9 Questions Every Mental Health Professional Should Ask Their Employer
Whether you are a psychologist, a behavioral health analyst, a therapist or another type of mental health counselor, the following list of questions are important to review with any employer. Use the below guide to help you get the answers you need as you move on in your career.
What are my job responsibilities as a mental health professional with your company?
Psychologist or mental health professionals’ responsibilities can span a variety of areas depending on the field you enter, the size of your place of employment, or even local laws and regulations enforced by state medical boards. It is always a good idea to clarify what your daily responsibilities are, what your employer’s expectations are, and what you are legally allowed or not allowed to do within your scope of practice.
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Are there any continuing education opportunities to further my career as a psychologist, mental health provider, or behavioral health professional?
?Mental health professionals can undergo changes to their scope of practice all the time. As the laws change, and the medical boards expand the roles of mental advice-giving or service-providing professionals, advancing your education, keeping current with medical best practices, or getting specialty certificates for specific fields of medicine are just a few of the myriad ways mental health providers can expand their career.
As you further study the mental health profession, it is especially vital to have your own mental health liability insurance policy. Even if your employer is encouraging or paying for you to get continuing education, their mental health liability insurance policy will not cover you outside of the office and/or your regular working hours.
CM&F’s malpractice insurance for mental health professionals is comprehensive and flexible, designed to fluctuate with the changing relevant laws, so you know you are always covered within scope of practice as outlined within your policy.
Are there any Mental Health Professional Associations that I should consider joining?
?Each state has local associations or chapters of a larger national organizations. We support working with national or local psychology, mental or behavioral health programs that help further the risk education of providers by keeping their personal livelihood protected from future medical malpractice claims.
Find out from your employer if membership comes with your employment, or if they provide any additional benefits to you for being a member of a healthcare association related to your profession.
As an employee, do I have mental health professional malpractice insurance included in my position?
?We offer psychologist, behavioral or mental health counselor liability insurance to groups & clinics, so we know firsthand that your employer’s policy will not have you as their main interest when it comes to malpractice legal cases or settlements.
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If your employer does offer professional liability insurance for mental or behavioral health providers, what is the coverage plan? Ask for it in writing so you can review it and present it in the future should a malpractice claim arise.
Does the policy start right away? Do I pay into it?
?Make sure there are no gaps in coverage as you transition employment, positions, or insurance companies. Reach out to CM&F’s client services team for advice and assistance as you evaluate your professional liability insurance options.
Should I have my own mental health professional malpractice insurance plan?
Having your own personal malpractice insurance policy will ensure that your interests are the priority and that your livelihood is protected. CM&F’s individual mental health professional insurance policy options are attached to you, covering you wherever you go and wherever you work.
What is the starting salary of my position? How does that compare to the average?
Salary negotiations can be a tough subject for interviewees, newly hired, or newly promoted employees. Be sure to do your research on the starting, average, and maximum salary rates for your position, in your medical field, in your state. With the salary being offered, also be sure to measure the additional benefits like PTO, continuing education, or access to personal malpractice insurance.
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What is the cost of professional liability insurance for mental health counselors, psychologists, or other behavioral health professionals?
The cost of malpractice insurance varies depending on the position, type of coverage needed, and state in which you practice. With CM&F, malpractice insurance for mental health professionals is affordable and comprehensive with plans as low as $70.00 dollars per year. Our competitors cannot match our low prices as well as our all-encompassing coverage plans. To learn more about pricing for your specific profession in your state, give us a call or get an instant quote online.
What do I need to do to succeed as a mental health professional at this company?
Know the expectations of your employer. If you know the expectations and meet or exceed them on a daily basis, as well as show drive and motivation to grow, your career will advance in no time. CM&F is adamant about protecting the livelihood of advice-giving and service-providing mental health professionals for this very reason. Professional liability insurance for psychologists and mental health counselors with CM&F reduces personal financial risk, damages to your reputation, as well as license or medical board repercussions.
The CM&F Advantage
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CM&F was founded over a century ago. Through up and down markets, CM&F’s dedication to mental health industry professionals has never wavered. CM&F remains committed to making it easy and cost-effective to secure vital professional insurance coverage with:
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