Physicians/Lawyers
Dealing with Resistance
- If your patient/client appears resistant, explain again that it is important for them to see someone who has specialized training to address those concerns they are struggling with. Let them know your training can only take you so far in caring for them and that you are making this referral to a specialist just as you would if they complained of symptoms that required a check from a brain surgeon. Most patients will agree that they would want a specialist working on their heart and/or brain. You can explain that mental health is no different. To get the best and/or most comprehensive care, it is important to involve relevant specialists.
- If your patient/client continues to be resistant, reinforce that you are working together to resolve these concerns and ask the patient/client to agree to meet with you in two weeks. Have the patient agree that if s/he returns and reports limited or no change, s/he will begin working with a therapist.
