The Testing Psychologist Podcast

Hosted by Dr. Jeremy Sharp: Licensed Psychologist & Private Practice Consultant

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500

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Jun 2026

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EN-US

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Helping psychologists, neuropsychologists, and mental health professionals start, grow, and scale psychological testing services in private practice.

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60 recent

June 15, 20261 hr 2 min

581. Inside the BASC-4 w/ Dr. Cecil Reynolds

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I sit down with renowned assessment expert Dr. Cecil R. Reynolds to discuss the upcoming release of the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, Fourth Edition, widely known as the BASC-4. We dive into the complex science behind test construction, examining why regular revisions are necessary to combat the seven year half-life of psychological knowledge and adapt to shifting clinical realities. Dr. Reynolds shares an insider look at the specific updates featured in the new edition, including neurodiversity-affirming adjustments to item language, an upgraded autism index for early childhood, and the upcoming introduction of narrowband scales for ADHD, autism, and mood disorders. We also address the systemic challenges of test development, the critical ethical requirement to choose instruments capable of withstanding legal cross-examination, and how practitioners can directly advocate for the creation of an adult broadband equivalent of the BASC system. 00:35: The upcoming summer release timeline and rollout schedule for the BASC-4 01:18: The seven year half-life of psychological knowledge and the necessity of test revisions 06:40: Incorporating neurodiversity-affirming language into standardized items without sacrificing validity 11:17: New positive development metrics and expanded early childhood autism screening capabilities 23:26: The clinical functions and structural features of the upcoming BASC-4 narrowband scales 34:08: The psychometric dangers of diagnostic over-identification when using standalone narrowband tools 45:37: Selecting legally defensible instruments aligned with the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing 51:54: Market realities of the test publishing industry and the path forward for an adult broadband measure 01:00:21: Defining clinical efficacy and balancing workflow efficiency with scientific accuracy Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Purchase the BASC-4 Join the BASC-4 webinar trainings: https://www.pearsonassessments.com/en-us/Store/Professional-Assessments/Behavior/Behavior-Assessment-System-for-Children-%7C-Fourth-Edition-/p/P100125000?productId=A103000453455 https://www.pearsonassessments.com/en-us/Store/Professional-Assessments/Behavior/Behavior-Assessment-System-for-Children-%7C-Fourth-Edition-/p/P100125000?productId=A103000453456 Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist  The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!ount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Cecil Reynolds Cecil Reynolds is author of what are now 4 editions of the Behavior Assessment System for Childre, with BASC-4 about to release in 3 weeks. He is also the author of more than 50 commercially published psychological tests and a frequent contributor to The Testing Psychologist. Get in touch: Email: crrh@earthlink.net About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents. As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids. Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to join our Waitlist! Join the Waitlist

June 11, 20261 hr 2 min

580. Using AI to Upgrade Your Hiring w/ Nicole Brewer, LCPC

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Brewer to discuss a transformative approach to hiring within private practice: the integration of artificial intelligence. Nicole shares her journey from seeking simple efficiency to discovering how AI can expose deep seated biases like overconfidence and the halo effect. We explore her structured four layer hiring process and how tools like Claude can be primed with a practice’s mission and values to provide objective, data-driven insights. This conversation offers a practical framework for practice owners to move from hiring good candidates to securing the best possible fits for their leadership and clinical teams. Key Moments 00:53: Why AI is essential for uncovering hiring biases and gaps 03:04: Identifying the four main biases that plague traditional hiring 09:19: How the level of responsibility dictates the patience required in hiring 18:31: The four layer process for vetting candidates effectively 21:17: Integrating assessments like the Kolbe and DISC into the interview flow 35:15: Technical steps for priming AI projects with practice specific context 40:33: Using AI to generate custom interview guides and candidate reports 53:35: The limitations of AI and the enduring need for human intuition Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Free Hiring Prompt Pack: https://www.rethinkyourpractice.com/Hiring-Prompt Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist  The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!rrent and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Nicole Brewer, LCPC Nicole Brewer is the founder and CEO of reTHINK Therapy, a 24-person group practice in Henderson, Nevada, where she’s building what therapist employment should look like, salary-based, benefits-backed, and grounded in the belief that excellent therapy starts with great therapists. Over the past decade, she’s evolved from solo clinician to practice leader, and now shares what she’s learned with other practice owners through reTHINK Your Practice. Nicole is especially passionate about the practical, human side of running a therapy business: building teams, designing systems, and, lately, using AI to make hiring smarter, faster, and more aligned. Get in Touch: Website: www.rethinkyourpractice.com About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents. As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids. Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to join our Waitlist! Join the Waitlist

June 4, 20261 hr 2 min

579. EHR Review: My Best Practice

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. Watch the YouTube video here. Welcome back to another electronic health record review episode, where I dive deep into the platforms shaping modern clinical practices. In this episode, I provide an in-depth walkthrough of My Best Practice, an electronic health record system designed specifically by a psychologist, Dr. Ryan Fuller. I evaluate this platform through the lens of a testing psychologist, exploring its usability, onboarding experience, pricing structures, and customizable features. From automated billing workflows and open-source outcome measure graphing to the challenges of manually inputting psychological testing CPT codes and building custom notes, I break down whether this affordable system truly accommodates the unique demands of an assessment-focused practice. Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists My Best Practice: https://www.mbpractice.com Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist  The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents. As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids. Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to join our Waitlist! Join the Waitlist

June 1, 20261 hr 2 min

578. What the DSM is Missing About Autism w/ Dr. Wenn Lawson

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Wenn Lawson, an autistic researcher and author, to explore the foundational cognitive structures of autism that often go unrecognized by traditional diagnostic frameworks. We move beyond the surface-level criteria of the DSM-5-TR to discuss monotropism and how it drives core autistic experiences such as sensory processing, object permanence, and interoception. Dr. Lawson shares insights into the heavy toll of camouflaging, the reality of autistic burnout, and the “triple empathy problem” that occurs when autistic individuals navigate mismatched environments. Our conversation also provides practical, neuro-affirming shifts for clinical practice, from adapting standardized testing language to creating sensory-friendly office spaces that value authentic autistic expression. Key Moments 02:29: Limitations of the DSM-5 and the missing subtleties in current diagnostic frameworks 07:00: Gender differences in presentation and the impact of the double X chromosome on social masking 09:17: Defining monotropism as a foundational cognitive disposition in autism and ADHD 16:40: The connection between monotropism, object permanence, and relationship navigation 22:03: Interoception and the impact of internal sensing on behavior and regulation 25:37: Adaptive morphing and the mental health consequences of chronic camouflaging 32:22: Distinguishing autistic burnout from neurotypical burnout and the necessity of “passion-based” recovery 38:37: From the double empathy problem to the triple empathy problem in clinical and educational systems 41:13: Practical adaptations for the diagnostic interview and neuro-affirming assessment processes 46:48: Modifying standardized testing language to accommodate literal processing and monotropic focus Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Dr. Wenn Lawson Official Website: www.wennlawson.com Dr. Wenn Lawson YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD8L-Ht_jSQxBmWe6MzZvJA  Patrick Dwyer’s research on monotropism: https://www.autisticscholar.com/monotropism/ Damian Milton and the Double Empathy Problem: www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09687599.2012.710008 Curtin University Autism Research: www.curtin.edu.au/research/  Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist  The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Wenn Lawson Dr. Wenn, auDHD, dyslexic, and dyspraxic, is passionate about all things autism. He is a British Psychologist, a qualified Social Worker, a well-known Autistic Researcher, Author, Speaker and Poet. Wenn is a key theorist of the Monotropism theory of Autism and Adjunct Associate Professor with Curtin University, Western Australia. Get in Touch: Website: www.wennlawson.com Wenn Lawson Youtube Email: wenbe2@outlook.com About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents. As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids. Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to join our Waitlist! Join the Waitlist

