ABSTRACT

This chapter provides several considerations for managing nonclinical staff and administrative tasks. The prospect of hiring nonclinical staff can seem overwhelming to many practice owners. New or prospective clients that have a good experience with the support staff will feel comfortable and more prepared to engage in productive therapy, while those who have a negative interaction with the support staff may go elsewhere for services, or may not engage in therapy at all. Essentially, a policy manual should describe the employment or contractor relationship as well as the culture, or expectations, of the practice. A Procedure Manual deals with the operational end of the practice. It is a helpful tool to have when training new staff or holding current staff accountable to the procedures that have been established. Additionally, there are some companies that offer supplemental insurance policies for employees, with little cost to their practice beyond minimal fees to establish the account.