Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Establishing Effective Client Connections

Description: In establishing and fostering a strong mental health practice, building client rapport and communication is essential for clinical success. Effective client communication and connection, from the initial outreach through discharge, leads to improved community rapport, increased word-of-mouth referrals, and higher clinical outcomes for clients. Establishing and maintaining these connections can be challenging, especially in our current healthcare environment. This presentation follows the spectrum of client contact, from initial advertising, first outreach, and initial rapport building, through to a successful discharge and follow-up, providing best practices in ethically starting treatment for clients and increasing client retention rates.

CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1193766

This event is sponsored by FMHCA, an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider. FMHCA NBCC Provider# 2058. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  FMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

Learning Objectives:

1. List at least 3 different ways a mental health practitioner can advertise and communicate elements of their practice to their communities.
2. Evaluate different methods of client communication and compare efficacies for each.
3. Define 5 important elements of the first session in establishing client rapport and determining best-fit.
4. Describe the 3 main phases of treatment and the differences in connection to the client through discharge.

Logan Bell is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Qualified Supervisor in the state of Florida. He works across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum helping patients navigate aspects of development and managing comorbid mental health concerns. Logan specializes in work with severe mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, active suicidal ideation, and death work, operating from a psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral lens. Logan also works with LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups and aims to help other clinicians better understand the law, ethics, and ways to help.