Art of The Referral

Anna O'Brien

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.

  1. 08/13/2025 · VIDEO

    Special Webinar: 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

    31 min
  2. 03/09/2025 · VIDEO

    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.

    42 min
  3. 02/23/2025 · VIDEO

    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.

    44 min

About

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.

You Might Also Like