Here are just a few important tips as you begin to create your professional will.
Tip #1 Ways to notify clients that you will be unavailable temporarily:
If you are out of the office temporarily, or for an uncertain amount of time, change the outgoing message on your cell phone or answering machine to include information about who to contact in the event of an emergency or for information about your expected date of return.
Until you set up your Emergency Response Team you can use the same person who covers your practice while you are on vacation.
Tip #2 Another way to notify clients that you will be unavailable temporarily:
Use your computer’s “Out of office auto reply” message for emails. For example:
“Hello, I will be out of the office until (date). During my absence, my colleague, (name) is covering for me. Feel free to reach out to (name) at (area code and phone number).
Best,
(your name)
Tip #3 Make it easier for your Emergency Response Team, ERT:
- Keep a folder in your password-protected Word documents called “My Professional Will Documents.” Include your professional will and copies of other essential documents, letters and other relevant information. This is the information your ERT may need in a hurry.
- In your locked file drawers, segregate your open and closed cases. If you haven’t started to keep current patient summaries, it will help if you note the date first seen and date the case was closed.
Tip #4 Have a plan for updating your social media in your absence:
Many therapists have websites and blogs, Twitter, Linked In and Face Book accounts, etc. Remember to write out directions for your Emergency Response Team about how to update this information. If you know that you will be out of the office for a specific period of time, consider posting contact information on your website that includes the name and phone number of the colleague who has agreed to cover for you.
NOTE: If you have already created your own Professional Will, remind your ERT to let you know of any changes in their availability.
Tip #5 Make sure your ERT has information about your online video/telehealth provider. If you use an electronic healthcare system, be sure to include important names and contact information.
Tip #6 Separate out or have a system for identifying clients who are high profile or might be known by members of your ERT so that those patients can be followed up by someone who does not have a dual relationship.
Tip #7 Write a note to your Emergency Response Team, listing essential practice-related contact information, for example the name of your teletherapy company/provider.
Tip #8 Write a short introduction to your Emergency Response Team, describing how you work with clients, including your theoretical orientation. Keep the issue of intersectionality and self-disclosure front-of-mind for this description.