Author: Courtney Gardner, MSW

Courtney holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree as well as two Master of Social Work degrees in Childhood Studies and Social Work. They believe that sustainable change requires active community participation as well as the involvement of internal resources. Since then, they have devoted their professional career to advocating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and to educating others on mental health practices.

Therapist Voicemail Script for Your Mental Health Private Practice

General and Other

Imagine entering your office and discovering a voicemail from a prospective client eager to schedule an initial session with you! This client heard about your therapy practice from a friend and is ready to dive in. But wait, they are concerned about leaving personal details on a recording. As therapists, our voicemails are often the […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Psychiatry CPT Codes – A Complete Guide (+Cheat Sheet)

Session Documentation

Are you tired of feeling intimidated by the maze of complex CPT codes associated with psychiatry? Don't worry, you're not alone! Understanding psychiatry and CPT codes can be demanding. However, with our exclusive cheat sheet, you'll have everything you need to confidently navigate psychiatry's most common behavioral health codes, from diagnostic and evaluation codes to […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
90847 CPT Code: Complete Description (+Reimbursement Details 2024)

Session Documentation

You’ve probably heard about CPT codes, but how familiar are you with the nitty-gritty details? If you’re a mental health professional interested in couples and family therapy, it’s time to get up close and personal with CPT code 90847. When used correctly, this code is the key to unlocking insurance reimbursement for couples and family […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
DSM-5 Cheat Sheet: Quick Reference Guide to Common Diagnoses & Codes

Session Documentation

You may feel confident in your counseling skills, but even experienced therapists admit that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5th Edition (DSM-5) can be tough to keep straight in daily practice. Between shifting criteria, new DSM-5-TR diagnostic codes, and pages of detailed descriptions, it’s easy to feel bogged down. Many clinicians say the challenge isn’t knowing […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Collaborative/Concurrent Documentation (With Examples)

Session Documentation

Are you ready to shake things up and transform the mental health field? Imagine a world where mental health practitioners collaborate seamlessly to provide tailored, comprehensive care for each client. With collaborative documentation, this vision is within reach. By pooling your expertise with other professionals, you can unlock invaluable insights and develop innovative treatment plans that genuinely […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
How to Properly Identify and Document Impairment in Mental Health?

Session Documentation

As a mental health professional, providing accurate and detailed documentation of a client’s case history and present symptoms is crucial. By thoroughly and ethically reporting on impairments in functioning, you ensure your clients get the coverage and care they need. But how do you accurately and ethically record the client’s impairments to make a case […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
How to Write School Counselor Notes? (With School Counseling Notes Template & Forms)

Session Documentation

The ABCs of Documentation for School Counselors: Notes, Forms, Templates, and More Welcome to school counseling, where dedicated professionals tirelessly support and guide students on their educational journey. As a school counselor, your role is vital in helping students cope with challenges, develop essential life skills, and navigate through the ups and downs of adolescence. […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
What is a Psychoeducational Group? Benefits & Real Examples

General and Other

A psychoeducational group is a structured therapy format that combines education and emotional support – helping clients understand their challenges, build coping skills, and grow through shared experience. They can be incredibly rewarding to lead, but keeping up with each client’s progress and notes can quickly become a lot to manage. Without a good documentation […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Mental Health ICD-10 Codes Cheat Sheet

Session Documentation

Attention all mental health professionals! Are you tired of flipping through countless pages and scrolling endlessly through online databases to find the perfect ICD-10 code for your mental health diagnosis? Well, look no further! This comprehensive guide has everything you need to revolutionize how you navigate the world of mental health coding. Whether you're a […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Psychological Assessment Report: A Complete Guide for Therapists (2025)

Progress Monitoring

A Therapist’s Guide to Crafting Useful Psychological Assessment Reports As therapists, we know that psychological assessment reports should do more than summarize findings. They need to tell a story, inform treatment, and empower clients and caregivers with clarity and direction. But with limited time and full caseload, it can get hard sometimes. This guide will help you […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Mental Health Private Practice Business Plan PDF Template

General and Other

Turning Your Passion Into a Business: Creating a Counseling Private Practice Business Plan As a therapist, you have already gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in helping people overcome their mental health challenges. Opening your private practice is the next logical step in your career progression. However, being your own boss means that you […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Social Work Interventions for Social Workers (Complete Guide)

Treatment Planning and Approaches

Are you a passionate social worker eager to make a difference in people’s lives, but could you use expert guidance on the most effective intervention methods for your diverse clientele? Look no further! Get ready to dive into an exhilarating and comprehensive blog that covers everything you need to know about social work interventions, from […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
How to Write a Psychosocial Assessment (With Examples)

Session Documentation

Are you a mental health professional looking to enhance your skills and dive deeper into the world of psychosocial assessments? Look no further! Our exciting guide will take you on a journey to mastering this critical aspect of mental health care. From the differences between psychosocial and biopsychosocial assessments to insights from nursing and social […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Most Frequently Used Mental Health ICD-10 Codes Used By Therapists (2025 Updated)

Session Documentation

Keeping up with ICD-10 updates can feel like a moving target, especially when you’re already focused on helping clients, managing documentation, and ensuring your notes are audit-ready. This guide breaks down the most frequently used ICD-10 codes for mental health professionals in 2025, explaining key updates, code changes, and how they apply in everyday clinical practice. You’ll also […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Psychoeducation: What It Is & How It Is Used in Therapy

Treatment Planning and Approaches

Empowering Mental Health Professionals, Students, and the Community through Psychoeducation So you’re curious about psychoeducation, huh? Well, let me tell you – this is one tool you want in your mental health arsenal. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or still in school, psychoeducation is all about educating your clients and their loved ones about mental […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Best Insurance Panels For Therapists

General and Other

Congrats on making your dream come true! You’re now a therapist with your very own practice. But hold on, it’s not time to put up your feet yet. You need to start making some money, and one of the best ways to do that is by getting on insurance panels. However, with so many options […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10)

Session Documentation

If you have recently joined the mental health profession or are seeking an update on a familiar system, you are embarking on a fulfilling and rewarding career path. As you progress, you will realize the significance of staying up-to-date with the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) 2023 coding system. This system is crucial […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Supervision Notes Template

Session Documentation

As a mental health practitioner, we understand that providing the best possible care for your clients is your top priority. We also recognize that to achieve this, it’s essential to continuously improve your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest best practices. Don’t settle for mediocrity – seek ongoing supervision to take your skills to […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
What is Case Conceptualization & How to Write it (With Examples)

Session Documentation

The Ultimate Guide to Case Conceptualization: Our Top Tips, Outlines, and Real-life Examples As a mental health counselor, case conceptualization is one of the most essential skills you can develop to understand your clients and find the most effective treatment. But for new counselors, the process can be overwhelming. How do you synthesize all the […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
What is a Mental Health Intake Assessment?

Session Documentation

As a mental health professional, the intake assessment is one of the most crucial moments in your work with new clients. During this initial meeting, you can establish trust and rapport, gather information about your client's situation, and set the right tone for your work together. With a well-structured mental health intake assessment, you can […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Treatment Summary Template for Psychotherapy: Best Practices

Session Documentation

Do you need help to keep up with creating practical treatment summaries for your clients? We know it’s tough to balance everything while providing exceptional care. But what if we told you you can learn to write stunning summaries quickly? Yes, you heard it right! Our ultimate guide is here to take you on a journey of […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)(What is it, When to Use, Why to Use?)

Progress Monitoring

Are you a mental health practitioner who sometimes struggles to diagnose depression in your clients accurately? No worries, we've got just the thing for you – the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)! This fantastic tool enables your clients to express their emotions and feelings related to depression. The best part? It's super user-friendly and easy […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
SBAR in Mental Health: How to Communicate Effectively With Examples

Session Documentation

Many therapists find it tricky to share detailed updates without losing nuance or drowning in jargon. That’s where the SBAR framework (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) comes in. In this guide, we’ll break down how to use SBAR in mental health, share real examples, and show you how it can strengthen collaboration across your care team. If you’re looking […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW
What are Mental Health FIRP Note?

Session Documentation

Do you feel overwhelmed by how many progress notes you have to write as a mental health professional? Although essential for quality care, they can be tedious and time-consuming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We want to introduce you to the FIRP method – an incredibly effective and efficient way to take notes. […]

Courtney Gardner, MSW