21 Questions to Ask Yourself as a Therapist When Looking for Clients

This post is about how to get clients for therapy.

Written by a previous trauma therapist, a Licensed Master Social Worker, and current PhD Student learning how to bridge the gap between theology and psychology.

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on purchases (at no extra cost to you).

Are you struggling to learn how to get clients for therapy? Trying to learn how to market yourself in order to understand how to get clients for therapy can be a lot simpler than people anticipate. Today, join me to explore 21 different ways to learn how to get clients for therapy.

How to get Clients for Therapy

Trying to build a case load after deciding to go into private practice can feel scary as you are entering into a new landscape of your career. Luckly, it doesn’t have to be! There are many different avenue one can take to market their practice even if you have ZERO marketing experience!

I personally had to go directly into private practice due to being a military spouse. Lucky, I was able to fill up my case load COMPLETELY on my own in less than 3 months! I don’t believe in gate keeping (as this field has plenty of that already) so I will gladly share some of the tips that helped me fill up quickly.

So, grab yourself a nice cup of coffee and see which ideas you can use to expand your case load!

Getting Out in the Community

There are a lot of local community resources therapist can utilize that often get overlooked. Let’s explore 6 ways you can market yourself within your community.

1. Am I actually talking to people in local Facebook groups?

This first tip is actually one of my greatest assets to filling up my case load. I not only posted in the local town pages, but I also looked at more niche groups as well. For example, I joined the local military group, local therapist/providers groups, mother’s group, local Christian groups, etc. I would also specifically go to the group’s search box and look up key works like (looking for a therapist, anxiety, depression, therapy, etc.) which helped me to comment my information on posts where people were actively searching for a provider.

2. What about the local paper?

It sounds old school, but a well-placed ad in a community newspaper can reach an entirely different demographic that isn’t scrolling online all day. Many therapist who enjoys working with older population have found success in this area. Many local newspapers are also going digital, with many sending these papers directly to people inboxes making it even easier to advertise yourself.

3. Could I do something creative at a local coffee shop?

Have you noticed your local coffee shop having advertising on the sleeve of the coffee cups? Many coffee shops will allow advertising in unique ways! Reach out to your local coffee shop and see what kind of advertising partnerships they have available.

4. Have I connected with the local food banks?

Food banks constantly looking for community resources and sliding-scale providers for the people they serve. Many are even willing to place flyers into food bags with your information if you ask!

5. Am I utilizing the public library?

I have connected with other private pay therapists that have been able to fill up their case load by volunteering at local free events like reading children books at the public library. I have even seen a case where a therapist who only takes on cash pay clients advocate that these free town events like reading books at the public library is the main thing that helped them fill up their case load!

6. Is there a free workshop I could teach around town?

No one likes to work for free! However, hosting a free workshop at the local fire department, ER staff, police station, teachers, etc. is a FANTASTIC way to get connections FAST. These individuals are often carrying a lot of weight serving their community and are looking for a provider or knows someone who is looking. Providing a free educational class about emotional regulation, PTSD, teenage suicide rates, etc. is a great way to not only build trust but a caseload.

Faith-Based Connections

If you offer Christian or biblical counseling, your faith community is one of your absolute BEST assets.

7. Have I introduced myself to local church leaders?

Pastors are often desperate for trusted, licensed professionals to send their congregation to when issues go beyond pastoral care. They cannot do it themselves and many are desperate to find a provider that honors the Christian faith. Schedule a meeting with your local pastors and offer information about your services.

8. Does my own church know I have openings?

The elders within your church or local churches are carrying a lot of emotional weight as well. Don’t just let the pastor know, let the elders know you are providing services as well.

9. Am I talking to local biblical counselors?

There are a lot of division between Biblical Counselors and Licensed Therapist. However, many Biblical Counselors are wanting to connect with local therapist. They understand there are certain things outside of their scope of practice. Creating a mutual relationship by helping each other with referrals can be a fantastic way of finding faith-based clients.

10. Am I listed on faith-specific sites?

Places like Therapy for Christians, Conservative Counselors, or Christian Counselors Network are goldmines if that is your specific niche.

