Medical Necessity or Personal Growth? Why Documentation Matters in Therapy

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

Medical Necessity or Personal Growth? Why Documentation Matters in Therapy

Curt and Katie talk about medical necessity in therapy documentation – what it is, why it matters, and how therapists can navigate the tension between clinical care, insurance requirements, and personal growth. We explore how documentation protects therapists in utilization reviews and disciplinary processes, and how to ethically distinguish therapy from coaching or self-improvement.

Key Takeaways for Therapists

• Why documenting medical necessity matters for insurance, ethics, and liability

• Risks of over-diagnosing or misrepresenting symptoms

• The role of treatment plans and progress notes in demonstrating medical necessity

• Navigating personal growth requests vs. clinical therapy

• Protecting yourself with clear, consistent documentation

About Our Hosts

• Curt Widhalm, LMFT – www.curtwidhalm.com

• Katie Vernoy, LMFT – www.katievernoy.com

Find the transcript and additional resources at mtsgpodcast.com.

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Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits

Voice Over by DW McCann

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano