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Therapists are in a weird relationship with technology right now.
Lots of us would like to embrace the innovation that is available!
But the marketing strategies that larger tech companies get to use to make money? Well those strategies are still widely considered to be unethical for solo and small providers.
One tech company pissed off a lot of therapists earlier this year. I won’t publish their name here, but I you can absolutely email me back and I’ll send you every drop of the tea (hint)....
Anyway, this company decided to market it’s peer support network by setting up a “directory” with therapists’ names, specialities, etc. The website implied that you could contact the therapists through the directory.
But here’s the dastardly part: when clients couldn’t book appointments (because many of the therapists in the directly had never even heard of this company) they were redirected to internal “support” hotlines…for a fee.
YUCK.
Therapists pour thousands of hours and our entire souls into helping people face their internal darkness and find the light.
So we obviously shouldn't be treated like our pictures and credentials are just sources of warm leads for someone else.
No one should get to cash in on your face, on the work behind your credentials without your permission.
And beyond the impacts on us, bait-and-switch tactics like this make the experience of getting into therapy SO MUCH HARDER for clients.
How many times have you heard from a client, family, or friend: “I called 10 therapists and no one called me back.”? Too many?
The popular term for this problem is called “Ghost Networks”. You can read more on that in the Presenting Issues section below, if you’d like.
You see, it’s actually very valuable for a brand or insurance company to pack a website with your information and information of your colleagues, even if you are not affiliated with them. That strategy makes them look useful and attractive to people who are paying the premiums.
Creating/Maintaining a ghost network also pacifies the state insurance regulators who expect wide coverage and provider access.
Insurance companies and the tech mental health companies are acting just like you did in grad school.
You know how in Research Methods when you'd hide your phone and sit up straighter to pretend to be on task?
These companies have to “look busy” with lots of providers on their websites, even if they can’t execute the promises implied by showing you SO MANY OPTIONS.
And this is why I tell you to Google yourself.
Dig a few pages deep into your results.
- Check to see if your name is associated with a company you no longer work for.
- Check to see if your name is associated with a directory that has never once sent you a referral,
- Make sure your name doesn't show up on a insurance company website that doesn't contract with you.
Contact any company with fishy information to get yours removed.
And then take an extra 30 seconds and set up a google alert for your name: https://www.google.com/alerts.
You’ll make it easier for clients to find you. The actual, living, breathing you.
Supporter Connect and Learn: October 6th, 7pm Eastern / 4pm Pacific
Only 2 weeks until our next live gathering! October 6th!
We’re going to be talking about how choosing and using the RIGHT trainings.
- Trainings that actually move your career forward.
- Trainings you’ll actually use.
- Trainings that make you so effective at work that your clients rave about you and keep the referrals coming in.
- Trainings that protect you from burnout.
CEs are mandatory. Make them serve you and your goals.
I can’t wait to meet up and look forward to our chat.
This is a LIVE webinar and will be recorded. So if you want the link later you need to join the supporters community now!
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Presenting Issues: Ghost Networks
Curious about what Ghost Networks are, and how your information is used to power them?
You can read more about it here:
'Ghost networks' are harming patients, but attempts to eliminate them have fallen short
Or watch a quick, entertaining, and timeless explainer here:
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Joy Intervention: Lazy Girl Makeup Tutorial
Whether you go full face every day or you’re a minimalist girlie, this is the most entertaining makeup tutorial you’ll see in a while.
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It’s also a reminder that different styles of encouragement work for different people! So don’t be afraid to get to know your client’s sense of humor, then help them laugh once in a while!
Good luck this week!
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