Breaking into the world of psychotherapy can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re thinking about pursuing a therapist career, here are nine ways to make more money as a psychotherapist!
Take Care of Yourself
You’re going to be working on people’s emotional, mental and physical health. While you may need to get out and see the world, don’t neglect your own needs. Find a balanced life that doesn’t leave you longing for time away from your practice (a vacation, time with family, or alone time to relax).
Look at the Numbers
Being a psychotherapist doesn’t mean sitting in an office all day waiting for clients. Be an active part of the therapy process, and that means being a good businessperson. Psychotherapy isn’t for the faint of heart when it comes to finances. Examine your costs, fees, and expenses before you start your practice. Don’t be afraid to contact members in your professional community for help finding clients and keeping them coming back.
Reach Out to Other Practitioners
Don’t go at it alone! You may need help with everything from marketing to building clientele and business planning basics.
Network with other practitioners and professionals in your field regularly. The more you help others, the more it will come back to you when it comes time for referrals.
Set Aside a Marketing Budget
No one marketing strategy is going to bring in all of your clients. Just like there’s no one best way to care for clients, there’s no one best way to get them in the door of your office or practice either. Look at what other professionals do, and try a few things out yourself.
Take Advantage of Opportunities
Don’t let a missed opportunity pass you by, even if it doesn’t seem ideal at first. Talk to your practice philosophy clients about their needs and how you might be able to help them. You can attend community events or look for ways to advertise in locations you may not have considered before.
Everyone requires psychotherapy, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there with potential leads every time an opportunity comes up.
Be a Part of the Community
Your community is full of resources for you. You can take advantage of these resources, both professional and personal, to help grow your practice.
Connect with organizations that may offer classes and workshops in the field and training sessions that may be of interest to you. Invite other therapists to your office or clinic and learn from them how they run their practices.
Look for Alternatives to Traditional Sessions
People may not take you seriously or may question your skills if they don’t know you yet. Look for alternative ways to introduce yourself or your services to potential clients.
Volunteering at a local children’s hospital or other community centers could let potential clients see what sort of person you are and what you can do for them.
Set Aside Money for Advertising
How you advertise is up to you, but make sure it’s a part of your budget. Don’t rely on a single way to bring in clients, and don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Look for inexpensive, indirect ways to get potential clients in the door, such as word-of-mouth recommendations or letting the community know you’re available for training sessions or other workshops.
Be Prepared to Work Hard
Building a practice takes time, effort, and perseverance. Be ready to do a lot of work in the beginning. You may need to seek out free training or accept an hourly rate that isn’t as high as you would like until your business gets off the ground and you can bring in more clients for appointments.
Conclusion
When you break into the world of psychotherapy, you may not end up earning as much as a doctor or lawyer. However, it is possible to earn enough money to support yourself and allow yourself time for leisure activities such as traveling and spending more time with family and friends. If you’re getting started in a therapist career, places like Careers in Psychology can help make it a little easier.
