u/Dangerous_Fee_4134

To make a very long story short, I’ve had 3 jobs in less than 4 years. The first job, I resigned because of the way they treated me when my father died. It was a private practice where I worked part time and really only made $60/hour. When my dad passed they gave me a hard time and had me call my clients to cancel for the week. It was horrible and sad for me to do. I had been there for 9 months. Then after taking time off I started working at another private practice. They were lovely people. Really, considerate and helpful. I got head hunted by the place where I am now. I’ve been here for 6 months and I am burnt out. The pay is great but the mental health program is only me in a health clinic and we are asked to do services that I have had to inform providers that are not what I can do under my license and that are unethical. I am an afterthought at best and a dumping ground at worst. My question is, how will this look like in a resume? What can I say that won’t come off as “flaky” or accusatory of previous employers?

I work in a clinic with physicians and nurses. My role is to provide Behavioral Health services for patients with chronic medical conditions.

A doctor referred a patient to me who is an active addiction from cocaine and methamphetamine. The patient is 62 years old and has heart disease and diabetes.

Our model of treatment is a brief solution focused model involving one 60 minute initial assessment and 30 minute follow ups once a week or every two weeks.

I want to mention that I am the first mental health professional they’ve had in person, ever. I’m not sure they understand my role.

Long story short, I explained that it’s not best practice to see a patient at the level of care that we can provide. The patient needs in-patient support and detox in a medically appropriate placement.

Doc responded by saying “can’t you just talk to them about grief, the last (telehealth only new to the field) therapist saw anyone I sent them? I answered, no. It’s a liability issue as well. Doc is angry and wants me to give them a presentation about “what is it that I do”. Doc is not my boss by the way.

My question, what should I do next? Give me some advice.

****update*****

I did an assessment. Although it was difficult to determine any accurate results because the pt was experiencing chest discomfort and really didn’t want to talk to me. They left the appointment. We had a wellness check at their home and they were admitted to the hospital yesterday. We have a follow up with the medical social worker at the hospital for outside referrals scheduled for Tuesday. Medical staff at the hospital has decided that the patient needs inpatient after the cardiac event is resolved.