LinkedIn is the new Instagram. Well, it is for therapists anyway. There is no dearth of mental health professionals online talking about their insights, advice, and experiences online. Not just LinkedIn, therapists are using a variety of platforms to advertise their services and share resources. But why should you do the same? There are so many therapists doing this already.
Having an online presence, even if you aren’t a “social-media-person,” can be really useful as a therapist. You don’t even need to post that much or that often. Knowing your way around social media marketing and harnessing its power can do wonders for your practice, if done appropriately. You can gain new clients, network meaningfully, find new opportunities, and learn more!
Whether its Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, or your website- choose one platform and stick to that. Now within that platform, here are some things you can do:
Create a Professional Presence: You can establish a professional profile on platforms like LinkedIn or create a professional Instagram page. This can be your first introduction to clients and to people willing to collaborate with you. Think of it as a mini-resume.
Post Educational Content: We definitely still need more professionals (with ACTUAL degrees, not online courses) sharing credible mental health content. Share informative and educational content related to mental health. This could include articles, infographics, or videos that provide valuable insights, coping strategies, or general mental health information. You can brush up your writing and research skills and help many people in the process.
Blog or Vlog: Consider starting a blog on your website or a video blog (vlog) on platforms like YouTube. Share your expertise on mental health topics, offer advice, and provide a glimpse into your therapeutic approach. This can be an incredible source of side income too!
Live Q&A Sessions: Host live question-and-answer sessions on platforms that support live streaming, such as Instagram or Facebook. This allows you to directly engage with your audience, answer questions, and provide real-time support.
Collaborate with Other Professionals: You can look into collaborations with mental health professionals or influencers in related fields. Social media can be a way of online networking for mental health professionals. This can expand your reach and introduce your expertise to new audiences. Organise mixers and support groups, or think about podcasting or making content with them.
Provide Downloadable Resources: Have you created self-help guides or worksheets that you want to share? Social media is perfect for that. Sharing such downloadable resources for therapy, whether free or for a cost, establishes you as a valuable resource and encourages audience interaction.
But most importantly, remember to:
Engage Authentically on Social Media: For many people, access to mental healthcare is still far-fetched. Reaching out online might be their only avenue. Try to engage with your audience authentically. Respond to comments and direct messages, fostering a sense of connection. Share personal insights, within professional boundaries, to humanize your online presence.
And, Stay Ethical and Professional: Maintain ethical guidelines and professional boundaries. Avoid sharing overly personal or inaccurate information, and be mindful of the potential impact of your content on vulnerable individuals.
That’s it! Even if you’re not tech-savvy and would rather stay mysterious, we have to acknowledge that social media is changing mental healthcare. It’s changing how people get information, how they choose their therapists, and more. You can use these handy tips while navigating social media. We hope this will make the process easier for you!
At SafeTherapy, we help with personalized marketing services. Get in touch to see what we can do for you!