Harnessing the Power of Networking as a Therapist

By the time you make it through your graduate program, you've likely established a network. Maintaining this network is important as you build your private practice. Not only that, but it benefits to expand and create new relationships, too. 

Networking is a great way to keep your “referral faucet” flowing. Strengthening your network can help you sleep better knowing that you have people to turn to. In times of uncertainty it can be a reminder that you’re not alone. 

When I started out in private practice as a psychotherapist, I found it to be lonely at times. Yes, being my own boss and working alone was liberating, too. Still, at times it felt very solitary. I started working on networking and meeting others in the industry. I was able to work on my autonomy and practice while still connecting with others. Some of my network contacts even work with me now at my practice in NYC. 

As an experienced therapist, I still work on expanding and strengthening my network. It can bring the same benefits that it does for a new therapist. 

Even if you’ve been a therapist for a while, you’ll want to expand and strengthen your network. Increasing your network can do more than find you new career opportunities. You can also find new interests, grow your expertise, and take your practice to new heights! 

Here are some simple and effective therapist networking ideas you can incorporate. 

Stay in Front of People

If you want to receive referrals from colleagues, you’ll want to be at “top of mind”. You can do this by being in front of them. You'll be fresh in their memory. You can network with professionals from different industries too, to expand your reach. 

There are many networking events, professional development seminars, and webinars you can attend. At these, you'll learn clinical and business skills, while also networking. 

Another idea is to volunteer for leadership roles in local events. You can even speak at a workshop or give community consultations. When people see you and your name, you'll be more likely to come to mind. 

If you shy away from all opportunities, you could be missing out on many rich referral sources. I can think of a lot of times I missed out by neglecting to include local therapists, doctors, experts and organizations with networking. 

You can also actively take part in multidisciplinary professional organizations. This makes you a trusted, go-to therapist for many different providers. 

When people see you and your name, you'll be more likely to come to mind. 

Connect With Your Colleagues Online

There are trustworthy professional websites that help you connect with other therapists. You can find a professional network to focus on. From LGBTQ therapists networks, BIPOC therapists networks, virtual or in-person therapists. There are many niches to explore. Having an online presence means you'll receive inquiries. This is a wonderful place to be when building your professional network.

Psych Today is one of the largest online sites for behavioral science and mental health. As a result, a lot of reputable therapists use the Psych Today website, allowing you to connect with them as well.

LinkedIn is also an excellent professional resource to connect with colleagues. It’s basically the Facebook for professionals. It remains the world’s largest social/professional hybrid network. LinkedIn is for everyone. So, you'll see that members from all different professions. To make it easier, LinkedIn allows you to filter to your preferred industry. This way you can find others to network with. If used well, LinkedIn can be a great source for solid clinical consultations. You can make connections here and also stay ahead of trends in the mental health field. 

Therapist Networking Ideas Besides Facebook and Instagram

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is without a doubt the most well-known social media platform. Meta can be great for connecting with people in general. Yet, it's not the best for building a network as a therapist. 

Companies like Meta (who owns Instagram) own your network. You don't "own" your own professional network. They decide the terms of agreement and can change them at any time, with very little notice. 

For example, one minute the platform can be free. The next, they can decide to charge you a premium to reach your audience. 

Meta or Facebook is a public social media platform. Everyone can see your information on here, including your therapy clients. This is one of the reasons why it's better to avoid networking on here. Even if you're in a private Facebook group, it's possible that your client could have been given access to it. Sometimes the groups are large and administrative oversight becomes loose. Some admins are also more interested in growing their group and might not screen new members as well. 

For this reason, it’s important to choose secure online networking channels. You'll want and appreciate a guarantee of privacy.

Networking for Therapists with Community That Values Kindness and Professionalism

Look into joining communities with trustworthy and well-intentioned therapists, like yourself. It doesn’t have to be a grandiose institute that’s very demanding or expensive. 

You can find trusted and reliable professionals through private communities. The Clarity Cooperative, offers a private, supportive, and nurturing support groups for therapists. 

I along with my colleagues created the Clarity Cooperative. We offer a nationwide digital platform and community forum for therapists. Our goal is to help those who are looking to live a more expansive and joyful life while being in private practice. 

The Cooperative community forum has a feed that allows you to connect with colleagues. You can see who is in your area. The forum also shows specialties, credentials, career stage, alma mater, and more. Our industry-expert vetted resources will help you succeed. We're here for you at every stage of your career.
 

Be Discerning While Building Your Therapist Network

You’re allowed to be discerning when it comes to your network. 

You can only refer clients to certain therapists. This doesn’t make you an unkind therapist — or an unkind colleague. You've probably met some therapists that you wouldn't recommend a close friend to. Then there are others you would feel comfortable referring to. If you know someone's specialty and personality you can decide if they are a good fit for your referrals. 

At the end of the day, you never want to alienate your peers or be too exclusionary. But, you do have the right to be discerning. It’s about striking a balance between being thoughtful and discerning about someone’s abilities. Their professionalism and how well they fit with a potential client is the most important factor.

Practice Gratitude and Acknowledge Referral Sources

Embodying an attitude of gratitude means expressing your appreciation for the abundance that life offers us. 

No matter how small a favor you receive from a colleague, it's important to show gratitude. There are a lot of ways to show your acknowledgement. In the end, a part of successful networking is embodying a spirit of generosity. This means acknowledging others for the referrals they've given you. 

