To gather more information and encourage patients to open up to you within the short amount of time you have:

• Sit at eye level with patients to put them at ease.
• Ask open-ended questions (ones that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no) to get more information and save time.
• Empathize with patients to promote open and honest dialogue.
• Reflect patients’ statements in your own words to show that you’re listening and that you care.
• Summarize what you discussed to clarify concerns and next steps.

To discuss treatment options with patients:

The key is to make treatment decisions collaboratively. Rather than telling patients they “need therapy,” guide them toward recognizing the connection between their physical and emotional stress and toward making this decision themselves.

• Ask patients about their motivation for change, what if anything they’d like to change about their current circumstances, and how willing they are to make that change.
• Outline treatment options, including the mental health referral.
• Ask the patient what treatment option they would like to pursue.
• If they’re hesitant, discuss their concerns and potential barriers to treatment.
• Help them brainstorm solutions to overcome those barriers.
• Create an action plan together.