Starting a career in mental health can be both rewarding and challenging. Mental health professionals are critical in supporting individuals struggling with mental illness and helping them navigate their path to recovery.
However, the nature of the work can also be emotionally taxing, and new therapists often struggle to cope with the job’s demands. In this article, we’ll explore some of the many tools that new mental health workers may find helpful.
These tools will help you get more organized, gain more confidence, and become a more competent mental health professional.
1. Worksheets and Charts
Worksheets and charts can benefit mental health professionals, particularly those just starting their careers.
These tools help mental health workers set client goals, track progress, and support effective communication. For example, a Reddit user u/ptgorman created a chart that lists all DSM V disorders in a single easy-to-read chart.
Such charts are a huge time saver because you don’t want to fumble through pages when you need work done quickly.
There also exist worksheets that simplify the process of goal-setting. Once goals have been established, the therapist can track the client’s progress toward achieving those goals. For example, if a client’s goal is to reduce their anxiety levels, a therapist might use the worksheet to track the client’s anxiety levels over time.
This approach can help the client see progress and build motivation to continue their work towards achieving their goals. This is but one example. There are many other ways that worksheets and charts can support new therapists to a great extent.
Until recently, maintaining a chart that tracks client appointments and progress was the most common way of staying organized and on track. However, specialized software can offer much more comprehensive assistance these days.
2. Therapy Management Software
One of the many effective therapy practice management solutions available is software programs that new therapists can use to streamline their practice.
Such software typically includes features such as electronic health records (EHR), appointment scheduling, billing and invoicing, note-taking, and progress tracking.
Owl Practice states that a therapist shouldn’t have to be a jack of all trades in business-related aspects. With therapy management software, new therapists no longer need to spend time and energy on administrative tasks.
Instead, they can focus more on actual therapy and client care. As a new therapist, you are often overwhelmed with all the data you must keep up with. Having business and administrative data and tasks handled by a program can be incredibly useful.
Of course, you want to research before choosing therapy management software. Some options may offer free trials or demos to check if they would fit you right.
3. Teletherapy Platforms
A lack of confidence is one of the new therapists’ most common problems. Thankfully, teletherapy platforms are a great way to help build confidence in counseling skills.
With online appointments, therapists can take their time to prepare for sessions, review notes, and plan their approach without worrying about the close and personal aspects of meeting someone in real life. This is particularly helpful for introverted therapists who need help breaking out of their shells.
Teletherapy platforms also offer a range of tools and features that can make therapy sessions more effective. For example, many platforms include secure messaging and file-sharing features. These allow sharing resources and information with clients and explaining therapeutic concepts on a digital chalkboard or through pictures and videos.
Such approaches can feel more appropriate in teletherapy than in-person sessions. For instance, when you don’t have the right equipment, such as a projector, showing your client something on your phone or laptop can feel clumsy and awkward.
Conclusion
Therapy, like any other profession requiring skill, will only get easier with time and practice. Thankfully, we live in a time when multiple tools and programs can help make the experience more manageable.
Sometimes, this is all needed to transform therapy from an overwhelming burden to a more healthy and constructive challenge.
If you are a new therapist, remember to start networking and getting in touch with your peers as soon as possible. Try to find online communities and engage in the discussions there. Many revolve around improving one’s therapy, which can be invaluable during your therapy journey.
