Art of The Referral

By Anna O'Brien

Navigating the challenges of mental health referrals can be daunting, from deciding the right time to involve a specialist to ensuring ethical practices and continuous patient support.

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FAQs about Art of The Referral:

How many episodes does Art of The Referral have?

The podcast currently has 14 episodes available.

Art of The Referral episodes:

August 13, 2025 Special Webinar: AI in the Mental Health Field; What Therapists Need to Know
In this insightful episode, therapists are guided through the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in mental health. As AI tools proliferate, the information can be overwhelming and concerning. This webinar demystifies basic AI terms and concepts, helping therapists understand the potential risks and benefits of these technologies. It also provides valuable resources for accessing credible information and advocacy tools, empowering therapists to navigate this complex field with confidence and clarity.
About the presenter:
Dr. Eleni Ademidi studied applied mathematics and physics at the National Technical University of Athens in Greece, and she earned her PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering with the Marie Currie Fellowship at CERN. She has done her postdoctoral research in AI and healthcare applications and has led research groups in various interdisciplinary teams. For the past two and a half years, she has led the AI team at PsychNow. Learn more about Dr. Ademidi at psychnow.com/whoweare

References:
Stanford Human-Centered AI: https://hai.stanford.edu/
WHO call for ethical AI for health:
https://www.who.int/news/item/16-05-2023-who-calls-for-safe-and-ethical-ai-for-health
Stigma and inappropriate responses research paper:
https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.18412
EU AI Act: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/regulatory-framework-ai
Macroeconomics of Mental Health:
https://www.nber.org/papers/w32354
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31min
August 09, 2025 Special Webinar: AI in the Mental Health Field; What Therapists Need to Know
In a time where AI tools are rapidly transforming mental health care, therapists are right to feel both alarmed and confused, especially when licensed professionals aren't in the loop. Join Licensed Professional Counselor Anna O'Brien and AI expert Dr. Eleni Adamidi as they break down the basics of AI, the ways it is currently being used on our field, helping you decipher the quality of these tools and understand the trends shaping the future. This episode offers essential insights into staying educated and protecting yourself, your clients, and the field. Discover how AI is showing promise to be a valuable ally in mental health care, the necessary guardrails to ensure safety, and how to keep up with the latest developments. Tune in to empower your practice with knowledge and caution.
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31min
August 08, 2025 Special Webinar: AI in the Mental Health Field; What Therapists Need to Know
In a time where AI tools are rapidly transforming mental health care, therapists are right to feel both alarmed and confused, especially when licensed professionals aren't in the loop. Join Licensed Professional Counselor Anna O'Brien and AI expert Dr. Eleni Adamidi as they break down the basics of AI, the ways it is currently being used on our field, helping you decipher the quality of these tools and understand the trends shaping the future. This episode offers essential insights into staying educated and protecting yourself, your clients, and the field. Discover how AI is showing promise to be a valuable ally in mental health care, the necessary guardrails to ensure safety, and how to keep up with the latest developments. Tune in to empower your practice with knowledge and caution.
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35min
June 24, 2025Navigating High Conflict Divorce
summaryIn this episode of the Art of the Referral podcast, host Anna O'Brien speaks with Dr. Chloe Haas about the complexities of mental health referrals, particularly in the context of high conflict divorce. They discuss the importance of understanding the dynamics of family conflict, the role of therapists in navigating these situations, and the ethical considerations involved in documentation and diagnosis. Dr. Haas shares her insights on setting boundaries, conducting evaluations for family court, and recognizing when to refer clients to other professionals. The conversation emphasizes the need for therapists to maintain neutrality and objectivity while supporting their clients in challenging circumstances.
takeaways
Understanding high conflict divorce is crucial for therapists.
Therapists must navigate their role carefully in family conflicts.
Setting clear boundaries is essential in therapy.
Evaluations for family court require neutrality and objectivity.
Documentation and diagnosis should reflect the therapist's observations.
Therapists should consult with other professionals when necessary.
Recognizing when to refer clients is a key skill for therapists.
Direct communication with families can improve therapeutic outcomes.
Therapists should be aware of their own biases and limitations.
Continuous professional development is important for effective practice.
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38min
March 20, 2025 The impact of Serious Mental Illness on Loved Ones, and Referral and Support Considerations
Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the essential tools and strategies for supporting family members of individuals struggling with severe mental illness. Dr. Kibby McMahon, co-founder and CEO of Kula Mind, shares her expertise on empowering families with practical skills and resources. Discover how community support, psychoeducation, and skill-building can transform the caregiving experience, helping loved ones navigate the complexities of mental health challenges. Tune in to learn how these supportive tools can foster resilience and understanding within families, creating a more compassionate and informed approach to mental health care.
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30min
March 09, 2025Undiagnosed Autism in Adult Women: recognizing the impact and indications a referral is necessary
In this episode of the Art of the Referral podcast, host Anna O'Brien and Dr. Theobald discuss the nuances of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly focusing on gender differences in diagnosis and symptom presentation. They explore the challenges faced by women with autism, including the subtleties of social communication, the impact of late diagnosis, and the phenomenon of camouflaging. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and the need for clinicians to be more aware of the signs of autism in women, as well as the implications for treatment and support.

Takeaways:
The conversation highlights the importance of understanding gender differences in autism diagnosis.
Women often present with more subtle symptoms of autism, making diagnosis challenging.
Accurate diagnosis can be life-changing for individuals who have struggled with misdiagnoses.
Social communication differences are significant in women with autism, impacting their relationships.
Camouflaging is a common coping mechanism for women with autism, leading to exhaustion.
Clinicians need to consider autism more frequently in their evaluations, especially for women.
The DSM-5 criteria for autism include persistent deficits in social communication and restricted behaviors.
Girls may not show obvious signs of autism in early childhood, leading to later diagnoses.
Understanding the inner experience of women with autism is crucial for effective treatment.
There is a need for more research and awareness around autism in females.
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42min
February 23, 2025Till Death Do Us Refer: the importance of a Professional Will
In this episode of the Art of the Referral podcast, host Anna O'Brien speaks with Dr. Robyn Miller, of Theraclosure, about the critical importance of professional wills for therapists. They discuss the ethical obligations therapists have to ensure continuity of care for their patients in the event of their incapacitation or death. Dr. Miller shares her personal experiences that led her to create TheraClosure, a service designed to help therapists manage their practices in such situations. The conversation highlights the challenges of traditional referral models and the need for a more structured approach to ensure that patients receive the care they need, even in the absence of their primary therapist.
takeaways
Professional wills are essential for therapists to ensure continuity of care.
Therapists often neglect planning for their own mortality and incapacitation.
The emotional burden of managing a colleague's practice can be overwhelming.
TheraClosure offers a structured solution for therapists' professional wills.
Ethics codes require therapists to plan for their absence.
Traditional referral models are often inadequate and lead to stress.
Therapists need to communicate their wishes clearly in their professional wills.
A group of colleagues can share the responsibilities of being a practice executor.
Proper planning can prevent legal issues related to patient confidentiality.
Therapists should prioritize creating a professional will from the start of their practice.
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45min
November 29, 2024Referring to Couples Counseling 101 with Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT
In this conversation, Anna O'Brien speaks with Elizabeth Earnshaw, a licensed family and marriage therapist, about the nuances of couples counseling compared to individual therapy. They discuss the importance of referrals, the impact of relationship health on overall well-being, and the need for therapists to recognize their limitations. Elizabeth emphasizes the significance of collaboration between therapists and the need to overcome the stigma surrounding couples counseling. The conversation also touches on resources for therapists to better understand couples counseling and how to approach referrals effectively.
Couples counseling provides immediate feedback about each partner.
Therapists must be trained specifically for couples therapy.
Referrals are often necessary for individual issues uncovered in couples therapy.
Healthy relationships are crucial for overall well-being.
Codependence exists on a spectrum and needs balance.
Recognizing signs for referral can enhance therapy effectiveness.
Stigma around couples counseling can hinder progress.
Collaboration between therapists can provide deeper insights.
Therapists should present referrals as a thread of hope.
Resources and training can enhance understanding of couples dynamics.
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37min
November 21, 2024Eating Disorder Treatments: Referral 101 with James Runyan, LPC Episode 2
Host Anna O'Brien and guest James Runyan delve into the complexities of eating disorders, exploring treatment modalities, the importance of family dynamics, and the personality traits that often accompany these disorders. They emphasize the need for effective communication and collaboration among mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients and their families.
takeaways
The nuances of mental health referrals are crucial for patient care.
Eating disorders require a deep understanding of various treatment modalities.
Family dynamics play a significant role in the treatment of eating disorders.
Communication therapy is essential for effective family involvement.
Shame can be contagious within families dealing with eating disorders.
Understanding personality traits can aid in treating eating disorders.
Professional collaboration is key to successful treatment outcomes.
Therapists must be knowledgeable about human growth and development.
Training in DBT and CBT is vital for therapists working with eating disorders.
The commitment to family support is critical in the recovery process.
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26min
November 21, 2024Eating Disorder Treatments: Referral 101 with James Runyan, LPC Part 1 (of 2)
Host Anna O'Brien speaks with James Runyan, an expert in eating disorder treatment. They discuss the complexities of eating disorders, the importance of referrals, and the various levels of care available for patients. The conversation highlights the challenges clinicians face in identifying symptoms, the role of family dynamics in treatment, and the necessity of building rapport with patients to facilitate effective care.
takeaways
Referrals are crucial for providing the best care possible.
Eating disorders can present in various ways, not just through physical appearance.
Orthorexia, while not an official diagnosis, is a growing concern.
Clinicians must be aware of the secretive nature of eating disorders.
Quality of life assessments are vital in identifying eating disorders.
Shame plays a significant role in the treatment of eating disorders.
Building rapport with patients is essential for effective referrals.
Understanding the set shift dynamic can help in treatment planning.
Inpatient care is necessary for patients at risk of self-harm.
Family support and education are critical components of treatment.
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40min

FAQs about Art of The Referral:

How many episodes does Art of The Referral have?

The podcast currently has 14 episodes available.