Building Trust and Value Through Collaboration: An Interview with Lexi Gayne, RP
When the pandemic changed the way therapists worked with clients in 2020, Lexi Gayne, RP, joined Psychotherapy Matters. Since then, collaboration with psychiatrists through the platform has become a cornerstone of her practice—bringing clarity to complex cases, building trust, and strengthening her role as a psychotherapist.
Recognizing When Psychiatric Input Helps
Lexi explains that while not every client requires psychiatric input, it often becomes clear when additional expertise would benefit the therapeutic process.
“Sometimes it happens in chunks—I’ll get a group of new clients and several of them need that additional consultation. Maybe one in six. Often it’s extreme anxiety, sometimes OCD, and more recently ADHD or autism concerns.”
By identifying when psychiatric input could help, Lexi ensures that her clients don’t feel left on their own trying to navigate the system.
A Smooth Path for Clients: ADHD Matters
For clients needing ADHD assessments, Lexi has leaned on the ADHD Matters program.
“The hardest part is often just getting all the paperwork in, but Andrea is wonderful at guiding clients through every step. Clients really appreciate the structure and efficiency of the program.”
This organized process means that clients feel supported, not overwhelmed, when exploring diagnoses that can change the course of their treatment journey.
Collaborative, Educational, Helpful
When asked to describe working with psychiatrists through Psychotherapy Matters, Lexi chose three words:
- Collaborative
- Educational
- Helpful
She highlights that these consultations not only benefit clients but also strengthen her own clinical skills:
“It’s taught me so much about identifying underlying issues, and about medication—how it can help or interfere. Participating in assessments and seeing how psychiatrists ask questions has been invaluable to me as a psychotherapist.”
Strengthening the Therapist–Client Relationship
Lexi sees a noticeable difference in the way clients respond when psychiatric care is part of the therapeutic journey:
“I think they trust me more. It adds to my credibility that I can bring in this collaborative piece. Clients often don’t even want to ask their doctor for a referral—they’re confused about where to start. When I take care of that part, they feel supported and see how I support my practice.”
For her, collaboration transforms the therapist–client relationship by building trust and deepening connection.
Being Part of the Team
Inside psychiatric consultations, Lexi feels respected and heard:
“My voice is always welcome, my input is valued—by both the client and the psychiatrist. It really feels like we’re a team working together to support the client.”
Even outside sessions, she has been able to connect directly with psychiatrists for brief discussions, receiving guidance that benefits her clients and her practice.
The Importance of the Right Fit
Lexi is also candid about her journey in finding the right psychiatrist to collaborate with:
“When I met Dr. Natalie Erdmann, I knew—this is who I want to work with. For the past five years, she’s been my team. She treats each client as a person who matters. She holds space for them the way I do, and that means everything.”
Final Reflections
When asked how Psychotherapy Matters could improve, Lexi smiled:
“Honestly, I think you’re doing great. I’m really happy with the program. And I love that you’ve created the Facebook group—it’s such a nice way to build more connection.”
For Lexi, Psychotherapy Matters has become more than just a professional resource—it has expanded her skills, strengthened her credibility, and provided clients with the coordinated support they deserve.
Interested in joining our community of psychotherapists like Lexi?
Explore membership today and bring the value of collaborative care into your practice: https://psychotherapymatters.com/become-a-member/