The Complete Adult Psychotherapy Treatment Planner – Second Edition comes in two versions: with disk and without disk. I have the “without disk” version. Make sure YOU get the “with disk” version in case you buy TheraScribe 3.0 later. Having the hard copy/book is a wonderful addition to the software – allows you to approach the process from a different angle (and without screen glare).

The basic idea is to lay out a wide variety of well-organized statements that can be mixed and matched to quickly create a detailed individualized treatment plan. No more time need be spent trying to find the right words – some variation of what you want to say is probably written down succinctly and with the right terminology. As with any tool, a good therapist will use it as a springboard for more creativity; others may use it as a way to cut corners.

After a brief introduction explaining the treatment planning process, the CAPTP categorizes all other information by problem area (an index in the back does allow you to look up problem areas by DSM 4 diagnosis if you’d rather start there). The 39 areas are pretty comprehensive and include anger management, chemical dependence, dependency, depression, grief/loss – unresolved, low self esteem, mania/hypomania, OCD, psychoticsm, sexual abuse, and type A behavior. Five new categories have been added since the earlier edition – ADD – adult, borderline personality disorder, chronic pain, financial stress, and PTSD.

Each problem area has a number (3 – 14) of behavioral definitions to choose from; you can always modify their suggestion to better describe your client or write your own. Then several possible long-term goals (4-7) are listed. The bulk of each chapter is devoted to coordinated lists of short term objectives and therapeutic interventions. Compared to the earlier edition, this one includes MANY more options (sometimes double or triple) – often up to 30 or more statements to choose from. It is very likely that you’ll find all your favorite interventions and be stimulated to try something new. There is no pushing of any one standard of treatment; interventions come from several technologies. DSM 4 coded diagnostic suggestions for Axes 1 and 2 finish each chapter.

A variety of new and classic self-help books are recommended as bibliotherapy; a complete list of these books is in an appendix.

In and of itself, the book is very useful. But as part of TheraScribe, it’s a huge time saver that will quickly pay for itself in time you can spend doing something else (not to mention snappier treatment plans)! The adult treatment planning library in TheraScribe 3.0 is based on the earlier book. Buying this one and installing the library substantially increases your pre-written options.

Categories: Psychotherapy, MentalHealth