Resonant Equity

Defensive Documentation – May 15, 2025


Resonant Equity is pleased to present:

Defensive Documentation: The Laws & Ethics of Advocating for & Protecting Our Clients through Clinical Notes

Presented by: Lisa Wenninger (she/her)
Date: May 15, 2025
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Pacific time / 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Mountain time / 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Central time / 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Eastern time

Intended for: Novice/Beginning: No advance knowledge required

Content/curriculum: The entire curriculum is focused on law & ethics

NBCC Content Area: Counselor Professional Identity and Practice Issues

Program Description

How can mental health professionals appropriately comply with the requirements of health insurance plans in documenting medical necessity for psychotherapy treatment while also protecting clients holding vulnerable identities from being exposed to possible governmental intrusion into their lives? The Code of Ethics of the American Counseling Association clearly states that counselors have a duty to avoid harming their clients, and to advocate on behalf of clients to address potential barriers that inhibit access or the growth and development of clients. This two-hour, 2-CE workshop is designed for practicing counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and other mental health professionals who are concerned about the rapidly changing macro environment in the United States and want to be proactive in adopting client-centered practices of care in their documentation.


Educational Goals

This training will cover legal and ethical aspects to clinical documentation, including best practices for documenting medical necessity, and considerations for protecting sensitive client information under HIPAA and state laws. An overview of the current legal and regulatory environment for protected identities and medical records in the Medicaid and Medicare systems of a sampling of states, including California, Florida, and Texas, will be provided.


Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
  • Describe the purpose, ownership, and legal considerations of clinical notes for mental health treatment.
  • Name at least 3 recent state or federal law changes that may impact clients.
  • Define the concept of medical necessity in the context of clinical notes for mental health counseling and psychotherapy.
  • Discuss at least 2 strategies for protecting vulnerable clients in 2025 through ethical documentation practices.

Equity Focus

This training is centered on protecting clients who may be vulnerable based on marginalized identities that they hold.


Presenters

Presenter Name: Lisa Wenninger (she/her)

Dr. Lisa Wenninger has a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Antioch University Seattle. She is a National Certified Counselor and is licensed in California and Washington, with a telehealth-only social justice counseling practice working with individuals with marginalized identities who are navigating a complex and difficult world. Dr. Wenninger makes a point to attend the meetings of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to stay on top of laws and regulations affecting counselors and other mental health professionals.

Register now!

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