More than 30 clinicians gathered in Denver on Friday, October 2, 2026, for Collective Counseling Solutions’ first continuing education conference, “Beyond the Checkbox: Documentation, Referrals, and Retention.”
Held at The Forty Two Sixty, the event brought clinicians together to explore some of the most important responsibilities in private practice: meaningful clinical documentation, medical necessity, referrals to higher levels of care, and ethical client retention.
It was also an opportunity to step away from the daily demands of practice, connect with colleagues, and learn together.
Practical Education for Everyday Clinical Work
Presenters Shannon Heers and Ashley Charbonneau led practical discussions, real-world examples, and small-group activities that connected the training to everyday clinical work.
Sessions explored how to create documentation that tells a client’s story, connect assessments and diagnoses with treatment plans and progress notes, recognize and document medical necessity, and identify when a client may benefit from a higher level of care.
The conference also addressed ethical approaches to client retention, focusing on supporting continued engagement in appropriate care.
These topics can feel complicated or intimidating. The training gave clinicians space to ask questions, share experiences, and build confidence in their approach.
Attendees Shared Strong Feedback
Feedback from 22 attendee survey respondents reflected a positive experience:
- The conference received an average overall rating of 6.68 out of 7, with every respondent rating it a 6 or 7.
- Attendees rated the event’s value for their time and cost at 6.82 out of 7.
- 20 of 22 respondents reported making a professional connection.
- Likelihood of attending a future CCS conference averaged 6.82 out of 7.
One attendee shared:
“The presenters were wonderful! So knowledgeable and helpful as I am now in solo practice. Thank you”
Building Community Alongside Clinical Skills
Professional development was only part of the day. Food, conversation, and networking gave attendees opportunities to build relationships with fellow clinicians and the CCS team. Torin Jensen, Christy Jones, and Brie Hawk helped create the welcoming atmosphere and personal touches that made the gathering feel distinctly CCS.
“Each day I continue to be grateful and humbled by the intentional, compassionate clinicians in our collective dedicated to raising the bar for mental health care,” said Nick Mancini, CEO of Collective Counseling Solutions.
For clinicians working in private practice, in-person opportunities to connect can be especially meaningful. This first conference provided a shared space to learn, exchange ideas, and strengthen community.
Listening and Looking Ahead
Attendees also shared thoughtful suggestions, including more time for discussion, additional opportunities for interaction, and more time to explore client retention.
When asked about future training topics, building and marketing a private practice was the most frequently selected subject, followed by insurance, billing, and audits.
That feedback gives valuable direction as CCS considers future educational opportunities grounded in its clinicians’ needs.
Thank you to everyone who attended, asked questions, shared feedback, and helped make our first continuing education conference a meaningful day of learning and connection.
To learn more about Collective Counseling Solutions and how we support clinicians in building thriving private practices, visit collectivecounselingsolutions.com.
