Abundant Practice Podcast Episode #595: Getting Off Tech Platforms

Release Date: November 20, 2024
Host: Allison Puryear

Introduction

In Episode #595 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear delves into the challenges and strategies associated with transitioning from relying on mental health tech platforms to building a sustainable, private pay practice. This episode features a candid conversation between Allison and Michelle, alongside insights from an unnamed therapist navigating this significant shift.

Transitioning Away from Tech Platforms

The episode opens with an unnamed therapist sharing her recent decision to leave a mental health tech company that handled insurance and client acquisition. She explains, “I felt like it was making it worse for me with my private pay goal” (02:25). This move, albeit halfway to full independence, marks a crucial step towards achieving greater control over her practice and aligning it with her personal and professional aspirations.

Michelle congratulates her on this bold move, acknowledging the courage it takes to step away from a stable platform. “Congrats,” Michelle says warmly (03:25), setting a supportive tone for the ensuing discussion.

Defining Niche and Specialization

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the therapist’s evolving niche. She specializes in working with young adults battling overthinking, perfectionism, OCD, and social anxiety. She notes, “I have a specialty page on social anxiety because I really love my socially anxious OCD clients” (04:17). However, she grapples with effectively marketing this dual focus.

Michelle advises honing in on the combined niche of social anxiety and OCD, emphasizing its potential for referrals. “The fact that you have the specialized training, I would reach out to all the people who are seeing clients that are OCD adjacent,” Michelle suggests (07:39). This targeted approach can help the therapist become the go-to expert within her local therapist community.

Effective Marketing Strategies

The therapist has implemented several marketing strategies to build her private practice:

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Collaborating with Simplified SEO has enhanced her website’s visibility on Google. “I'm showing up on Google now, which I wasn't before” (05:28).

2. Blogging: She has initiated a blog series featuring fictional characters with various OCD subtypes, demonstrating how Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy can be applied. “I've only published like three of them so far, and I look at one client who one of the posts spoke to him” (25:13).

3. Networking: The therapist is actively reaching out to psychiatrists and other therapists who specialize in related fields, aiming to establish referral pathways. Despite difficulties with cold emailing, she remains committed to expanding her network.

Michelle highlights the importance of networking, stating, “Form the relationships, nurture the relationships. And then whenever anybody brings up in a local therapist Facebook group, everybody will say your name” (13:27).

Challenges with Google Ads and Competition

The discussion shifts to the effectiveness of Google Ads as a marketing tool. Michelle shares her experiences, cautioning the therapist about the low return on investment she has observed: “The vast majority of people that I work with who try Google Ads with an expert, I would never recommend doing it yourself” (16:26). She mentions that despite spending thousands, the ads often fail to yield desired results, especially when competing against large treatment centers willing to pay high costs per click.

Furthermore, the therapist faces stiff competition from major telehealth platforms like NoCD, which dominate search results. This saturation makes it challenging for independent therapists to gain visibility. “These telehealth platforms are killing me,” the therapist remarks (18:47).

Leveraging Tools and Accountability

To streamline her networking efforts, the therapist considers using scheduling tools like Calendly. Michelle endorses the flexibility Calendly offers, allowing therapists to manage their availability efficiently. “What I love about Calendly is you can tell it exactly what times,” Michelle explains (23:26).

Additionally, Michelle emphasizes the importance of accountability in overcoming personal barriers such as social anxiety. She encourages the therapist to commit to specific actionable goals, such as emailing a set number of potential contacts each week. “By next Thursday, will you commit to emailing a certain number of people?” Michelle prompts (20:07).

Content Creation and Expansion

Creating valuable content remains a pivotal strategy for attracting clients. The therapist is exploring podcasting as an extension of her blog efforts. Michelle advises reaching out to relevant podcasts, even larger ones, to feature her expertise. “It can't hurt, even if they're a big one. Just reach out. Do a pitch,” Michelle recommends (27:22).

Conclusion and Insights

Episode #595 underscores the complexities involved in moving away from tech platforms to establish a flourishing private practice. Key takeaways include the necessity of a well-defined niche, the efficacy of SEO and content marketing, the critical role of networking, and the challenges posed by competitive advertising environments. Michelle’s guidance provides actionable steps, while the therapist’s experiences highlight the perseverance required to succeed independently.

Notable Quotes:

• Michelle: “Form the relationships, nurture the relationships. And then whenever anybody brings up in a local therapist Facebook group, everybody will say your name.” (13:27)

• Therapist: “I felt like it was making it worse for me with my private pay goal.” (02:25)

• Michelle: “The vast majority of people that I work with who try Google Ads with an expert, I would never recommend doing it yourself.” (16:26)

• Therapist: “These telehealth platforms are killing me.” (18:47)

For more resources and support in building your private practice, visit abundancepracticebuilding.com and join the Abundance Party membership program at abundanceparty.com.