Although the industry’s embrace of TeleHealth precedes the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no denying that – since 2020 – more and more therapists are offering remote therapy services.
I know many therapists, including close colleagues, that have switched to 100% remote, working entirely out of their homes. I think it’s amazing what TeleHealth has been able to do. When I see clients in my practice, I see them both in person and remotely, because I like the idea of offering both as some clearly benefit from in person, while remote therapy opens the door to seeing clients from any state in which you’re licensed.
But I’m also seeing many therapists that offer 100% in person services, choose to forgo remote altogether. I would argue that there might be a good reason to offer remote therapy, even if your preference is in person, and I would suggest that remote therapy be at least a consideration as you decide what you need to do to grow your practice.
Why Remote Therapy?
I think it’s great for therapists to focus primarily on in person, especially as so many others switch to remote. In person has a lot of value, many clients prefer it, and the more therapists focus on remote therapy the more there will be a market for those that are still offering in person treatments.
With that in mind, you may still want to *offer* remote therapy/TeleHealth services, even if it’s not your focus or your preference. Consider the following:
- Accessibility – If you think about why remote therapy boomed during the pandemic, it is because it was quite literally dangerous for people to have in-person services. The thing is that it still can be for many people. Those that are immunocompromised are at just as much risk now as they were back then, even with vaccines, and remote therapy ensures they still have access. Similarly, accessibility has always been a challenge for those in remote areas, those with physical disabilities, those at risk, and more. Remote offers accessibility to those populations.
- Wider Reach – You can still market yourself in a smaller area, but the wider your reach, the more likely you are to find clients. You’re reading this on our site specifically because you’re looking to grow, and if you’re looking to grow, there is no reason to *limit* who you can treat even if it is not your focus. If you’re contacted by someone 300 miles away in the same state, it is best if you can say yes.
- Privacy, Discretion, Comfort, and Time – Therapists make more money when they are able to accept cash clients (clients that pay in cash rather than use insurance). But many cash clients are short on time, or uncomfortable with others knowing that they’re seeing a therapist, or prioritizing their privacy (as in the case of celebrities). These situations may require remote therapy, and thus your profit comes from allowing yourself to accept these clients.
Accessibility, however, is the key here. We know how many populations are vulnerable, and may not be able to see a therapist in person for safety reasons or physical limitations. You want to make sure that you can make yourself available to these individuals, and that is only possible when you’re opening the door to remote therapy should the situation arise.
From a marketing standpoint, you can still focus on in person. But it’s still a good idea to at least have remote therapy available so that, in situations that warrant it, you can be there for those that need it most.