...and it seems like no one is accepting new clients, me included. It could even hard to get someone to call you back.
What to do?
A. Don't take it personally. Many therapists are extra busy these days. 2020-2021 has (a) been incredibly stressful, which, (b) is reducing the stigma around getting therapy, resulting in an increased demand for services.
B. Keep in mind that it's normal for the process to take a while, especially now. Keep trying.
C. Widen your net - if you're okay with doing therapy via telehealth, you can see any mental health professional licensed in your state.
D. Pique our interest - think about what you'd like to get out of therapy - not only the problem(s), but also what you're hoping to gain or to become. We therapists tend to be suckers for hope - so mention yours when you contact us.
E. In your message, be sure to mention that you've looked at our website (after having done so, of course) and are very interested in working with us.
F. About the (lack of) call backs - unlike doctors, most of us in private practice don't have admin help to run our small businesses. When we're full up, returning inquiry calls can, unfortunately, fall to the bottom of the to-do list.
Suggestion - frame your inquiry so that no reply means no openings, like this:
What to do?
A. Don't take it personally. Many therapists are extra busy these days. 2020-2021 has (a) been incredibly stressful, which, (b) is reducing the stigma around getting therapy, resulting in an increased demand for services.
B. Keep in mind that it's normal for the process to take a while, especially now. Keep trying.
C. Widen your net - if you're okay with doing therapy via telehealth, you can see any mental health professional licensed in your state.
D. Pique our interest - think about what you'd like to get out of therapy - not only the problem(s), but also what you're hoping to gain or to become. We therapists tend to be suckers for hope - so mention yours when you contact us.
E. In your message, be sure to mention that you've looked at our website (after having done so, of course) and are very interested in working with us.
F. About the (lack of) call backs - unlike doctors, most of us in private practice don't have admin help to run our small businesses. When we're full up, returning inquiry calls can, unfortunately, fall to the bottom of the to-do list.
Suggestion - frame your inquiry so that no reply means no openings, like this:
"Hi, my name is _____. I'm interested in therapy for [issue(s)], I want to get better at/understand/deal with [whatever you're hoping for, vague is okay].
If you are accepting new clients, please contact me at [your number here], best times to reach me are usually [days/times]. Thanks!"
See how that works? If you don't hear back, it's safe to assume they don't have any openings. The therapist will appreciate your courtesy and you're less likely to feel you've been ghosted.
G. Don't be afraid to call again, in a "I know you're busy so I'm checking back" kind of way.
Next up, Part 2 - online therapist directories.
G. Don't be afraid to call again, in a "I know you're busy so I'm checking back" kind of way.
Next up, Part 2 - online therapist directories.
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