THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF CANADIAN PRIVATE PRACTICE | EP 65

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In This Episode

• The don’ts 
• The do’s

The don’ts 

• Avoid waitlists:

Once you get busy enough that you have the option of starting a waitlist, that’s great! It shows that you are succeeding within your niche and that your ideal clients are glad to be working with you. 

However, it’s not the best practice for the sake of your clients to put them on a waitlist. 

‘Usually, when somebody’s reaching out they need help right now, and to have to wait for a couple of weeks to a couple of months to see a therapist … may not be helpful for that client.’ – Julia Smith 

• What you can do instead: hire another counsellor into your private practice or clearly state on your website or any social media platform that you are currently not accepting clients and refer inquiring clients to another therapist in your area that you endorse. 

‘I really like the idea of not having a waitlist because it helps to support other therapists. Of course, you are amazing! But there are also other amazing therapists out there, and as a community, we want to support and help each other. So, if you’re full, and you don’t want to start a group private practice, support other awesome therapists and refer clients to them! – Julia Smith 

• Don’t offer free consultations: 

Most other medical and healthcare professionals don’t offer free consultations. You could be exploiting yourself by always offering free consultations for your time, which is valuable. 

‘I have concerns about doing free consultations and [what] a potential client talk[s] about  without signing your consent and practice policy. I’d hate to be doing a free consultation and a potential client says something that I have to report but I haven’t gotten through the process of going through consent with them yet and getting them to sign that form.’ – Julia Smith

• What to do instead: consider sending potential clients a list of links with valuable information when they enquire about a free consultation. These links can include videos where you talk about who you are as a therapist, who you help, your social media pages, your fees, and any other relevant information. 

‘When somebody does book, they automatically get sent an intake form through Jane App, the EMR that I use, and so I can read that intake form before I actually see them.’ – Julia Smith 

Additionally, if you feel that a potential client might not be a great fit for you, you can email them and refer them to another therapist that you think would be best.

• Do not use testimonials: 

In my recent podcast episode about this topic, I discuss why therapists shouldn’t use testimonials and what they can actually do instead that is both ethical and successful.

‘You cannot ask clients, past or present, to write testimonials for you. That is not allowed.’ – Julia Smith  

Due to your therapeutic alliance with clients, you cannot ask them to do something for you that would help you with your business. If you are in a regulated province or you are part of the CCPA, it is simply not allowed or ethical to ask that of your clients.  

• Be wary of connecting your EMR with an external calendar: 

Be careful of where and how you integrate your EMR with an external calendar. Even though it can be helpful, there are concerns when it comes to how information is shared across these platforms. 

‘From my [research] … it seems to be that first and last initials are still identified information. And, even if that was allowed, I don’t know personally how comfortable I feel about sharing my schedule with a third party website or platform.’ – Julia Smith

With Jane App, you have access to an online booking page where no information is shared with a third party, but that link can be accessed through your website by potential clients. 

• Don’t advertise in regulated provinces: 

There’s a more in-depth discussion about this topic in one of my recent podcast episodes, if you’d like a detailed explanation. Consider reading this PDF and article for more information about regulation as well! 

‘Basically, you’re not allowed to advertise in other provinces that are regulated unless you have a license in that province.’ – Julia Smith 

• Don’t allow extra family member names on invoices: 

Some clients might ask for additional family member names to be added to their invoices to expand their insurance claims and payments, but this is not allowed. It is insurance fraud, and it can get you in trouble. 

• Not showing your candidacy: 

You have to put the fact that you are a candidate on your websites and business cards. Even if you practice psychotherapy or you are a Counselling Therapist, you are still a Counselling Therapist Candidate or a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).