The Art of Writing Mental Health Records

Online, March 20, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Dr. Grosso's book clearly addresses the standard of care required of California MFTs, LCSWs, LPCC, and D&A Counselors when keeping and writing mental health records. These clinicians are required to document their assessment protocols and how these were used, the reasonable diagnosis based on observable clinical information, and the necessary treatment intended to resolve the presenting issue.

Since clinicians' can't predict when a client will need his or her records, it is imperative that the clinician carefully document all interactions involving legal and ethical issues. Since the clinician won't know which client would sue, its best to be prepared such legal action ensue.

A reasonable clinician must remember that records are required of all clinicians. Failure to keep appropriate records can mean an accusation for unprofessional conduct. This book helps clinicians establish a functional methodology to write balanced notes and keep appropriate and pertinent records.

Dr. Grosso's second book addresses how mental health clinicians can manage those clinical situations that can cause harm to self/others. These include child abuse reporting, elder abuse reporting, bulemia/anorexia, Tarasoff situation, threat to harm self, etc.

Standard of care requires that each clinician providing treatment in these specific must have the training, knowledge and experience. Otherwise, in a legal action, the opposing attorney will use the lack of required clinical experience as an effective foundation to present the clinician as being incompetent.

This book teaches clinicians how to set up treatment with appropriate assessments, diagnosis, and treatment protocols. These in turn serve to document the clinician's appropriate treatment. Should the client cause harm to him/herself and/or others, using the protocols presented in this book can help the clinician create a strong defense foundation should the clinician face a legal challenge.

This book and others are available at Dr. Grosso's website: http://www.fgrosso.com/Bookstore and are effective resources for clinicians wanting to establish a sound documentation program and be prepared in case a legal action arises from treatment involving harm to self and/or others.