While surfing today, I ran across a website that provides resources to counselors in Washington State. One of the resources 
I found there is the Dictionary of Initials, Acronyms, and Abbreviations Used by Counselors and Social Workers. Here are two examples:
CAQH = Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare is a “nonprofit alliance of the nation’s leading health plans and networks that works to simplify healthcare administration.” As part of this effort they have developed the “Universal Credentialing DataSource” which offers practitioners “a secure and simplified method of navigating the credentialing process.” [Thanks to the Noteworthy column, The Advocate, a publication of the AMACA, July/August 2006.]
NPI = National Provider Identifier, a ten-digit number which will become the standard unique health identifier for health care providers to use in filling and processing future health care claims–replacing common use of the provider’s social security number or employer identification number. The National Provider System will begin accepting applications for NPIs after May 23, 2005. Priority will be given to “covered entities.” Providers who are not covered entities, but who wish to apply for NPIs, are asked to wait at least one year (5/23/06) before applying. All “covered entities” must have and use their NPI number on all standard HIPAA transactions by May 23, 2007.[Thanks to Beth Powell in News from Washington in The Advocate, March 2004, an AMHCA publication.]”
If acronyms are outpacing your knowledge base, then this is a handy little dictionary to bookmark. In it you will find both routine and obscure explanations for all acronyms in mental health.
It is also worth noting that in addition to being a terrific resource, the owners of this site are committed to continuing to add other acronyms that you might find useful. If you have a suggestion, be sure you leave your suggestion here.
I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
Hi. Very interesting site. I found it on Yahoo. I will definately recommend it to my friends. Please keep up the great work.
Hi, Kriz! Welcome to Private Practice from the Inside Out! I’m glad you find the information helpful and hope you’ll drop back in often and join the conversation. Although the focus of this site is to help mental health professionals build their private practices, we actually have quite a few entrepreneurs from other professions who also hang out with us here . . . . I’ve talked to lawyers, trainers, educators, consultants, physicians, dentists, a CPA, and virtual assistants who are a part of our community, too. The more, the merrier!
Just wanted to say that you have some awesome content on your website!
I am a mental health counselor
I facilitate groups, to individual counseling, etc……..
my biggest problem is my notes. I need a list of abbreviations that i can use for more effective notes in less space and time
if you could help me or point to someone or where that can
i would be most appreciative.
thank you .
Steven G. Fremland
Hi, Steven! Thanks for dropping in here at Private Practice from the Inside Out and asking. That’s information that may help a lot of folks here in our online community. I don’t know of another source for this information online so let me take a few days to put a post together that gives you some shorthand. Check back in a week to see if I’ve covered what you need.
We just couldnt leave your website before telling you that we really enjoyed the quality information you offer to your visitors:). Will be back soon to check up on new stuff you post!!
Thanks so much for dropping in here at Private Practice from the Inside Out! I look forward to hearing from you often!
Wonderful blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option?
There are so many options out there that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Cheers!
Little attention has so far been paid to understanding the impact of working on a pandemic from healthcare workers’ own perspectives or what their views are about support.