Buzz about the Economy and the State of Therapists

July 29th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under
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There is quite a buzz over the internet lately about whether or not the economy is negatively impacting therapists.

Several therapists have let us know that their caseloads are down. Of course, that is a usual occurrence in July and August in North America so it is hard to know exactly why this is happening.

And many of you have talked about how the general population views therapy - and their desire to pay only a $20 co-pay for it. This is a real concern.

In fact, I am feeling more and more called to educate the general population about the value of therapists and the powerful benefits of therapy. It is time for therapists to get the respect they deserve. We are as important as surgeons and our culture needs to really understand this. I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

Please enter your comments and thoughts below or join me on Tuesday, August 7th for our first Town Hall Meeting on the State of the Nation of Therapy. (For more info, please click here.)

On the other hand, daily I get reports from therapists saying how well their practices are doing. For example, Kim told us this week:

“I have received five new clients in the last month. I spent a lot of time studying your stuff and then put it into action. I think my success is due to 1) patience - not giving up. It took 3 months to get results but I hung in there. and 2) attitude - I have kept a positive attitude. It has been hard at times but I just wouldn’t give up - even though it wasn’t happening right away. I knew it may not happen at once but it would happen!”

What is it that makes one therapist succeed and one therapist struggle? I have lots of ideas but today I will start with an equation:

Passion + Mindset + Message + Focused and Continued Action + What your community believes about therapy (and using insurance) + What you believe about therapy (and using insurance) + Patience = Financially Rewarding Practice

As your e-coach, I ask you to take a look at that formula. Which area of that formula may need your attention?

There Are 2 Responses So Far. »

  1. Comment by Lisa Maurel, MFT on 8 September 2008:

    Casey,
    Great article. I continue to put the tools you have taught me into practice. My practice is at 90% capacity; and I don’t accept insurance.
    I opened two websites this year. I use those to educate people about the value of their investment and the pros and cons of relying on insurance.
    Most importantly, I’ve learned to focus on my passion and work that niche! Thanks!
    Lisa

  2. Comment by dwight bain on 3 October 2008:

    Tough times will cause many people to seek out therapy, perhaps in greater numbers than ever before. Offer a quality service, add incredible value to your clients, practice strategic marketing and you will stay busy doing what you love- helping people move from stress to strength. -db

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