This timely book introduces mental health professionals in private practice to the nuts-and-bolts of office automation. Designed to give even "technophobes" mastery of the basic aspects of electronic office management, this hands-on manual examines the rationale for automating and describes how to choose and purchase hardwareincluding computer terminals, printers, fax machines, and office messaging systems. It also offers a guide to the types of general and mental health specific software available and helps readers select the right word-processing, billing, patient record-keeping and psychological assessment software for their practice.