Provide Endorsements To Build Trust and Illustrate Expertise

Mutual endorsements from other professionals and former clients can be very powerful. When you endorse other people, they're more likely to reciprocate. These endorsements show that you're a trusted authority with expertise. 

You'll stand out as someone who is engaging and connected in your network if you show your respect to others. This is what more and more people are looking for in mental health establishments. 

Send a Note Demonstrating Your Thanks

It’s a given that being grateful and showing that you’re thankful can improve the quality of your relationships, especially in the field of mental health where many professionals operate alone. 

Being grateful and showing that you're thankful can improve your relationships. This is especially in the mental health field where a lot of us work alone. Writing thank you emails or letters are a powerful gesture. Your referral sources could include psychiatrists, therapists, and healthcare professionals. Saying thank you with a simple gesture can maintain these relationships and keep the referrals flowing. 

People generally tend to reciprocate gestures. You'll be remembered for yours. Saying “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome” are all highly persuasive and compelling. This can help you build a strong network.

Reinforce Referrals Sources by Showing You Care

For a networking relationship to be successful, it should involve giving and receiving. 

For example, you can ask for referrals from other therapists. You should also be ready to provide referrals for them too.  Find out what areas of expertise others have that you don't. Then you can see if you have any referrals to them within your network. To keep your relationships healthy, reciprocate. 

Reinforcing referrals in this way demonstrates that you’re conscientious and that you care. 

Your validation and appreciation have a powerful impact. 

As a result, others are more likely to return the favor later on. You’ll establish a network of people that support one another.
 

Give Yourself Permission To Take a Break

As energizing as networking can be, it’s also important to know when you need a break.

Socializing and being “on” all the time can be exhausting. 

You’re allowed to take a break from the therapeutic community and from other therapists; it can be helpful to get out of that headspace from time to time. You can’t focus on networking or be the best therapist you can be if you’re feeling tired, depleted, or disoriented. 

If you’re worn out, it will show up in your networking efforts, and other people will notice, making some of your effort self-defeating. 

If you’re distracted or have brain fog, taking a break will help you refocus.

Spending some reflective and restorative time alone to refuel allows you to think about who you are and why you’re doing the work you do. This reprieve can actually help refresh your mind, giving you the opportunity to be more attentive and present in the moment. 

When you take a break, you’re not shrinking responsibility. You’re looking after yourself so that you’ll have the energy to perform at your best.

Balance Your Therapist Networking Efforts

The same goes for working as a therapist. Networking needs to be balanced with self-care and time away from the profession. You can feel sustained and live the full, vibrant life you deserve. 

You’re allowed to find a balance that works for you. Don’t push yourself once you’ve realized that you need a break.

Self Assessment

For some, networking comes more naturally than for others. In reality, networking presents a challenge for many therapists. It can feel like you're trying too hard to sell yourself. If you're like me you might worry about being pushy. By self-promoting, I thought I would be putting myself in a bad light. It can be difficult to network. If you do it in alignment with your authentic style, it'll be more manageable. 

If you aren’t compelled to start on your networking efforts, you can ask yourself to reflect. Why are you feeling hesitation?

Are you feeling burned out? 

Are you feeling disillusioned by the field or by the work? 

Are you afraid of judgement? 

Are you being judgmental of others? 

Your curiosity and the answers you receive can provide you with profound insight.

Build Your Therapist Network With People Who Can Relate

If the thought of networking seems like too much, you can ease into it. Find people that you easily relate to and understand your work. It'll feel like a more natural conversation. 

Few people understand what it’s like to be a therapist. Professionals in our field can sometimes endure a lot of criticism or judgment. 

People can be fascinated and almost voyeuristic when they learn you're a therapist. It's not uncommon to feel uncomfortable because of this. Those that understand what if feels like to be a therapist and sit with clients might make you more comfortable. 

Diversify Your Network To Refresh and Reset

On the flip side, it's also good to be around those that aren't therapists. Do you spend all your time with your therapist friends and colleagues? 

Having a diverse group of people in your network can help give you a break from therapy talk all the time. You'll want to surround yourself with positive and minimize joyless and toxic energy. Networking with those that aren't therapists can give you a refreshing reprieve. You can build connections with people who aren't so deeply connected to their work. They can give you a fresh set of ideas, experiences and perspectives to the table. 

In the end, it’s all about balance.

Surround Yourself With Affirmation, Not Criticism

The bottom line is to focus on building your network with people who are caring, validating, and affirming. Build a network and a community that is balanced. You'll want some experts you can trust, people who can give you support, and those you can support in return. They'll want to help you thrive and move forward.

Networking for Therapists with an Online Community

In a highly demanding field and growing competitive industry, networking is a vital tool for therapists. We need to continue nurturing connections and creating new ones.  

The fruits of your labor and the advantages of networking might not always be obvious right away. Trust that as your network grows, the possibility that you will eventually benefit from your connections — whether directly or indirectly — increases. The most fruitful networking connections are those that are mutually beneficial to both you and to those around you.

To that end, I invite you to join a caring community where people support one another. With a solid network at your fingertips, you can make a positive impact in the world. Check out our Cooperative, where we strive to be one of the most reliable and supportive referral sources for therapists. We offer a nationwide community where you can make new contacts, obtain vetted recommendations, and find answers to many of your questions about running a private practice.

Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps.