A clinical will is a vital document that ensures the seamless continuation of therapeutic care for clients and protects the professional legacy of therapists in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Crafting a well-structured clinical will is an essential responsibility for every therapist, providing clarity and guidance to colleagues or chosen trustees on how to manage the therapist’s practice and clients. In this blog post, we will explore the key components of a clinical will template for therapists, the benefits of using such a template, and its limitations.
What a Clinical Will Template Should Cover
A clinical will template should comprehensively address various aspects to ensure the smooth transition of therapeutic care and the preservation of a therapist’s professional legacy. Here are the key elements a clinical will template should cover:
a. Introduction and Personal Information:
The template should start with a clear identification of the therapist, including their full name, contact information, and any professional credentials or affiliations.
b. Trustee Identification and Contact Details:
Specify the person or persons who will take over the therapist’s practice and client cases in case of their absence or incapacity. Include their contact information, professional qualifications, and relationship to the therapist. This person may be referred to as a trustee, an executor or a successor. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll refer to them as trustees in this article.
c. Confidentiality and Data Handling:
Address the confidentiality of client records and how they should be transferred securely to the designated trustee. This section should also outline the procedures for data handling and the importance of adhering to ethical and legal guidelines.
d. Client Transition and Communication:
Provide instructions on how clients will be informed of the therapist’s absence and how they will be transitioned to the care of the designated trustee. Include guidelines for maintaining open communication with clients during this process.
e. Treatment Plans and Progress Notes:
Detail how treatment plans and progress notes should be transferred, if that is included in your wishes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuity in the therapeutic process. Of course, the client may wish to take a break from therapy following a natural ending and this should also be considered. Any offer to the client should be an invitation.
f. Professional Assets and Resources:
List any professional assets or resources, such as books, research materials, or specific therapeutic tools, and specify how they should be managed or transferred.
g. Ethical Considerations:
Address any ethical considerations related to the management of the therapist’s practice and clients, ensuring that the clinical will template adheres to the therapist’s ethical principles and obligations.
h. Closure of Practice (If Applicable):
If the therapist intends to close their practice permanently, the template should outline the steps for proper closure, such as referrals for ongoing care or the safe storage of client records.
The Main Benefits of Using a Clinical Will Template
A. Improving Clarity and Organisation:
A clinical will template provides a structured and organized framework, making it easier for therapists to ensure that all essential aspects of their practice are covered in a clear and concise manner.
b. Time Efficiency:
Creating a clinical will from scratch can be time-consuming, but a template streamlines the process, allowing therapists to focus on tailoring the document to their specific needs rather than starting from scratch.
c. Comprehensive Coverage:
A well-designed template ensures that therapists do not overlook critical components of their clinical will, preventing potential gaps that could lead to confusion or disputes in the future.
d. Peace of Mind:
Having a clinical will in place, crafted with the help of a template, provides therapists with peace of mind, knowing that their clients and practice will be in capable hands should unforeseen circumstances arise.
Limitations of Using a Clinical Will Template
a. Individualised Requirements:
While templates provide a strong foundation, therapists may have unique considerations or requirements specific to their practice that a general template cannot fully address. It is essential for therapists to review and customize the template accordingly.
b. Legal and Regional Variations:
Clinical wills may be subject to legal requirements or regional variations, and a template might not account for these specific nuances. Therapists should seek legal advice to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
c. Ongoing Updates:
A clinical will template is not a one-time document. Therapists should regularly review and update the clinical will to reflect any changes in their practice, professional relationships, or designated successors.
Examples of Clinical Wills
Your membership body may have published a clinical will template, or good practice guidelines to help you write your own clinical will. We’ve gathered a few of the resources here:
The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists has published a good practice guideline document, GPiA104 Clinical Wills and Digital Legacies in the Counselling Profession. You do have to be a member to view this article.
The British Psychoanalytic Council has written a thorough and very helpful resources for it’s registrant members, including a clinical will template, guidance for trustees and sample access documents. You can find the documents on their website. They suggest that therapists should have 2 clinical trustees.
The newly named National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (formerly known as the National Counselling Society) has a rich and thorough code of ethics, yet doesn’t offer specific guidance on its website about clinical wills or digital legacies.
Conclusion
A clinical will template is a valuable tool that assists therapists in planning for the continuity of care for their clients and protecting their professional legacy. A well-crafted template should cover essential elements such as confidentiality, client transition, and data handling, among others. The benefits of using a template include clarity, time efficiency, and peace of mind. However, therapists should also be aware of the template’s limitations and the need for customization to meet their specific requirements. By creating a comprehensive clinical will with the help of a template and seeking legal advice where necessary, therapists can ensure the seamless continuation of their practice and leave a lasting impact on the clients they serve.
