Abundant Practice Podcast - Episode #652: Marketing In This Economy
Release Date: May 24, 2025
Host: Allison Puryear
Introduction
In Episode #652 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, Allison Puryear delves into the pressing question facing therapists today: "In today's market, are therapists having to do more to get clients?" This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the current mental health landscape, the challenges posed by large therapy technology companies, and actionable strategies for therapists to thrive in a competitive environment.
Current Market Challenges for Therapists
Allison begins by affirming the validity of the question, stating unequivocally, "Absolutely. Absolutely." (02:15). She highlights that the landscape for therapists has significantly evolved, especially in the past two years, influenced by economic shifts and the rise of large therapy tech companies.
Impact of Therapy Tech Companies
Allison explains that pre-COVID, the mental health sector was dominated by agencies, group practices, and solo practices. However, the emergence of large therapy tech companies has disrupted this balance. These companies function similarly to agencies but offer more autonomy and, in some cases, higher compensation.
Key Points:
- Increased Competition: The proliferation of these tech companies has led to a surge in the number of therapists listed on platforms like Psychology Today. For instance, "two years ago in your medium-sized city, you might have had 300 therapists listed. Well, now there are 3,000." (04:20)
- Aggressive Marketing: These companies invest heavily in marketing, utilizing strategies such as Google Ads with substantial budgets that are often out of reach for solo practitioners.
- Confidentiality Concerns: Allison raises concerns about these companies "continuously breach client confidentiality and they share client info to social media so they can retarget with ads" (05:10), emphasizing the ethical implications.
Insurance Companies and Financial Maneuvering
Allison also touches upon how insurance companies manipulate the medical loss ratio to their advantage. By purchasing group practices and paying higher per-session rates, they can divert funds meant for medical expenses into their own pockets. This practice not only undermines the financial integrity of insurance systems but also saturates the market with therapists affiliated with these large entities.
Strategies for Thriving in a Competitive Market
Given the intensified competition, Allison outlines a robust strategy for therapists to attract and retain clients effectively.
1. Develop a Clear Niche
- Importance of Specialization: By defining a niche, therapists can stand out in a crowded market. "You need a solid niche, you need consistent messaging of that niche." (06:00)
- Tailored Marketing: A well-defined niche allows for more targeted and effective marketing efforts.
2. Establish Consistent and Strategic Marketing
Allison emphasizes the necessity of being "so much more intentional with your marketing. You cannot half ass it." (07:00). She recommends selecting up to five marketing strategies, ensuring one is a "great website that's super niched" and another is "networking with referral partners." The remaining three strategies can be customized based on individual practice needs.
3. Focus on Relationship-Based Marketing
- Networking: More than just superficial connections, building genuine relationships with referral partners is crucial. "Networking is as important as having a website. It matters more now than it ever has." (06:30)
- Personal Touch: Unlike large tech companies, solo and small group practices excel in creating meaningful connections with clients and referral sources.
4. Consistency and Quality Execution
Implementing marketing strategies consistently and correctly is vital. "You have to do them consistently and you have to do them right. Again, you cannot half asset in 2025, not if you want a full practice." (07:30)
Resources and Support
Allison offers additional resources to support therapists in implementing these strategies:
- Abundance Party Membership Program: A step-by-step guide to "work half the hours, make 3x the income, & see the clients you do great work with."
- Free Worksheet: "Today's free worksheet is how to not hate networking." This resource breaks down the steps to effective and authentic networking without awkwardness or sales pressure.
Conclusion
In this episode, Allison Puryear provides a candid assessment of the current challenges therapists face in attracting clients amidst rising competition from large therapy tech companies. By advocating for intentional marketing, niche specialization, and relationship-centered practices, she equips therapists with the tools needed to build a thriving private practice despite the economic hurdles.
Notable Quotes:
- Allison Puryear (02:15): "Absolutely. Absolutely."
- Allison Puryear (04:20): "Two years ago in your medium-sized city, you might have had 300 therapists listed. Well, now there are 3,000."
- Allison Puryear (05:10): "They continuously breach client confidentiality and they share client info to social media so they can retarget with ads."
- Allison Puryear (06:00): "You need a solid niche, you need consistent messaging of that niche."
- Allison Puryear (06:30): "Networking is as important as having a website. It matters more now than it ever has."
- Allison Puryear (07:00): "You cannot half ass it."
- Allison Puryear (07:30): "You have to do them consistently and you have to do them right. Again, you cannot half asset in 2025, not if you want a full practice."
Additional Information
For those seeking further assistance:
- Visit AbundancePracticeBuilding.com for free checklists, worksheets, and more.
- Join the Abundance Party membership program for in-depth training and support.
- Contact the team at help@abundancepracticebuilding.com for personalized support.
Stay tuned to the Abundant Practice Podcast for more insights and strategies to help you quit your agency job and build a fulfilling private practice with more free time, income, and freedom.