Abundant Practice Podcast: Episode #618 - Doctors' Offices, Workshops, & Naysayers

Release Date: February 5, 2025
Host: Allison Puryear

Introduction

In Episode #618 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear engages in a comprehensive discussion with her guest, Holly, focusing on effective strategies for networking with doctors, marketing specialized workshops, and managing negative perceptions around private pay rates in therapy practices. This episode offers valuable insights for therapists aiming to build sustainable and fulfilling private practices.

Navigating HIPAA Compliance with Email Communications

Allison kicks off the episode by addressing a common challenge therapists face: maintaining HIPAA-compliant email communications. She introduces Palbox as a solution, emphasizing its seamless integration with existing email platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.

"Even if you're paying for a business Google Workspace account and have a signed BAA, your emails still aren't 100% compliant. That's where Palbox comes in."
(00:00)

Palbox ensures that all outgoing emails meet HIPAA standards without requiring users to navigate separate portals, offering peace of mind for therapists concerned about compliance.

Deep Dive into TherapyNotes Platform

Continuing the discussion on essential tools for private practices, Allison highlights the features and commitment of the TherapyNotes platform. She praises their customer-centric approach and the platform's robust functionalities that support therapists in managing their practices effectively.

"They also take member suggestions and implement those that there's client demand for, like Therapy Search, an included listing service that helps clients find you."
(02:30)

Allison underscores that TherapyNotes remains independently owned, ensuring that the focus stays on enhancing user experience rather than succumbing to investor-driven priorities. She encourages listeners to take advantage of the platform’s two-month free trial using the promo code provided.

Guest Segment: Holly’s Challenges and Goals

Holly joins the conversation seeking guidance on two primary areas:

1. Networking with Doctors: Holly aims to establish connections with medical professionals to expand her referral network.
2. Marketing a Specialized Workshop: She is preparing to launch a workshop focused on using CBD sex oil to address pelvic floor pain in women and seeks effective marketing strategies.

Effective Strategies for Networking with Doctors

Allison provides Holly with actionable steps to initiate and build relationships with doctors' offices:

• Identify the Right Contact: Target referral coordinators rather than trying to meet directly with primary care physicians or specialists.

  "You're unlikely to sit down for coffee with a primary care physician... what you're going to want to do is call and ask to talk to the referral coordinator."
  (03:32)

• Craft a Concise Script: Prepare a brief and clear introduction that highlights specialization and the mutual benefits of collaboration.

  "I'm a therapist who specializes in sexual dysfunction... I'd love to find out how to get on your referral list."
  (04:32)

• Offer Value-Added Services: Suggest conducting educational talks or workshops to support the medical office and demonstrate expertise.

  "I could do a lunch and learn, if that would be good... the nurses are the ones with the power in all of the healthcare anyway."
  (05:18)

Marketing Specialized Workshops and Utilizing Social Media

Holly discusses her upcoming workshop centered on CBD sex oil for women experiencing pelvic floor pain. Allison advises on positioning and marketing strategies:

• Workshop Naming: Choose a name that is both discreet and descriptive to make attendees comfortable discussing vulnerable topics.

  "Since this is about vaginal health or vaginal pain, I would target pelvic PTs... functional medicine docs who are struggling."
  (09:28)

• Leveraging Facebook Ads: Given the platform's evolving policies on sensitive topics, Allison recommends starting with boosted posts to gauge engagement before investing in complex ad campaigns.

  "I might try boosting a post first because it's gonna be less expensive and you're gonna be able to..."
  (07:55)

• Targeted Networking: Broadening the outreach beyond medical doctors to include acupuncturists, functional medicine practitioners, and other allied health professionals can enhance workshop visibility.

Addressing Negative Feedback on Private Pay Rates

A significant portion of the episode delves into how therapists like Holly can handle criticism regarding high private pay rates:

• Understanding Criticism: Allison explains that negative remarks about pricing often stem from others' unresolved issues or differing business models.

  "The shaming piece is an indication that work hasn't been done."
  (14:55)

• Maintaining Confidence: Holly is encouraged to reaffirm her value and the quality of her services, emphasizing the reinvestment of her earnings back into her practice and client care.

  "I work hard. A lot of the money and effort that I make, I put back into the populations that I treat."
  (13:12)

• Selective Networking: Allison advises focusing on building relationships with like-minded professionals who respect and understand the value of private pay models, thereby minimizing exposure to negativity.

  "Look at how did you find these people and how do you stop finding them."
  (14:08)

Harnessing Community Support

Allison highlights the importance of community and peer support in overcoming challenges associated with private practice. Engaging with supportive networks, such as Facebook groups or professional communities, can provide the necessary encouragement and validation.

"Calling your buddies who are also private pay can help. Community can make us sick or it can make us."
(16:07)

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this episode, Allison Puryear effectively guides Holly through the intricacies of expanding her private practice by:

• Ensuring HIPAA compliance through reliable tools like Palbox.
• Leveraging platforms like TherapyNotes for efficient practice management.
• Strategically networking with medical professionals to build a robust referral system.
• Marketing specialized workshops with sensitivity and precision.
• Handling negative perceptions around private pay rates with confidence and selective networking.
• Emphasizing the importance of community support to sustain motivation and resilience.

Therapists listening to this episode will gain practical strategies and moral support to navigate the challenges of building a successful and fulfilling private practice.

Resources Mentioned:

• Palbox: paubox.com | Use code ABUNDANT for $250 off the first year.
• TherapyNotes: therapynotes.com | Use promo code ABUNDANT for two months free.
• Abundance Practice Building: abundancepracticebuilding.com | Free checklist and worksheets available.

For further assistance, contact the Abundance Practice Building team at help@abundancepracticebuilding.com.