Therapeutic Consultation
What is Therapeutic Consultation?
In Virginia, therapeutic consultation (TC) is a consultative service available through the Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver. Under TC, caregivers and/or group home staff will meet with me to discuss the patient’s problem behaviors. This means that TC is not psychotherapy and only allows for 1:1 work with the patient if staff or other caregivers are present to learn from the interaction.
Based on the information collected, I will conduct a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) to determine the function of the person's behavior and write and then train you, staff, and other caregivers on a customized behavioral intervention plan (BIP). Services legally must conclude when I feel that you are educated enough to implement the BIP without my assistance.
What is Required of Caregivers and Staff to Participate in Therapeutic Consultation?
The following components are required by the state of Virginia:
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Staff or caregivers meet with me a minimum of once per month.
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Staff and caregivers must take data on a weekly basis.
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If you disagree with my findings and/or the BIP in any way, I am legally obligated to terminate you from TC services.
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When the plan begins to be successfully, fade out (removal) of services is to occur. I will typically do this via dropping meetings to every other week and then once a month. However, if problem behaviors begin to rise again, we can go back to weekly appointments.
What Requirements Does Lunsford Behavioral Consulting & Yoga have in Place?
In addition to the state requirements for services outlined above, I expect the following:
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Outside of meetings with me, all communication is to take place via email. It is expected that you respond to any emails that I send as I will communicate things such as cancellations to you through this medium.
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If you miss three appointments with me without cancelling, I will terminate services.
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If I find that you are not taking data for a month, I will terminate services. The state mandates at least six months of data before they will consider reauthorizing TC services.
