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Originally posted by AChiOAlumna
I'll look into this...my only concern is the ongoing cost of placing such an ad...with no income coming in, it's hard to spend money that I don't have...if the cost is minimal, I might be able to budget it in...THANKS!!
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I know this is a scary thought, but sometimes you've got to put a little money out there in order to bring some in. Check out prices on ads and see if you can scratch together any money for one. It will probably pay for itself many times over.
Are you in network with any insurance companies? What types of advertising/referral services do they offer their in network providers? That might be an angle to check out.
I'd definitely check out what winneythepooh said about having something part time to bring income in. There shouldn't be any reason why you couldn't see patients or conduct groups part time somewhere (an inpatient unit perhaps?) or on a contract basis. I've known several MFTs/LCSWs that would take on a small caseload at a psychiatric unit, then have their own practice as well.
Is there a MFT Association that could help you out? Maybe you could network with other MFTs and work out a deal where they refer clients to you that they are unable/unwilling to work with. Unless the market is backwards in Southern California, I'm sure there are large waiting lists and huge caseloads for MFTs. Some of them might be glad to pass on some clients that they just can't get to. I would also market to Deaf population support groups, GLBT support groups and associations, and to medical doctors that might see these patients. If they are coming in for treatment and the doctors notice an issue that needs to be addressed, they can refer them to you (however, I'd make really good friends with the nurses and receptionists as well as the doctors. Usually the docs will tell one of their support staff "Can we find counseling for these people" and the staff are the ones who actually find the counselor).
Good luck with this and keep us posted!!! It's a struggle now, but it will be SO rewarding in the end!!
PsychTau