Medical Necessity or Personal Growth? Why Documentation Matters in Therapy
Curt and Katie talk about medical necessity in therapy documentation – what it is, why it matters, and how therapists can navigate the tension between clinical care, insurance requirements, and personal growth. We explore how documentation protects therapists in utilization reviews and disciplinary processes, and how to ethically distinguish therapy from coaching or self-improvement.
Key Takeaways for Therapists
Why documenting medical necessity matters for insurance, ethics, and liability
Risks of over-diagnosing or misrepresenting symptoms
The role of treatment plans and progress notes in demonstrating medical necessity
Navigating personal growth requests vs. clinical therapy
Protecting yourself with clear, consistent documentation
About Our Hosts
Curt Widhalm, LMFT – www.curtwidhalm.com
Katie Vernoy, LMFT – www.katievernoy.com
Find the transcript and additional resources at mtsgpodcast.com.
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Voice Over by DW McCann
Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano
