Good Practice Articles by Year

2018 Winter

2017 Fall

2017 Spring/Summer

2017 Winter

2016 Fall

  • Practice Forecast (PDF, 176KB)

    Now is the time for psychologists to get educated about changes that experts say will affect every aspect of the way care is delivered and paid for.

  • Why is It Hard to Talk about Money? (PDF, 120KB)

    A study suggest that mental health professionals often exhibit money avoidant beliefs, such as, 'good people should not care about money,' 'it is not okay to have more than you need,' and 'Money corrupts people.'

  • Maintaining the Flow (PDF, 92KB)

    Tips to help you maintain a healthy financial stream while building a successful private practice.

  • Managing with Fee Balances (PDF, 102KB)

    Insights from Eric A. Harris, EdD, JD, a risk management consultant, to help clinicians employ solid risk management techniques.

  • All the Right Career Moves (PDF, 102KB)

    Points to consider when starting or changing your career path.

  • Practicing in an Institution (PDF, 90KB)

    Psychologists who found stability and excitement in organizational settings.

  • The Life of a Practitioner (PDF, 117KB)

    Financial and business resources that the Practice Organization offers to help practicing psychologists.

  • Niche Practices (PDF, 135KB)

    Beth Cooper, PhD , ABPP; Mary Gresham, PhD; and J. Kip Matthews, PhD, talk about how they have found success with specialized health care.

  • Self-Reflection: Viewing Yourself as More Than a Psychologist (PDF, 242KB)

    Five psychologists discuss how they expanded beyond traditional roles as clinicians and researchers to serve the needs of patients and the mental health profession in innovative ways.

  • Second Gigs (PDF, 133KB)

    Many psychologists are opting to take on more than one job for different and complex reasons.

  • Politics and Money (PDF, 260KB)

    Behind many ads are the political action committees trying to influence voters and strengthen ties with candidates.

  • Public Comments invited on draft APA guideline on PTSD treatment (PDF, 97KB)

    APA seeks comments from all interested individuals and groups on the draft Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults.

  • APA Practice Organization Governance (PDF, 152KB)

    Members of the APA Practice Organization elected three new members to the Committee for the Advancement of Professional Practice to serve a three-year term beginning on Jan. 1, 2017.

2016 Spring/Summer

  • Expanding the Practice Spectrum (PDF, 55KB)

    The focus of this latest issue of Good Practice magazine, Expanding the Practice Spectrum, examines the range of traditional and alternative psychology practice options emerging in today’s health-care marketplace.

  • Reconceptualizing Professional Psychology (PDF, 88KB)

    Psychologists have much more to offer than direct clinical service, including research, management and design and program evaluation.

  • Jumping into New Practice Models (PDF, 88KB)

    Any time that psychologists are transitioning to an alternative practice model, they need to be aware of how it changes the legal context and risk management issues.

  • Thriving in Independent Practice (PDF, 66KB)

    In order to Thrive in independent practice, practitioners may have to tweak their business models by redefining the term “psychologist,” finding a niche and integrating with primary care.

  • Taking a Systems Approach to Improving Asian Americans’ Lives (PDF, 62KB)

    Jorge Wong, PhD, is the director of clinical and regulatory affairs at Asian Americans for Community Involvement, and works to ensure that members of this often underserved population gets the treatment, services and policies they need to flourish.

  • Working with Insurers (PDF, 1.2MB)

    Psychologists and insurers are finding new ways to work more effectively as teams collaborating to improve patients’ well-being.

  • How Stress Affects Your Health (PDF, 129KB)

    Sometimes stress can be a positive force, motivating you to perform well, but often times it’s a negative force.

2016 Winter

  • Understanding Military Culture (PDF, 2.9MB)

    With training, nonmilitary psychologists can understand strengths and vulnerabilities that service members, veterans and their families may bring to mental health treatment.

  • Demystifying Provider Contracts (PDF, 217KB)

    Important contract provisions to understand and consider when signing a provider contract with an insurance or managed care company.

  • Partnerships for Patient Care (PDF, 53KB)

    This practitioner profile of Ronald C. Fish, PhD, discusses how his career as a psychologist connects with medical practices, and he helps patients and practitioners thrive.

  • Participating Successfully in the Medicare PQRS Program (PDF, 126KB)

    There are three ways to participate in the Physician Quality Reporting System: claims-based reporting; in a registry approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; or via certified electronic health record.

  • Living Well on Dialysis (PDF, 126KB)

    Ways to manage stress and negative feelings for people who receive dialysis.

2015 Fall

  • Crosswalk of ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM Codes (PDF, 99KB)

    Use this reference list to help you with diagnostic coding for services delivered on or after Oct. 1, 2015, when ICD-10-CM codes went into effect.

  • Do You Know Your State Breach Notification Law? (PDF, 79KB)

    Many psychologists are aware of the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule, but fewer are aware that 41 states have their own laws that also apply to breaches.

  • Reviewing Options for Videoconferencing (PDF, 152KB)

    This article helps practitioners assess alternatives for videoconferencing related to telehealth service delivery.

  • A Patient-Friendly Approach to Health (PDF, 56KB)

    As vice president for patient engagement for McCann Health, Nancy B. Ruddy, PhD, helps patients manage illness and promotes integrated care.

  • Benefits and Risks of Apps (PDF, 69KB)

    As mobile mental health and behavioral apps gain in popularity, psychologists need to understand their helpful uses as well as potential limitations.

  • Living Well With Dementia (PDF, 191KB)

    Psychologists help minimize the changes in mood and behavior associated with dementia and work with the family to design living environments, provide tools and put procedures in place that allow a person with dementia to function well.

2015 Spring/Summer

  • Are You Ready for ICD-10-CM? (PDF, 379KB)

    As of Oct. 1, 2015, psychologists and other health care professionals are required to use the ICD-10-CM for diagnostic coding and billing purposes.

  • Telling Psychology’s Story (PDF, 392KB)

    Self-described “narrative fundamentalist” Andy Goodman offers tips for public outreach.

  • Innovator and Advocate for Behavioral Health (PDF, 319KB)

    Traci Bolander, PsyD, directs Mid-Atlantic Behavioral Health, LLC, which she describes as a one-stop shop for behavioral health needs.

  • The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015: Q&A for Psychologists (PDF, 348KB)

    In March 2015, the House of Representatives passed a new Medicare payment law known as the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, which will have a significant impact on how all health care providers, including psychologists, are paid by Medicare.

  • Going Big with Alternative Practice Models (PDF, 381KB)

    Practitioners have developed alternative practice models that are much more expansive than traditional models, and will negotiate contracts for mental health professionals and get patients the care they need faster than ever before.

  • Get the Facts on APA Public Education Resources (PDF, 469KB)

    These fact sheets are intended to be helpful for your practice, as well as for community and public education activities in which you are involved.

2015 Winter

  • Requests for Test Data and Materials: Respond with Care (PDF, 323KB)

    A variety of issues related to handling test information requests from patients and other parties.

  • Managing Fallout from Online Reviews (PDF, 315KB)

    Health care providers should have knowledge on how to avoid bad reviews, how to respond to negative reviews and if legal action can be taken.

  • The New World of Apps (PDF, 357KB)

    Through mobile apps that allow users to monitor their health and wellness, psychologists can now connect with patients in ways that could supplement the therapeutic relationship and provide additional support to patients.

  • Gearing Up for PQRS in 2015 (PDF, 416KB)

    Highlights of program participation and important changes related to available measures, cross-cutting measures and measure-applicability validation taking place in 2015.

  • APA Practice Organization Launches New PQRS Registry (PDF, 287KB)

    The Practice Organization — in collaboration with Healthmonix, a leading health care data and technology company — launched a PQRS registry in December 2014 to help psychologists and other mental health professionals successfully report quality measures through the PQRS program.

  • Protecting Your Cash Flow and Preventing Theft (PDF, 303KB)

    Protecting cash flow and preventing internal fraud or theft are two critical issues for financial success and ensuring practice solvency.

2014 Fall

2014 Spring/Summer

2014 Winter

Fall 2013

2013 Spring

Winter 2013

Fall 2012

Spring 2012

  • Cyberbullying (PDF, 147KB)

    Cyberbullying is generally characterized as using an electronic device for aggressive, repeated and intentional acts of bullying such as name calling, sending threatening emails, placing photos of persons on the Internet without permission and sending viruses.

  • Putting Electronic Health Records into Practice (PDF, 153KB)

    Electronic records allows psychologist, physician, occupational therapist or other clinicians to keep an electronic copy of a patient’s records all in one place, which facilitates exchange of information.

  • Introducing Yourself to Other Health Care Professionals (PDF, 172KB)

    A network of strong referral sources can be crucial to helping grow a new practice and to maintaining or building referral streams for an existing one.

  • Creating a ‘Hybrid Practice’ (PDF, 118KB)

    According to Steven Walfish, PhD, a hybrid practice is involvement in a variety of revenue-producing professional activities, as an opportunity to be creative and entrepreneurial, and benefit financially.

  • Medicaid Expansion on the Horizon (PDF, 270KB)

    Although Medicaid expansion offers many opportunities for psychologists, there are also impediments such as many states’ reluctance to cover telehealth, health and behavior codes or some psychotherapy services.

  • Bringing Psychology to a Medical School Setting (PDF, 225KB)

    Treatment of psychological factors may help in several areas, such as improving the patient’s ability to cope with pain, as well as assisting the patient with becoming more active in his or her own post-procedure care.

  • Social Media: What’s Your Policy? (PDF, 112KB)

    Dr. Keely Kolmes, a psychologist pioneer in the professional use of social media, answers questions related to establishing social media policy for a psychology practice.

Winter 2012

  • Charting the Course of Electronic Health Records (PDF, 197KB)

    Electronic health records offer many benefits to both patients and practitioners, including more coordinated care, reduced medical errors and an opportunity to showcase the value of psychological treatment.

  • Demonstrating the Benefits of Integrated Care (PDF, 182KB)

    Robin J. Henderson, PsyD, is determined to achieve better care, better health and lower costs for the Central Oregon's most low-income, high-risk, high-need population.

  • Dealing with Threatening Client Encounters (PDF, 364KB)

    Clinical issues, ethical and legal duties, confidentiality concerns and therapist safety must all be taken into consideration in determining how to anticipate and handle threatening client encounters.

  • How to Handle Subpoenas and Depositions (PDF, 202KB)

    This article gives information on responding to a subpoena, the difference between a subpoena and a court order, what to do when parents disagree, expert versus fact witness, retaining a lawer and approaching a deposition.

  • Are You and Your Assets Protected? (PDF, 186KB)

    While focusing on building businesses, relationships and finances, early career psychologists need to consider how to secure and protect their assets.

  • Leadership at a Teaching Hospital and Beyond (PDF, 177KB)

    Frank A. Ghinassi, PhD, believes that psychologists are uniquely qualified to take on leadership roles, whether in hospitals, universities or any other settings.

  • Snapshots of the Practice Community (PDF, 174KB)

    The APA Practice Organization fielded an online survey of members to help understand and better serve the professional needs of the diverse psychology practice community.

Fall 2011

  • Health Care Reform Proceeds Toward an Uncertain Future (PDF, 443KB)

    As elements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act are implemented, which preserves the U.S. system of employer-based health insurance while mandating a number of insurance market reforms, the federal law is unfolding in a landscape of growing uncertainty.

  • Integrating Primary Care and Mental Health at VA (PDF, 158KB)

    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched the National Primary Care-Mental Health Integration Program for veterans returning from war seeking mental health services such as depression, anxiety, alcohol misuse and other behavioral health problems.

  • Dealing with Discount Networks (PDF, 204KB)

    Steps to deal with discount network include reviewing and determining if your provider contract allows it to pay less than the contracted rate, verifying the existence of the contract used to discount your rate, make an argument, and then give notice to terminate the contract.

  • New Guidelines Inform Practice in Health Care Delivery Systems (PDF, 162KB)

    They were adopted to conceptualize the roles of psychologists in a variety of practice settings including integrated primary care facilities, tertiary care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, outpatient surgery centers and mental health/substance abuse treatment centers.

  • The Changing Face of Disaster Mental Health (PDF, 225KB)

    Significant advances have been made in disaster training and preparedness, longer-term recovery including psychological research, first aid and promoting resilience, improving disaster mental health assistance, incorporating cultural awareness, and managing volunteer expectations.

  • Doing Well with Wellness (PDF, 163KB)

    John Weaver consults through his company which provides clinical services through a private practice and teaches mindfulness, optimism and resilience to depression in the workplace.

  • Putting Your Practice Assessment to Work: Activity Highlights From the APA Practice Organization January to September 2011 (PDF, 207KB)

    Advocacy activities include challenging rate cuts by health insurers, advocating for professional psychology in the Affordable Care Act, restoration of payments for Medicare psychotherapy services, and advocating for psychologists’ eligibility for electronic health records incentive payments.

Spring 2011

Winter 2011

Summer 2010

  • Telehealth: Legal basics for psychologists (PDF, 2.0MB)

    A 50-state review of telehealth laws and rules yields guidance for psychologists considering telehealth services delivery.

  • What the new health care reform law means for you (PDF, 1.5MB)

    Learn about key provisions that benefit practicing psychologists and consumers of psychological services. Our legislative advocacy efforts have preserved Medicare psychotherapy payments for psychologists, protected traditional psychological practice, and opened up new opportunities for psychologists in the private health care system and in public health programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.

  • Psychologists rate their experiences with health insurers (PDF, 637KB)

    A recent survey asked practitioners to rate their satisfaction with public and private sector insurance companies.

  • Are you prepared for the unexpected? (PDF, 672KB)

    This article identifies and describes the key elements of a professional will — a document that gives instructions to a designated mental health professional regarding your practice along with the authority to act on your behalf in the event of your death or incapacitation.

  • A community-based haven for HIV prevention (PDF, 379KB)

    The principal goal of the organization’s HIV prevention program is a long-term reduction in high-risk sexual behavior. The focus is on helping members face the challenge of building their resilience in order to avoid risky behavior and sustain safe sexual practices.

  • “One thing leads to another” for health psychologist’s niche practice (PDF, 302KB)

    A specialist in the areas of pain management, sleep medicine and bariatric surgery, clinical and health psychologist Jonathan Cole, PhD, has no shortage of patients and referring physicians in need of his services.

  • Understanding anxiety disorders and effective treatment (PDF, 455KB)

    Experiencing mild anxiety may help a person become more alert and focused on facing challenging or threatening circumstances.

Fall 2009/Winter 2010

  • Completing the CMS-1500 claim form (PDF, 826KB)

    A guide for psychologists on how to complete the CMS-1500 insurance claim which is used by Medicare for reimbursement and is accepted throughout the U.S. by most private insurance companies.

  • EBPP checklist for psychologists (PDF, 27KB)

    Evidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP) is the integration of the best available research evidence with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture and preferences. This checklist is part of an online continuing education course from the APA Practice Organization.

  • “Integrated care moments” shape team approach (PDF, 757KB)

    A high level of interdisciplinary collaboration isn’t the only way this work differs from traditional psychotherapy. The environment is fast-paced, and interventions are brief and focused.

  • Bringing comprehensive change to Kentucky’s correctional system (PDF, 106KB)

    Elizabeth McKune is assistant director for psychological services for the Kentucky Department of Corrections. Unlike many psychologists within the correctional system who address individual inmates’ psychological issues, McKune is working to help the system as a whole function better.

  • Caring and coping: Working with older adults (PDF, 315KB)

    Three psychologists reflect on their work with older adults and help illustrate this burgeoning area of practice.

  • Rewards and risks of electronic health record keeping (PDF, 164KB)

    A perspective on the implementation of a nationwide interoperable system of electronic health records (EHR).

  • Independent medical examinations offer practice opportunities (PDF, 783KB)

    An independent medical examination is an assessment performed by a health care professional uninvolved in the person’s care to provide objective information for use by an employer, insurance company or government agency for compensation, or in a personal injury lawsuit.

Spring/Summer 2009

  • A psychologist “on the move” (PDF, 169KB)

    Connolly has built a diversified practice with both individual and corporate clients. Her professional grounding in vocational testing and counseling, along with more traditional counseling, led her to her first job at the Educational Testing Service.

  • Advancing the mission to “serve and protect” (PDF, 231KB)

    Carol Vipari is the first corporate psychologist for Canada’s largest municipal police service. Her mandate is to enhance the psychological health and resilience of the uniformed officers and civilian staff.

  • Bringing integrated primary care to rural Hawaii (PDF, 749KB)

    Darryl Salvador relishes the challenges of providing psychological care in an isolated, medically underserved rural Hawaiian area. He’s excited about being part of a multidisciplinary team of health-care professionals.

  • Plugging in to social networks (PDF, 214KB)

    Psychologists are finding increasing opportunities for practice building, marketing, education and socializing in an increasingly electronically connected world.

  • An action plan for self-care (PDF, 378KB)

    Practicing psychologists have an abiding ethical imperative to engage in self-care. Good self-care is sound prevention, guarding you against severe or chronic distress or even professional impairment.

  • Weathering the economic storm (PDF, 570KB)

    Even though financial worries may mean that clients need psychological services more than ever, they’re also less likely to be able to afford help. But Sullivan and others have come up with innovative ideas for keeping their practices viable. practices viable despite the significant financial challenges facing psychologists and clients alike.

Winter 2008

  • New demands, greater practice opportunities (PDF, 118KB)

    Features the opportunities for new psychologists to work in a variety of settings and to play increasingly diverse roles.

  • Leading change (PDF, 231KB)

    The hospital outpatient department now offers a wide array of outpatient-level services in substance abuse, geropsychology and mental health, along with specialty services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and a variety of health psychology services.

  • Tracking your client sources (PDF, 263KB)

    This brief article offers guidance for tracking your client sources and is followed by a tool designed to help you track referrals.

  • Reinvigorating practice (PDF, 224KB)

    The successful shift toward nonclinical divorce coaching and consultation took a lot of hard work that included engaging in extensive research, cultivating mentors in the field, and taking steps to make himself visible to prospective clients and referral sources.

  • Staying ahead of the curve (PDF, 852KB)

    Trends in psychological practice, including genetics, focus on consumers and information technology.

  • Keeping a focus on community (PDF, 274KB)

    Community outreach is an integral part of Dorlen’s strategic marketing efforts, and it has paid off. Networking and making community connections represent core professional values for Dorlen.

  • Four strategies for avoiding administrative overload (PDF, 79KB)

    Handling administrative tasks in an efficient and cost-effective manner is an important part of building and maintaining a successful psychology practice.

  • Putting business into practice (PDF, 800KB)

    When you deal with accountants, managed care representatives, hospital administrators, or your practice consultants, having a firm grasp of business principles and terminology facilitates your interactions.

Fall 2008

  • How to deal with a subpoena: Pointers for psychologists (PDF, 588KB)

    Receiving a subpoena is often a perplexing and anxiety-provoking experience for psychologists. This article addresses common questions that psychologists raise with the APA Practice Organization.

  • A prescription for greater access to care (PDF, 226KB)

    John C. Courtney is one of many prescribing psychologists in the U.S. who are helping ensure that patients get the help they need. Often based in isolated or underserved areas, they are also finding themselves working in settings that go far beyond private practice.

  • Casting a wide ’Net (PDF, 89KB)

    Psychologists are pointing patients to online sources of high-quality information and peer support.

  • In the best interests of children (PDF, 257KB)

    Psychologists are well aware that the impact of divorce on children is closely related to the level of ongoing conflict between parents and the quality of parenting. Children of high-conflict parents are at particular risk for harm.

  • Know the stakes before signing any solicitation (PDF, 227KB)

    When a psychologist signs a provider contract to deliver services to managed health plan subscribers, it creates obligations that have the force of the law. Read every provider contract carefully to make sure you understand it and are willing and able to meet the terms.