Professional Networking

Other professionals usually hear about a person’s struggles long before that person ever looks for a therapist. Connecting with local agencies can be a great way to get referrals.

11. Do the local doctors know who I am?

Midwives, pediatricians, holistic health folks, and OBGYNs need therapists on speed dial. I personally brought mental health themed cookies with a bunch of business cards and flyers to local agencies which helped create a steady referral source.

12. Have I reached out to bigger private practices?

A lot of group practices have waitlists and love having a solo practitioner they trust to take their overflow. I have seen providers having MONTHS long waitlist desperate to connect with other providers they trust. Connect with local providers in different niches so they can have an additional referral source when they need it.

13. Are the local school counselors in my network?

They see kids struggling every day and almost always need outside referrals for long-term help. Many schools build specific referral networks and will happily place you on their list and may even contact you to work with the students within their school!

14. What about the local fitness community?

Yoga teachers, Pilates instructors, and boot camp coaches talk to their clients about everything. Mental and physical health are deeply connected. Connecting with these individuals can be a great way to build your case load if you are in this niche.

15. Am I active on local provider pages?

Check Facebook for groups made specifically for healthcare workers in your state or county. Many providers are often posting referrals on a daily basis. Posting your information and niche can be a good way to get a steady stream of clients and even a waitlist!

16. Local Mental Health Resources

You are missing out tremendously if you are not connected with local psychiatry offices and local inpatient centers. They are always needing places to refer individuals.

Your Digital Footprint

When someone hears your name, the first thing they will do is look you up. You need to make sure they like what they see!

17. Am I actually posting useful stuff on social media?

Creating a professional business page can be a great way to build trust with people! Many providers are able to build a cash pay practice solely through social media!

18. Are my standard directories updated?

Make sure your profiles on Psychology Today and Open Path have a warm photo and text that sounds like a real person wrote it. I have seen so many individuals say these websites don’t work for them and with a quick look at their profile I can easily say it is their profile, not the platform. Having a professional looking page is ESSENTIAL and people are statistically more likely to click your page.

Feeling overwhelmed by online directories or struggling to connect with the right clients? We want to help you expand your reach so you can focus on what you do best: helping others. Let us audit your digital presence!

19. Did I claim my Google Business profile?

You want to make sure you actually show up when someone types “therapist near me” into Google Maps. Making sure Google knows you exist is essential!

20. Is it obvious who I help?

When someone reads your stuff online, they should immediately know if you are the right fit for their specific problem. Of course, we want to be able to treat it all. However, zeroing in on a specific niche can not only prevent burn out but can help others know if you guys are a good fit for one another.

21. Do I have a professional website that actually works?

Here is the hard truth: when a doctor or a friend recommends you, that potential client is going straight to your website. If you do not have one, or if it looks outdated and is hard to navigate, they will probably click away before ever making a phone call.

Need help with that last question?

Let’s be real. Your time needs to be spent helping your clients, not fighting with website builders, trying to decode SEO, or stressing over web design.

I help mental health providers design and create beautiful, professional websites. I know exactly what it takes to build a digital home for your practice that looks great, builds immediate trust, and makes it incredibly easy for new clients to book a session.

If you are ready for a website that does the heavy lifting for your marketing, and let’s chat about your practice!

Want to create a website on your own?

Closing Thoughts

Whether you are a new therapist or a seasoned provider, I hope you were able to take something from this article. If you are curious about our website design and marketing services we would be happy to connect to give you a FREE consultation! Thank you for all your kindness and support.

Have the best and most blessed day ever!

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Think Like Christ Mental Health

Disclaimer

Educational and Spiritual Support Only: I am not your therapist. The information provided on this blog—including book recommendations, worksheets, biblical insights, coping skills, or any other content on this blog—is for  educational, informational, and spiritual encouragement purposes only. No Professional Relationship Interacting with this content, including leaving comments or sending direct messages, does not create a therapist-client relationship. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Seek Professional Help: Always seek the advice of your physician or a licensed mental health provider regarding any medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you are in a crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.