Consultation Services

If you are a psychotherapist, it is wise to regularly seek consultation from other experienced clinicians, especially if you are in private practice and do not have regular contact with other therapists through agency clinical meetings. The National Association of Social Workers considers consultation so critical that it is identified as a standard of ethical practice in the Code of Ethics, as identified here: 

Section 2.05: “Social workers should seek the advice and counsel of colleagues whenever such consultation is in the best interests of clients. Social workers should keep themselves informed about colleagues’ areas of expertise and competencies related to the subject of the consultation… and should seek consultation only from colleagues who have demonstrated knowledge, expertise and competence related to the subject of the consultation.”

Even without this formal ethical mandate, however, the experienced therapist understands that we are not meant to do this work alone. No matter how well educated or credentialed you are, it is beneficial to your clients and yourself to obtain another opinion or perspective, especially when:
  1. Your client presents with a complicated constellation of symptoms;
  2. Your client seems stuck;
  3. You are having feelings of frustration or irritation or dread related to your client’s treatment.
Documenting the use of a case consultant is also useful in the event that there is a negative case outcome. Case consultation is, therefore, good for the treating clinician, good for the care of the client, and wise practice from a litigation standpoint.  

Elizabeth Ruegg is available for case consultation by telephone or during face-to-face meetings at her office in Port Richey. She is available to discuss case issues, to review documentation, and to assist in treatment planning. Fees for individual case consultation are $75 per 30-minute session or $100 per 50-minute session. If desired, you will be provided with documentation which confirms your use of clinical consultation services for no additional fee.

Elizabeth also hosts a free monthly Peer Consultation Group at her office in Port Richey.  

What Is the Peer Consultation Group?

This is a small (eight participant maximum) group of mental health professionals who meet approximately every four weeks (usually the last Friday of the month from 6-8 pm) to discuss mental health and clinical practice issues. In a typical meeting, we:
  • present cases of interest in order to ask for suggestions or feedback from others;
  • share advice about practice-building strategies and practice-management issues such as marketing and billing; and
  • where appropriate, refer clients to one another.

Who participates in the Group?  

Our group is composed of mental health professionals at various levels of professional development. Some are highly experienced and credentialed and have been licensed for many years. Others are newly licensed or are Registered Interns. All our members have at least a Masters Degree in a counseling-related field. 

What does it cost?

It’s FREE! All we require is that you make the commitment to attend regularly. Since we’re an intentionally small group, we need everyone’s participation in order to get the most from our time together.  

I don’t have a private practice. Would this Consultation Group be right for me?

Some of our members are in full-time private practice. Others split their time between agency and private work. Still others do agency work full-time. Our primary purpose is clinical consultation, so no matter where you see clients, this group probably has a lot to offer you.  

Want more information?
If you would like more information about fee-for-service individual case consultation or the free Peer Consultation Group, please contact Elizabeth at 727-967-3320 or email: eruegg@tampabay.rr.com.