Collaboration in Private Practice : Psychotherapy in the Midst of Health Care Reform

The practice of psychology, psychiatry, social work, counseling, and psychotherapy is changing under the increasing impact of market forces, corporate insurance companies, and government reforms. Collaboration in Private Practice: Psychotherapy in the Midst of Health Care Reform is a guide to establishing a for-profit, patient-centered, independent practice based on collaboration and integration of professional values. It is directed to prepare graduate students for the new reality, address early-career professionals’ uncertainties, provide experienced practitioners with a new model, and provide patient advocates with examples to better serve consumers. Part I of this book discusses how the administrative, economic, legislative, and political issues related to mental health services are interwoven with the actual practice. Part II discusses the inner workings of clinical interventions through the author’s observations as a psychologist, supervisor, and director of a for-profit practice, The Lighthouse Clinic. The Lighthouse Clinic aims to help patients effectively deal with their problems and to lead happier, better integrated lives. All mental health professionals who aim to perform this important clinical work in a manner consistent with humanistic and caring values will find Collaboration in Private Practice both insightful and practical.