 2023

 Written by Kelsey Someliana-Lauer, Therapy Practice Solutions Virtual Assistant

As the year comes to a close, you’re likely focused on togetherness with family and friends, celebrating any holidays you observe, and combatting those frequent cancellations (the holidays hit all of our bank accounts and calendars!). Many clinicians are also taking a few days, a week or two, or even the entire month of December off. While you’re enjoying holidays and getting some much needed rest, it’s hard to also ensure you’ve done all you need to do to end 2023 well and begin 2024 on the right foot.

With 2024 right around the corner, you may be wondering: is there anything I as a private practice mental health therapist need to do to end the year? The pros at Therapy Practice Solutions are here to help! Keep reading for three things to add to your end of year checklist.

Review and Update Policies:

Before the year concludes, mental health clinicians in private practice should review and update their practice policies. This includes informed consent forms, privacy policies, and any other documentation relevant to the therapeutic process. Here are some of our best tips for a comprehensive practice policy review: 

1. Documentation Update: Thoroughly review and update all policy documents, including informed consent forms, client intake forms, and any other documentation used in your practice. Ensure that the language is clear, concise, and up-to-date with any changes in laws or regulations.

2. Communication Policies: Evaluate your communication policies, especially in the digital realm. Clearly outline how you handle emails, teletherapy sessions, and other electronic forms of communication to maintain client confidentiality.

3. Fee Review: Assess your fee structures in comparison to industry standards and regional market trends. Consider whether adjustments are needed to reflect the value of your services and to remain competitive.

4. Client Safety Measures: Revisit safety protocols to ensure that clients are aware of available resources and support. This includes discussing boundaries, confidentiality limits, and steps to take if a client is in crisis.

Complete all CEUs:

Most mental health clinicians will need a certain number of Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) yearly to renew their license. If you haven’t hit the required CEU amount, here are some places to get those last-minute trainings in:

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI provides educational resources, webinars, and workshops on mental health topics. While some resources are free, others may be available at a low cost, offering mental health therapists an opportunity to earn CEUs while supporting a nonprofit organization.
   
   

2. Professional Associations: Explore memberships in professional associations like the American Counseling Association (ACA), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), or the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). These organizations often provide members with access to discounted or free CEU opportunities.

3. APA Learning Center: The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a variety of free and low-cost webinars and online courses covering diverse topics in psychology. These can contribute to Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for mental health therapists.

4. Local Universities and Colleges: Check with local universities or colleges that may offer free or affordable workshops and seminars. Some academic institutions host events that are open to mental health professionals and provide an opportunity to earn CEUs.

Implement Self-Care and Burnout Prevention:

Prioritize your well-being by evaluating and reinforcing your self-care practices. Burnout is a significant concern in the mental health profession, and establishing a robust self-care routine is essential for maintaining resilience and longevity in your career. Here are four strategies to help implement a self-care routine in 2024:

1. Establish Boundaries: Mental health therapists should prioritize setting clear professional and personal boundaries. This includes delineating work hours, creating a designated workspace, and maintaining a separation between professional and personal life. Establishing and enforcing boundaries helps prevent burnout and promotes a healthier work-life balance.

2. Peer Support Groups: Participate in peer support groups or supervision circles where mental health professionals can share experiences, challenges, and successes. Connecting with colleagues who understand the unique demands of the profession can provide a sense of camaraderie and reduce feelings of isolation. These groups offer a space for mutual support and the exchange of coping strategies.

3. Hobbies and Creative Outlets: Cultivate hobbies or engage in creative activities outside of the therapeutic setting. Pursuing interests such as art, music, writing, or other creative outlets provides a valuable means of self-expression and stress relief. Dedicating time to activities that bring joy and fulfillment fosters a more balanced and holistic approach to self-care.

4. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Incorporate mindfulness and stress reduction practices into daily routines. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help therapists manage stress and maintain emotional well-being. Regular self-reflection and mindfulness activities contribute to emotional resilience and prevent the accumulation of vicarious trauma.

We hope this post helped you feel more confident about closing 2023 successfully! At Therapy Practice Solutions, we know how important it is for you to use your time and energy in ensuring high quality care for your clients. If you’d like to offload tasks to make time for providing great care to your clients, reach out to us today. The pros at Therapy Practice Solutions would love to help you help others. We look forward to hearing from you!