Rates of anxiety and depression have increased significantly in recent years, driven by trauma related to the COVID-19 pandemic, social injustice, and other stressors. Furthermore, we know that nearly a third of VR program participants have psychological or psychiatric disabilities. The effects of these conditions act as barriers to competitive integrated employment and integration into the community. Fortunately, VR agencies are ready and able to support eligible individuals with disabilities who are seeking to enter the workforce, maintain their employment, or advance in their careers. Through the provision of supported employment services. referral for psychotherapy services and other VR services, VR agencies collectively serve as a key part of the national network of Federal, State, and local government agencies and other stakeholders that help to ensure mental health care is readily available to all Americans,

                Psychotherapists can play a crucial role in assisting vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs) in helping clients obtain and maintain employment by addressing the psychological and emotional barriers that may hinder the clients' ability to successfully enter or re-enter the workforce. Here are several ways this collaboration can be beneficial:

1. Addressing Emotional Barriers to Employment

• Building Self-Esteem and Confidence: Psychotherapists can help clients overcome feelings of inadequacy or low self-worth that may impact job performance or the ability to apply for positions.

• Managing Anxiety and Stress: Employment-related stress, such as fear of interviews or workplace interactions, can be addressed through therapy sessions.

• Overcoming Past Traumas: Clients dealing with trauma, whether personal or workplace-related, may benefit from processing these experiences with a psychotherapist.

2. Developing Social and Communication Skills

• Psychotherapists can assist clients in improving their interpersonal and communication skills, which are essential for interviews, teamwork, and navigating workplace dynamics.

3. Cognitive and Behavioral Interventions

• Executive Functioning: For clients with ADHD, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, therapists can help develop strategies to improve focus, organization, and time management.

• Cognitive Restructuring: Addressing maladaptive thought patterns that may hinder clients from pursuing job opportunities or persisting through challenges.

4. Support for Disability and Accommodation Needs

• Therapists can help clients navigate the emotional challenges related to disabilities, helping them advocate for workplace accommodation and ensuring they feel empowered in their role.

5. Collaboration and Information Sharing

• Psychotherapists and VRCs can collaborate to share insights about the client’s progress, needs, and goals. For instance:

  • Psychotherapists can share information (with client consent) about mental health conditions that may impact employment readiness or workplace behaviors.

  • VRCs can inform therapists about job-related skills or industries that match the client’s goals, so therapy can be tailored to support those outcomes.

6. Supporting Vocational Goal Clarity

• Therapists can help clients explore their interests, strengths, and passions, which can inform the vocational counselor's job-matching efforts. This is particularly useful for clients uncertain about their career paths.

7. Stress Management and Coping Skills

• Employment transitions or new job responsibilities often bring stress. Therapists can teach stress-reduction techniques, mindfulness, and coping strategies to ensure job retention.

8. Helping with Setbacks

• Psychotherapists can support clients in dealing with rejections, setbacks, or job loss, ensuring they remain resilient and motivated to continue their job search or maintain employment.

9. Holistic Wellness and Work-Life Balance

• By addressing mental health issues like depression or anxiety, therapists help clients achieve a better work-life balance, ensuring long-term success in employment.

Example Collaboration in Practice:

• A VRC might identify a client who has the skills for a particular job but struggles with interview anxiety or self-doubt. A psychotherapist can work with the client on role-playing interviews, building confidence, and reducing anxiety, which increases the likelihood of employment success.

• For clients with severe mental health conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder or PTSD), therapists can ensure emotional stability while VRCs focus on finding roles that match the client's strengths and abilities.

By working together, Innovation’s psychotherapists and DORS vocational rehabilitation counselors can create a comprehensive plan that not only helps clients secure jobs but also ensures they thrive within their roles.

Are you interested in working with Innovation Counseling services then:

1. VR counselors should complete a referral for psychological services (Rs-4d) and place psychotherapy CPT code 90837 on their consumer's Individualized Plan of Employment. 

2. Issue an authorization for 10 sessions to Innovation Counseling Services Tax ID# 994989106. 

3. Send Completed referral form, IPE, and authorization, along with any pertinent information to fax #2405255567 or email to Referrals@innocounseling.com