May 28, 202649 min

577. The Five Most Common Report-Writing Mistakes from My Practice (and How to Fix Them!)

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I share a review of evaluation reports from my own practice to identify the five most common writing mistakes that we’re making. Report writing is an ongoing, evolving process, and even experienced practitioners frequently fall into patterns that hinder readability and utility for clients, parents, and educators. By breaking down issues such as over-utilizing clinical jargon, structuring reports around specific test names rather than functional domains, and overwhelming readers with an untriaged avalanche of recommendations, I provide concrete strategies to transform your reports into clear, actionable documents. I also discuss the impact of pathologizing language and defensive hedging, offering practical shifts to help you establish clinical authority while remaining affirming and accessible. 00:03: Introduction to report writing as an ongoing work in progress 01:40: Mistake 1: The jargon avalanche and the “so what?” test 04:55: Mistake 2: Reporting test names versus functional skills and abilities 08:55: Mistake 3: The recommendation avalanche and how to triage effectively 13:45: Mistake 4: Shifting away from deficit-first and pathologizing language 17:28: Mistake 5: Overcoming defensive hedging and passive voice 22:14: Overview of the Craft membership community and upcoming enrollment Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist  The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!hase from At Health! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents. As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids. Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to get on the waitlist! Join the Waitlist

May 25, 20261 hr 2 min

576. Fifty Years of Autism Discovery w/ Tony Attwood

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I have had the pleasure of reading Dr. Tony Attwood’s work since the beginning of my career, and it was a distinct privilege to sit down with him to discuss his fifty-five years of clinical experience. We discuss the transition from early work to our current neurodevelopmental framework, highlighting the critical shift in recognizing the female autism phenotype. Dr. Attwood provides deep insight into the internal experience of camouflaging and explains his pragmatic approach to preventing burnout using the energy accounting model. Our conversation also addresses the stark gaps in current research, specifically regarding non-speaking individuals and the unique challenges faced by the aging autistic population. Main Topics The evolution of autism awareness and clinical experience since 1971 Moving away from the refrigerator mother myth to neurodevelopmental genetics The shifting prevalence and male to female ratio in autism Recognizing the female autism phenotype and the toll of camouflaging Reconceptualizing diagnosis as a process of self-discovery and closure Identifying critical research gaps in sensory sensitivity and non-speaking autism The challenges and outcomes of aging with autism and the role of support networks Strategies for managing autistic burnout through the energy accounting model Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Attwood and Garnet Events: www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals: www.amazon.com/Aspergers-Syndrome-Parents-Professionals-Attwood/dp/1853025771 The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome: www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Aspergers-Syndrome-Attwood/dp/1843106692 CDC Autism Prevalence Report (2023): www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7202a1.htm  Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist  The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Tony Attwood Professor Tony Attwood is a leading British clinical psychologist and one of the world’s foremost authorities on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly Asperger’s syndrome. With a career spanning over five decades, he is highly celebrated for his pioneering research, therapeutic strategies, and advocacy for neurodiversity. About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents. As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids. Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to join our Waitlist! Join the Waitlist

May 18, 20261 hr 2 min

575. Moving Beyond the Discrepancy Model w/ Dr. Paul Beljan

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I am so excited to share this conversation with Dr. Paul Beljan, a pediatric neuropsychologist who is doing incredible work pushing our field forward. This episode is a deep dive into why we need to move past the outdated discrepancy models of the 1990s and start looking at the actual neurology of how kids learn. Paul and I talk about the “learn and lose” phenomenon, why math disorders are so frequently missed in schools, and the critical role of the cerebellum in procedural learning. We also get into the weeds on how to write reports that parents actually want to read and how to give feedback to a child in a way that is empowering rather than pathologizing. This is a must-listen for anyone who feels like the standard way of identifying learning disorders just isn’t capturing the full picture of the kids sitting across from them. 00:32: The importance of accuracy in pediatric diagnosis and the weight of professional responsibility. 03:39: A critique of the discrepancy model and the “wait to fail” problem in schools. 07:34: Why math learning disorders are rarely diagnosed and the role of procedural consolidation. 11:32: Distinguishing between phonological and orthographic dyslexia through error analysis. 15:04: The “hook and ladder” fire truck analogy for the dual-tiered model of executive functioning and the cerebellum. 30:48: The failure to consolidate fundamentals versus conceptual understanding in dyscalculia. 45:13: Reforming neuropsychological report writing using the Stephanie Nelson model. 59:08: How to conduct an “awareness meeting” feedback session with children. Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Paul’s practice website: www.beljanpsych.com The FAM and the FAR (Feifer Assessment of Math/Reading): www.parinc.com Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes: www.lindamoodbell.com Orton-Gillingham Academy: www.ortonacademy.org The Executive Brain by Elkhonon Goldberg: www.amazon.com/Executive-Brain-Frontal-Lobes-Civilized/dp/0195156012 Neuro Summary Sheet The Wisdom Paradox by Elkhonon Goldberg: www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Paradox-Your-Mind-Stronger/dp/1592401872 Dr. Stephanie Nelson (The Peer Consult): www.thepeerconsult.com Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: www.giftedbooks.com Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz: www.dyslexia.yale.edu Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist  The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Paul Beljan Dr. Paul Beljan is a pediatric neuropsychologist practicing in Scottsdale, AZ. He is a past president of the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology (ABPdN). He holds child diplomate with ABPdN and adult diplomate with the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology (ABN). In 2016, Dr. Beljan completed a post-doctoral master’s degree in psychopharmacology from New Mexico State University. Dr. Beljan co-authored Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnosis of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, BiPolar, OCD, Depression, and Other Disorders. He also co-authored Large Scale Brain Systems and Neuropsychological Assessment: An Effort to Move Forward. Dr. Beljan is a nationally retained forensic expert and lectures nationally and internationally. Get in Touch & Resources: Email: p.beljan@beljanpsych.com Website: https://www.paulbeljan.com/ About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents. As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids. Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to join our Waitlist! Join the Waitlist

May 14, 202649 min

574. EHR Review: Healthie

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. Watch the video here. It was a pleasure to dive back into the world of electronic health records. Today, I’m exploring Healthie, a platform that has gained significant traction recently. This review is a blind walkthrough from the perspective of a testing practice that bills insurance, focusing on whether the platform’s robust feature set actually translates to a smooth clinical workflow. I cover the initial setup and interface, the depth of third-party integrations, and the specific hurdles a testing psychologist might face when trying to move from a six-hour assessment to a clean insurance claim. Pros Extensive Customization: The platform offers significant flexibility for intake forms and demographic tracking, including detailed options for gender identity and pronouns. Robust Integrations: It connects with a wide range of third-party tools such as ClaimMD, AI scribing software, and marketing platforms. Automated Intake Flows: Clinicians can build structured paperwork packets, allowing clients to move through forms in a seamless sequence. Flexible Scheduling: The system supports specific naming for appointment types, which is useful for distinguishing between different types of assessment sessions. Built-in Communications: Features like e-faxing and a secure client chat are integrated directly into the interface. Data Visualization: A dedicated dashboard provides high-level reports on practice metrics, including appointments and provider utilization. Cons Workflow Disconnect: There is a notable lack of integration between clinical charting and the billing process, requiring manual entry of CPT codes on claims. Manual Billing Hurdles: Creating CMS 1500 forms or superbills is a manual process that does not consistently auto-populate fees or codes. Steep Learning Curve: The interface is complex enough that new users often require guided onboarding or extensive use of the help center to navigate basic setups. Generalist Design: Because it serves many medical specialties, the interface includes irrelevant modules for mental health, such as meal plans and medical metrics. UI Inconsistencies: The user interface behaves differently across modules; for example, the claim interface provides error alerts that the superbill interface does not. Note Customization Limits: It is difficult to find obvious options for creating fully customized clinical note templates tailored to testing right out of the box. Cost Barriers: To access essential insurance billing features, practitioners must subscribe to higher-priced tiers, which can be expensive for group practices. Main Topics 00:01: Introduction to Healthie and the philosophy of blind EHR reviews 01:45: Initial onboarding process and navigating the primary user interface 05:20: Exploration of client demographics, gender identity options, and insurance entry 09:43: Review of the organizational settings, calendar functionality, and drag-and-drop features 13:20: Deep dive into the intake flow builder and paperwork automation 18:15: Evaluation of third-party integrations, including AI scribes and ClaimMD 22:30: Configuring appointment types and scheduling for long-form testing sessions 33:17: The disconnect between clinical charting and the CMS 1500 billing workflow 49:20: Final verdict on pricing, learning curves, and suitability for testing practices Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist  The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!hase from At Health! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents. As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids. Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to get on the waitlist! Join the Waitlist

