Art of The Referral

About Art of The Referral

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. Our interview series invites experts in the field to help you demystify the process and provides actionable insights. Here, you'll find expert advice, success stories, cautionary tales, and practical tips to help you make the most of your network. Whether you're new to referrals, a seasoned professional, or looking to refine your approach, our series will guide you every step of the way. Join us to enhance your professional skills and master the art of referrals, ensuring you always know when and how to leverage additional resources for the best patient outcomes.

Publisher

Anna O'Brien

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Sept 2024

Latest episode

16 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 Dec 2025

   Virtual ERP: Meeting Kids and Teens with OCD Where They Are. Literally.

   Breanna Myers, a licensed clinical social worker, discusses innovative virtual Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy approaches for treating anxiety and OCD in children, emphasizing collaboration between therapists, parents, and schools in an interview with Anna O'Brien.

2. 

   28 Sept 2025

   Insights from a Sleep Specialist; what therapists need to know

   Dr. Funke Brown discusses the connection between sleep and mental health, providing therapists with assessment questions and guidelines for referring clients to sleep specialists in this interview.

3. 

   8 Aug 2025

   Special Webinar: AI in the Mental Health Field; What Therapists Need to Know

   Licensed Professional Counselor Anna O'Brien and Dr. Eleni Adamidi explore the current applications of AI in mental health, helping therapists evaluate tools and understand trends in this interview episode.

4. 

   24 Jun 2025

   Navigating High Conflict Divorce

   Host Anna O'Brien and Dr. Chloe Haas discuss the complexities of mental health referrals within high conflict divorce cases, highlighting the therapist's role in maintaining neutrality and setting boundaries in this interview.

5. 

   20 Mar 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.

6. 

   9 Mar 2025

   Undiagnosed 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.

7. 

   23 Feb 2025

   Till 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.

8. 

   29 Nov 2024

   Referring 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.

9. 

   21 Nov 2024

   Eating 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.

10. 

    21 Nov 2024

    Eating 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.

11. 

    5 Nov 2024

    Psychedelic Assisted Treatment Referral 101 with Christopher Brown, LICSW

    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...

12. 

    23 Sept 2024

    Introducing Art of The Referral

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

13. 

    22 Sept 2024

    Countertransference: It's not you. . .It's me! with Erin Berenz, PhD

14. 

    21 Sept 2024

    Referral Ethics: The What, When, Why (and Why Not) to Refer with Eric Strom, JD, LMHC

Who has been a guest on Art of The Referral

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Breanna Myers
• Dr Funke Brown
• Dr Eleni Adamidi
• Dr Chloe Haas

Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

31

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0