  • The basics of blogging (PDF, 276KB)

    Blogging has emerged as an innovative marketing tool for psychologists. Here's how to create and use a blog.

Spring 2008

  • Checklist for closing your practice (PDF, 315KB)

    Whether you are relocating, making a career change, taking a new position, or winding down and retiring, closing a practice brings with it a variety of clinical, ethical, legal and business obligations.

  • Using a sliding fee scale (PDF, 262KB)

    Practitioners may encounter clients who are unable to afford the services they need. Many practitioners faced with this situation consider reducing their fee on a “sliding scale” basis, which may carry legal risk.

  • Working with combat trauma clients (PDF, 225KB)

    Psychologists who work with combat trauma survivors, including those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, need to be aware of factors that may put them at risk of professional stress and impairment.

  • Treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to military combat (PDF, 406KB)

    A question-and-answer article concerning the documented mental health needs of active duty military, National Guard, Reservists and veterans who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

  • Primed for hospital practice (PDF, 126KB)

    Dr. Robinson’s full integration into the workings of his hospital is the result of three things: a change in DC’s hospital practice law, inclusive bylaws at his hospital, and his own efforts to gain influence.

  • Adding value ‘outside of the therapy room’ (PDF, 262KB)

    Dr. Klontz focuses on the psychology of personal finance and sometimes is involved with treating a disordered money behavior such as compulsive shopping or pathological gambling.

Winter 2007

  • Six reasons why HIPAA matters (PDF, 437KB)

    HIPAA is vital to a practicing psychologist because it's sound business practice, it's the law and it protects your patients.

  • Taking the necessary steps (PDF, 289KB)

    So much of HIPAA compliance depends on context. How one implements the Privacy Rule is conditioned on the size and complexity of one’s practice or institution.

  • The HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules (PDF, 102KB)

    Although there is a bit of overlap between the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, each rule is distinct and requires its own compliance process.

  • Practitioners: Take note (PDF, 210KB)

    The HIPAA Privacy Rule does not mandate what health care professionals must put in their patient records. But it does confer special privacy protections when mental health professionals keep psychotherapy notes that are separate from the rest of the clinical record.

  • Final HIPAA enforcement rule takes effect (PDF, 192KB)

    The federal government has issued regulations that establish how the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will determine liability and calculate fines for health care professionals who violate any of the HIPAA Rules.

  • Applying for your National Provider Identifier (PDF, 631KB)

    As of May 23, 2007, all health care professionals are required to have a National Provider Identifier (NPI) to use when billing electronically any government or private health insurer.

  • What triggers the need to comply? (PDF, 171KB)

    Both the HIPAA Privacy Rule and Security Rules are triggered when a psychologist, or an entity such as a billing service acting on behalf of the psychologist, transmits information in electronic form.

Summer 2007

  • How to minimize your risk of identity theft (PDF, 277KB)

    Many of the tactics psychologists use for protecting patient information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are also important for avoiding identity theft.

  • Insuring your practice (PDF, 229KB)

    This article outlines some of the insurance options, including professional liability, property insurance, and other types of coverage that practitioners should consider.

  • Taking charge of your practice (PDF, 168KB)

    If your clients regularly ask if they can pay for your services with a credit card, and if you would like to increase the speed and efficiency of your payment collections, you may be interested in accepting credit card payments in your practice.

  • Responding to managed care rate cuts (PDF, 227KB)

    Facing cuts in already low payment rates is a major frustration for psychologists who deal with managed care companies. Because of antitrust concerns, practitioners can face an uphill battle in challenging rate reductions.

  • Reaching out to diverse populations (PDF, 483KB)

    With the growing diversity of the U.S. population, practitioners are increasingly called on to make their services more widely available in racially and ethnically diverse localities.

  • Increasing your referrals from other professionals (PDF, 284KB)

    A network of strong referral sources can be instrumental in sustaining or helping to grow a practice. This article summarizes important steps you can take to improve your effectiveness in developing and maintaining referrals. from other professionals.

Winter 2006