Art of The Referral Castos https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com 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. Tue, 16 Dec 2025 21:16:19 +0000 en © 2024 https://episodes.castos.com/66ed7dad5f6c74-41617991/images/Art-of-the-Referral-Logo.png Art of The Referral https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com 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. Anna O'Brien episodic 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. Anna O'Brien anna@theravera.com false https://feeds.castos.com/0p1z8 yes <![CDATA[Virtual ERP: Meeting Kids and Teens with OCD Where They Are. Literally.]]> Tue, 16 Dec 2025 21:16:19 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/2291584 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/virtual-erp-meeting-kids-and-teens-with-ocd-where-they-are-literally In this conversation, Anna O'Brien speaks with Breanna Myers, a licensed clinical social worker and Therapist Supervisor at Instride Health, about the innovative approaches to treating anxiety and OCD in children through virtual therapy. They discuss the effectiveness of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, the importance of collaboration between therapists, parents, and schools, and the challenges of accurately diagnosing OCD. Breanna shares insights on how InStride Health's program integrates these elements to provide comprehensive support for youth struggling with anxiety and OCD.

]]> false In this conversation, Anna O'Brien speaks with Breanna Myers, a licensed clinical social worker and Therapist Supervisor at Instride Health, about the innovative approaches to treating anxiety and OCD in children through virtual therapy. They discuss the effectiveness of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, the importance of collaboration between therapists, parents, and schools, and the challenges of accurately diagnosing OCD. Breanna shares insights on how InStride Health's program integrates these elements to provide comprehensive support for youth struggling with anxiety and OCD.

]]> 00:27:37 <![CDATA[Insights from a Sleep Specialist; what therapists need to know]]> Sun, 28 Sep 2025 23:08:20 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/2152532 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/insights-from-a-sleep-specialist-what-therapists-need-to-know 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.

]]> false 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.

]]> 00:32:46 <![CDATA[Special Webinar: AI in the Mental Health Field; What Therapists Need to Know]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:53:49 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/2111517 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/ai-in-the-mental-health-field-what-therapists-need-to-know  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

]]> false  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

]]> 00:30:38 <![CDATA[Navigating High Conflict Divorce]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2025 20:05:27 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/2075024 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/navigating-high-conflict-divorce 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.
]]> false 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.
]]> 00:37:47 <![CDATA[The impact of Serious Mental Illness on Loved Ones, and Referral and Support Considerations]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2025 23:55:32 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/1997052 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/the-impact-of-serious-mental-illness-on-loved-ones-and-referral-and-support-considerations-1 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.

]]> full 10 1 false 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.

]]> 00:29:18 <![CDATA[Undiagnosed Autism in Adult Women: recognizing the impact and indications a referral is necessary]]> Sun, 09 Mar 2025 16:25:11 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/1989172 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/undiagnosed-autism-in-adult-women-recognizing-the-impact-and-indications-a-referral-is-necessary-1 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.
]]> 9 1 false 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.
]]> 00:41:50 <![CDATA[Till Death Do Us Refer: the importance of a Professional Will]]> Sun, 23 Feb 2025 20:04:10 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/1980277 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/till-death-do-us-refer-the-importance-of-a-professional-will-1 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 1 false 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.
]]> 00:44:13 <![CDATA[Referring to Couples Counseling 101 with Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT]]> Fri, 29 Nov 2024 18:44:07 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/1911228 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/referring-to-couples-counseling-101-for-elizabeths 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.
]]> 7 1 false 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.
]]> 00:36:29 <![CDATA[Eating Disorder Treatments: Referral 101 with James Runyan, LPC Episode 2]]> Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:24:37 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/1903275 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/eating-disorder-treatments-referral-101-with-james-runyan-lpc-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.
]]> full 6 1 false 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.
]]> 00:25:52 <![CDATA[Eating Disorder Treatments: Referral 101 with James Runyan, LPC Part 1 (of 2)]]> Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:25:25 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/1902207 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/eating-disorder-treatments-referral-101-with-james-runyan-lpc-1 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.
]]> 5 1 false 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.
]]> 00:39:01 <![CDATA[Psychedelic Assisted Treatment Referral 101 with Christopher Brown, LICSW]]> Tue, 05 Nov 2024 07:37:35 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/1875074 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/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...
]]> 4 1 false 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 certain medications.
  • Resources such as newsletters, consultation groups, and online directories can help therapists learn more about psychedelic-assisted therapy.
  • Recent developments in MDMA trials highlight the need for ethical guidelines and licensed therapists in this field.
Sound Bites
  • "I spent a good year and a half, two years in pretty intensive individual and group therapy benefiting from EMDR back then as a client."
  • "There's really something to these plant medicines and these psychedelic experiences that make the brain more able to heal and work through really difficult things."
  • "Going into an altered state of consciousness that I had never experienced before. And being able to kind of see the ups and the downs that that might entail and how to make sense of that sort of perceived reality."
  • "If it's something that they just completely dismiss and they're like, you know, I'll hug you, I'll touch you, whatever, or no, I'm not going to even go there."
  • "Psychedelics can activate the ego and folks who have narcissistic tendencies, it can get amplified and there becomes this like cult-like sort of narcissistic I am right no matter what, you're gonna do what I say and it's like a very unhealthy toxic a lot of toxic potential can exist."
  • "It's against the law for us to consult with an underground guide because of our licensing laws. We just, can't, we can't collaborate with somebody who is providing illegal substances."
]]> 00:50:07 <![CDATA[Introducing Art of The Referral]]> Mon, 23 Sep 2024 20:11:37 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/1841027 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/introducing-art-of-the-referral In this first episode, Anna introduces Art of The Referral and describes the purpose and content of the series.

]]> 1 1 false In this first episode, Anna introduces Art of The Referral and describes the purpose and content of the series.

]]> 00:08:19 <![CDATA[Countertransference: It's not you. . .It's me! with Erin Berenz, PhD]]> Sun, 22 Sep 2024 21:13:00 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/1841030 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/countertransference-its-not-you-its-me-with-erin-berenz-phd 2 1 false 00:40:51 <![CDATA[Referral Ethics: The What, When, Why (and Why Not) to Refer with Eric Strom, JD, LMHC]]> Sat, 21 Sep 2024 22:04:00 +0000 Anna O'Brien https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/62077/episode/1841024 https://art-of-the-referral.castos.com/episodes/referral-ethics-the-what-when-why-and-why-not-to-refer-with-eric-strom-jd-lmhc 3 1 false 00:45:06