Submitted by Lisa Friedman, LCSW

I enjoy coaching other psychotherapists that are starting or trying to enhance their private practice.

Here are some tips that I have found helpful:

· Keep one phone number that you hold onto throughout the years of practice.

· Thank you cards for every referral you receive.

· Connect with your client’s other providers (w/release of information)

· Business cards are best and least expensive form of advertising; carry them everywhere.

· Create either a blog or website (when was the last time you used the yellow pages vs. internet to find services)

· Place your web address on all advertising materials

· When you start a practice, move, or offer new services, send announcements to all referral sources.

· Offer free talks in your areas of expertise

· Talk at places that will have the potential for clients (If you work with children, offer to speak at a PTA meeting).

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In order to ensure confidentiality for your clients (not referral sources), I recommend that you have a standard questionaire (that ends with client signature) with your new patient paperwork that asks several vital questions:

1. Please print the phone number where you want to receive calls from this office.___________________

2. Please print the address of where you would like your billing statements and/or correspondence from our office to be sent.___________________________________________________________________________

3. Do we have your permission to send out marketing material to inform you of changes to the office or new services we are offering _______Yes _______No

4. Please indicate if you want all correspondence from our office be marked "CONFIDENTIAL"
_______Yes __________No

Print Name__________________________________________________________

Client/Guardian Signature______________________________________________

Date_______________________

For more information on enhancing or starting a private practice, call or write:

Lisa Friedman, LCSW (954) 741-1099Lisa Friedman, LCSW
Licensed Psychotherapist
Professional Toolbox Consultant
E-mail: Counseling123@aol.com
Phone: (954) 741-1099
Fax: (954) 585-0177
WebPages: http://www.professionaltoolbox.org/
WebPages: http://www.toolsandskillsforlife.blogspot.com/