Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Students will:

· Assess progress for clients receiving psychotherapy

· Differentiate progress notes from privileged notes

· Analyze preceptor’s use of privileged notes

To prepare:

· Reflect on the client you selected for the Week 3 Practicum Assignment.

· Review the Cameron and Turtle-Song (2002) article in this week’s Learning Resources for guidance on writing case notes using the SOAP format.

The Assignment

Part 1: Progress Note

Using the client from your Week 3 Assignment, address the following in a progress note (without violating HIPAA regulations):

· Treatment modality used and efficacy of approach

· Progress and/or lack of progress toward the mutually agreed-upon client goals (reference the Treatment plan—progress toward goals)

· Modification(s) of the treatment plan that were made based on progress/lack of progress

· Clinical impressions regarding diagnosis and/or symptoms

· Relevant psychosocial information or changes from original assessment (i.e., marriage, separation/divorce, new relationships, move to a new house/apartment, change of job, etc.)

· Safety issues

· Clinical emergencies/actions taken

· Medications used by the patient (even if the nurse psychotherapist was not the one prescribing them)

· Treatment compliance/lack of compliance

· Clinical consultations

· Collaboration with other professionals (i.e., phone consultations with physicians, psychiatrists, marriage/family therapists, etc.)

· Therapist’s recommendations, including whether the client agreed to the recommendations

· Referrals made/reasons for making referrals

· Termination/issues that are relevant to the termination process (i.e., client informed of loss of insurance or refusal of insurance company to pay for continued sessions)

· Issues related to consent and/or informed consent for treatment

· Information concerning child abuse, and/or elder or dependent adult abuse, including documentation as to where the abuse was reported

· Information reflecting the therapist’s exercise of clinical judgment

Note: Be sure to exclude any information that should not be found in a discoverable progress note.

Part 2: Privileged Note