May 11, 20261 hr 2 min

573. Documentation 2.0: The Rise of AI w/ Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. I’m excited to share this conversation with Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey, a clinical psychologist and documentation expert who has been closely monitoring the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence in the mental health field. In this episode, we move beyond the surface level of AI as a simple productivity tool and dive deep into the ethical, clinical, and compliance-related nuances that every practitioner needs to understand. Maelisa provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, from the rise of ambient listening scribes to the ways insurance companies are leveraging AI in their own processes. We discuss the transition from being a “doer” of documentation to becoming a “supervisor” of AI-generated content, emphasizing that while these tools can be life-changing for clinicians struggling with burnout, they do not absolve us of our professional responsibility for accuracy and clinical judgment. Main Topics 00:01:21: The increasing pervasiveness of AI across personal and professional domains. 00:05:40: Overview of the current AI landscape in mental health, including documentation and chatbots. 00:15:48: Four primary ways AI platforms assist with clinical note-taking. 00:21:18: Risks associated with session transcripts and the importance of data retention policies. 00:30:10: Ethical requirements for informed consent and navigating state-specific AI laws. 00:38:30: Technical vetting of AI companies: HIPAA compliance, BAAs, and anonymized vs. de-identified data. 00:52:06: The effectiveness of AI in clinical formulation, diagnosing, and treatment goal generation. 00:55:12: How insurance companies are utilizing AI for claims processing and potential denials. Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists QA Prep: www.qaprep.com Maelisa McCaffrey’s  YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@MaelisaMcCaffrey  Quill Therapy: https://quilltherapysolutions.com/ Heidi Health: www.heidihealth.com  Berries: www.getberries.ai  Blueprint: www.blueprint-health.com  Maelisa’s book: www.amazon.com/Stress-Free-Documentation-Psychologists-Mental-Health/dp/1138038318 Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist  The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey is a licensed psychologist, nail design enthusiast, and author of the book, Stress-Free Documentation for Mental Health Therapists. Through her business QA Prep, she empowers therapists with training and consultation on clinical documentation. Maelisa focuses on the “why” behind the usual recommendations and encourages clinicians to think outside the box, while also keeping their ethics intact. As someone with ADHD who’s had to figure out what works through trial and error, Maelisa aims to make sure her trainings are practical, while also allowing for plenty of laughter and fun. Get in Touch & Resources: Website: qaprep.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@maelisamccaffrey?si=tGClPQpdMFBVxuWc About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents. As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids. Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to join our Waitlist! Join the Waitlist

May 7, 202649 min

572. Free Speech or Standard of Care? Summarizing the Chiles vs. Salazar Decision

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. The landscape of mental health regulation shifted dramatically in March 2026 with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Chiles v. Salazar. In this episode, I break down why a Colorado case about conversion therapy has far-reaching consequences for every licensed professional, particularly those of us in the assessment world. We explore the court’s decision to reclassify “talk therapy” and diagnostic reporting as protected speech rather than mere professional conduct. While this ruling offers a new shield against state-mandated orthodoxy (potentially protecting gender-affirming care in restrictive states), it also weakens the ability of licensing boards to proactively prevent harmful “quackery.” I discuss the “intellectual disability paradox” in legal precedent and why we might need to return to more rigid documentation to protect ourselves from the coming wave of civil litigation. Main Topics 00:35: The origins of the Minor Conversion Law (MCTL) and the 2019 Colorado legislative intent 01:34: Kaylee Chiles’ First Amendment challenge and the “talk therapy as speech” argument 02:45: The Supreme Court’s 8-1 decision: Viewpoint discrimination and the Gorsuch majority opinion 04:30: Medical consensus vs. constitutional protection: Why the court rejected the “standard of care” defense 05:25: Justice Katanji Brown Jackson’s dissent: The “scalpel vs. speech” warning and the danger of substandard care 07:10: Potential negative impacts: Proliferation of unproven therapies and the erosion of consumer trust 08:45: The silver lining: How this ruling could safeguard gender-affirming and reproductive health care 10:34: Impact on testing psychologists: Diagnostic reports as “synthesis of clinical judgment” and protected viewpoints 13:45: The shift in accountability: From proactive board regulation to reactive medical malpractice lawsuits 16:50: Practical takeaways: Navigating the new requirement for “flexibility in interpretation, rigidity in documentation.” Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist  The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents. As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids. Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call! Schedule Your Call