For the first time in recent memory, we’ve seen schools in the US close for extended periods due to a spreading virus.
As I write this, the NBA has suspended its season, followed by the NHL and MLB, the NCAA tournament has been postponed or cancelled, travel to Europe was banned for 30 days.
As a psychotherapist, this can be worrisome –
What if my clients are scared to come to the office?
How will this affect my income?
Luckily, we live in a time where traveling to the office isn’t necessary.
By using online / remote sessions (leveraging HIPAA-compliant solutions), there are many ways to treat clients from the comfort of your (and their) homes.
Completely insulated from the current outbreak or any future issues.
We have been doing this for years. Many psychotherapists have either wanted to target clientele in their entire state, or have been licensed in multiple states (due to, for example, a recent move), and wanted the ability to attract clients in both their new and old locations.
This is not an issue, provided you have pinpoint technique for separating yourself from the countless other therapists in a given state.
In this particular situation, during times of great stress and worry, clients need help – a pandemic is no different. It’s important to be able to serve clients in a way contingent with health concerns.
You can even be reimbursed properly – there’s no reason to provide a discount (sliding scale) for online work.
You can continue to be reimbursed your full, proper rate.
This is, of course, all dependent on you knowing how to market a remote practice and ensure dedicated, self-pay clients find you.
Without the proper tools and training, clients will surely go to someone else for their online sessions.
Fundamentally, new clients wanting online sessions won’t know you exist – unless they can find you.
-Victor