In this insightful episode of "Art of the Referral," we welcome Dr. Funke Brown, founder of The Restful Sleep Place, and a medical doctor specializing in sleep medicine. Dr. Brown shares crucial information about the bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health, explaining how poor sleep can worsen anxiety and depression, while these conditions can also disrupt sleep patterns. Learn about the CREATE framework for better sleep (Consistency, Routine, Environment, Assign bed for sleep only, Tackle technology, and Eliminate sleep disruptors). This episode provides practical assessment questions for identifying sleep issuesand clear guidelines on when to refer clients to sleep specialists. Perfect for therapists and anyone interested in the powerful connection between sleep and mental wellbeing.

 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

summaryIn this episode, Christopher Brown, a licensed clinical social worker, discusses psychedelic-assisted therapy and the different types of psychedelic treatments available. He shares his personal journey with mental health and how it led him to explore psychedelic therapy. Chris explains the three-phase psychedelic-assisted therapy model and the importance of preparation and integration sessions. He also discusses the various ways psychedelics are administered, including ketamine clinics, research trials, psychedelic churches, and retreats. Chris provides guidance for therapists and referring providers on identifying reputable providers and red flags for unethical practices. In this conversation, Christopher Brown, LICSW, discusses the use of psychedelics in therapy and the ethical considerations involved. He emphasizes the importance of proper training and supervision for therapists engaging in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Brown also highlights the potential risks and contraindications of using psychedelics, such as the activation of ego and the need for self-regulation skills. He provides resources for therapists interested in learning more about psychedelic-assisted therapy and emphasizes the need for licensed therapists in this field. The conversation also touches on recent developments in MDMA trials and the importance of ethical guidelines in ensuring client safety. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a promising form of treatment that can help individuals with mental health issues. The three-phase psychedelic-assisted therapy model includes preparation, experiential (dosing), and integration sessions. Different types of psychedelics, such as ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and 5-MeO-DMT, are being used in research trials and clinical settings. Psychedelics can be administered through ketamine clinics, research trials, psychedelic churches, and retreats. When referring clients to psychedelic providers, it's important to ensure they follow ethical practices and offer comprehensive preparation and integration support. Therapeutic touch is a topic to discuss during informed consent and can be an important aspect of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Therapists should stay informed about the evolving regulations and legislation surrounding psychedelic therapy. Psychedelic therapy shows promise in creating neuroplasticity and facilitating positive outcomes in therapy. Proper training and supervision are essential for therapists engaging in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Psychedelics can activate the ego and may require self-regulation skills for a positive experience. There are potential risks and contraindications for using psychedelics, such as psychosis, untreated PTSD, and...

In this first episode, Anna introduces Art of The Referral and describes the purpose and content of the series.