Technology can ease our lives. But there is an issue, especially for therapists or counselors seeking to keep their personal and digital identities secure. In the digital age, it is almost impossible for businesses to survive if there are no social media channels being used to promote their business.

You may have ethical issues when using social media to promote your business practice or to communicate with others. However, it is a must if you want new clients. No one is just going to fall into your lap interested in you as a therapist.

Therapists Should Have A Social Media Presence

When you think about the importance of social media you must think about putting yourself in the shoes of the potential customer. Imagine a couple trusting a stranger with their big issues. This might be an issue that caused them enormous pain. Maybe it’s an issue they tried but did not solve. It could just have been months before someone finally decided to try therapy. Whatever the issue, it seems like they have a huge interest in therapy. It also becomes very important to determine what therapist is trusted.

Now imagine they began looking around to find a therapist online. Despite their reluctance, they remain on the fence. However, they end up finding your social media page and liking it. They then reach out and before you know it they become a client. That is ultimately why therapists should care about social media platforms.

Setting Boundaries on Social Media Platforms

As you begin marketing your private therapy practice, you will likely want to use every available channel to get maximum visibility. Nowadays most marketing opportunities are found on an online marketing platform like Facebook or Twitter.

Facebook accounts are quite popular. Approximately 2bn users are using Facebook every day and a lot are Americans. Many mental health professionals use Twitter regularly for promoting their practice. Having a social media account or a business page on both will help your private practice flourish!

However, it is important to set boundaries with your potential clients while using social media. Remember, that your social life and therapy business is separate. You do not have to hand the keys of your life over to someone who is your potential client.

Disadvantages of Social Media Marketing for therapists

Social media advertising can be costly and frustrating at first. A disadvantage of using social media is the loss of privacy. For some, that problem might cause you to think marketing is not worth it.

However, social media posts are incredibly good at producing potential clients. Your content will not appear in other feeds if you are not posting. I know hundreds of therapists who created social media followings by just posting about mental health. Any social media platform can bring someone new into your life.

Managing Social Media Accounts

In Social media, the main strategies are quite clear. Create a social media page for clients to confidently choose you for therapy. Invest as much time and effort in making sure that the commitment to having a social media presence stays in place.

When a person identifies their strategy, then they implement it fairly easily. Below is the plan that will get you there over time. For this plan, you will use Linkedin and Twitter only. Remember, keep it simple so you do not get all mixed up when trying to remember which platform you use.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a valuable networking resource. I mean their whole job is to help people connect. LinkedIn is still worth checking out. Even in case, you don’t plan on looking for any clients at this time. I use LinkedIn quite easily. These 4 tips below will help you tremendously with your Linkedin profile.

1) Create killer profile pictures.

2) Check the report every year and make corrections whenever required.

3) Talk to other people. Do not be afraid of putting yourself out into the world!

4) What you do for a living should be quite obvious on your profile.

Twitter

Twitter is important in establishing relationships with the customers you serve. Think of Twitter as an open sea of fish. However, those fish are your clients. You can reach so many new people just by using Twitter for thirty minutes or less every day.

The key is consistency. If you meet one new prospect a day that is a gain for your practice. You must put in the effort and you will succeed. I know you will!

Social media-adjacent marketing ideas

Search engine optimization is the perfect example of a social media-adjacent marketing idea. They two go hand and hand. They both are forms of organic marketing and outreach.

Using SEO you can grow your profiles from website traffic coming from your website. SEO can bring in new customers aside from social media as well. For therapists, it should be a must in their online marketing strategy.

Is Social Media Marketing Worth It?

Social networking is an excellent complement to your current marketing strategy. If you do not enjoy social media or are worried about it, don’t be. I look into analytics data and it really reflects how many people find therapists via the internet and search engines.

If you are just starting out or do not have enough clients social media marketing for therapists totally is worth it. Having multiple social media accounts will bring you the best results. So many potential clients are waiting to be served by your private practice.

Proven Counselor Social Media Results

Here at Hum JAM we get results and have proven statistics to show you. If you are interested in working with us we will open a whole new world of opportunity for your practice. We love helping people in that line of work.

Our co-founder Joseph Kahn‘s wife Sarah Kahn is a therapist as well. We know what being a mental health expert is like. That is why we can help you and your practice do well online.

Make sure to book a call with us if you are interested. Our business number is right at the top of our website. However, you can also click here to get on our calendar.

Social Media and Counseling Ethics

Social media for therapists have radically changed over the last 15 years. In 2010, not many people had a Twitter profile. However, in 2022 practically everyone is using Twitter. In order to help others you must reach out via your social media presence online.

When connecting online with a person remember to keep it professional. Do not get heavily involved with your clients’ personal lives. It will not end up well. You will end up giving away too much of your time and advice for free. When they should be paying you for it as their therapist.

I know we are all called to help others, but at what cost are you willing to give your help out for free? What about school loans to get that degree? What about operating costs? Someone has to pay the bill for your therapy business. Put your foot down and get paid y’all!

Marketing Your Practice on Social Media

Make sure to consider Facebook or Twitter as your business card or advertising medium for your company. Introduce yourself through those two social media websites to get new clients. The following four tips will assist in marketing your therapy online.

1) Posts some inspirational quotes. It only takes two seconds to do and is easy! Plus, posting quotes makes you look like an authority.

2) Be friendly and approachable on your profile. Make sure to smile in your profile picture! No one likes a frown.

3) Do not share political views on your pages. People are so hot about politics these days. Try not to start political fights online it is bad for business.

4) Join groups of people that need your help. On Twitter and Facebook, you will find many groups of people that need your help. You just have to go out there and find them. Get to searching!

Remember your likes and comments are often public

Most people don’t read the privacy policy of Facebook and Twitter. If someone likes an open comment on Facebook then they are allowed visible access to that post. Usually, you will not see it unless you comment directly on any professional post addressing therapy.

The warning remains necessary. Although you don’t divulge client information, consider whether you are referring to someone that you know. If this happens, it is worth revisiting the comments. Make sure your comments are not influenced by other users.

Connect with people

You need to maintain multiple client relationships as a therapist. Social networks help foster new connections with new clients. Make sure to share content relevant to your practice. It will be useful to your clients.

Provide value to them in ways that don’t compromise your practice. For example, share a new study that you just read on your social media profiles. Let people read the studies and come to you for expert advice. That is something every therapist should be doing.

Final Thoughts

Social media marketing is something every therapist should be doing! The list of benefits is long. For many, social media is the lifeblood of their business. Foot traffic is gone in the modern age. You need some way of being seen in order to get new clients.

Being stubborn and scared will not help you profit. Be professional and trustworthy online and you will prosper. Also, note that consistency is key. If you put in enough effort you will see results from it.