Considering adding telepractice to your private practice?
Here's what you need to know
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You got into private practice (or you're thinking of going into private practice) because you want to help more people.
I get it - I'm a helper too. The trick is figuring out how to help more people in a way that works for you and your clients. Everyone has a different take on telepractice. Some are very interested and can't wait to start. Others are hesitant to try it out due to worries about efficacy, treatment planning and the sheer newness of this service delivery model. |
With anything new, it's important to tackle hesitations and obstacles with information and action. Telepractice is simply another way to provide high-quality therapy to clients who desperately need it.
The technology is easier than you think
Technology is changing, becoming more accessible and affordable for clinicians and clients.
Most computers and laptops come standard with built in webcams. Smart phones / tablets have video chatting capabilities using Facetime and Skype. Everyday, more and more people are getting regular and affordable access to Wi-Fi.
If you have an Internet connection, a computer / tablet, a private area and a willing client, you can add telepractice to your private practice offerings.
Most computers and laptops come standard with built in webcams. Smart phones / tablets have video chatting capabilities using Facetime and Skype. Everyday, more and more people are getting regular and affordable access to Wi-Fi.
If you have an Internet connection, a computer / tablet, a private area and a willing client, you can add telepractice to your private practice offerings.
Adding telepractice broadens your client population and earning potential
There are some clients who want the convenience, privacy and consistency that telepractice offers.
There are plenty of busy parents who long for the convenience of having one less trip in the car after school or the ability for their child to have two short sessions per week vs. one longer one. Other populations that might benefit from privacy that telepractice allows. Take for example, accent modification or transgender voice clients. They may prefer more discrete services in the comfort of their own homes. Let's not forget the millions of Americans who live in rural areas and can't easily access the services they need locally.
By adding telepractice to your private practice, you can serve more clients during times that work for you both. Any time you add additional offerings or options to your list of services, your earning potential expands.
There are plenty of busy parents who long for the convenience of having one less trip in the car after school or the ability for their child to have two short sessions per week vs. one longer one. Other populations that might benefit from privacy that telepractice allows. Take for example, accent modification or transgender voice clients. They may prefer more discrete services in the comfort of their own homes. Let's not forget the millions of Americans who live in rural areas and can't easily access the services they need locally.
By adding telepractice to your private practice, you can serve more clients during times that work for you both. Any time you add additional offerings or options to your list of services, your earning potential expands.
Telepractice is extremely flexible
We all desire more flexibility in our lives. The ability to provide therapy services during a time that works best for you is a major draw for most private practitioners.
If you're trying to work your private practice visits around kids, aging parents, other obligations (including your "regular job"), offering telepractice sessions can offer the flexibility you need to treat clients during times that are convenient.
Don't underestimate the convenience to your clients as well! Parents of children who need therapy appreciate the convenience of not having to drive (and then sit around and wait) at another appointment. Adult clients may be reluctant to drive to you, especially if parking is an issue.
The bottom line: telepractice is convenient for everyone!
If you're trying to work your private practice visits around kids, aging parents, other obligations (including your "regular job"), offering telepractice sessions can offer the flexibility you need to treat clients during times that are convenient.
Don't underestimate the convenience to your clients as well! Parents of children who need therapy appreciate the convenience of not having to drive (and then sit around and wait) at another appointment. Adult clients may be reluctant to drive to you, especially if parking is an issue.
The bottom line: telepractice is convenient for everyone!
There are clients looking for telepractitioners
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After worries about technology, clinicians are nervous about finding enough telepractice clients.
It's true, the types of clients seeking out telepractice services are a different subset of clients searching for "traditional" services. As awareness of telepractice as an efficacious and convenient option for therapy grows, so will the market for digitally delivered services. In the meantime, like all marketing, you have to:
One of the easiest ways to get started is by working with clients whom you already know. For example, if you or a client moves away, you can continue the therapeutic relationship using telepractice. Another option is to adding an additional session(s) to your week by seeing them once in person and once online. In order to market your telepractice private practice to new clients and referral sources, using traditional marketing techniques such as establishing referral relationships with physicians / allied health professionals / educators / etc., utilizing direct mail, local marketing and Internet marketing strategies will help you find clients to treat. |
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Yes - there are rules, regulations and best practice - all of which Bill Connors is an expert on!
Telepractice is an emerging service delivery model and with that, comes changing rules / regulations and confusion about policies and procedures.
For example, if you're a speech-language pathologist, ASHA requires that you hold a professional license in both the state where YOU reside as well as the state where the client is present.
Another important regulation has to do with HIPAA compliance. Any video chatting or conferencing system you use must be encrypted and HIPAA compliant. You may be surprised to learn that Facetime IS HIPAA compliant but Skype isn't.
Although I have used telepractice in my own private practice, I don't consider myself an expert. I happen to know one though :-)
For example, if you're a speech-language pathologist, ASHA requires that you hold a professional license in both the state where YOU reside as well as the state where the client is present.
Another important regulation has to do with HIPAA compliance. Any video chatting or conferencing system you use must be encrypted and HIPAA compliant. You may be surprised to learn that Facetime IS HIPAA compliant but Skype isn't.
Although I have used telepractice in my own private practice, I don't consider myself an expert. I happen to know one though :-)
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Meet Bill Connors
Bill Connors, MA, CCC-SLP, with over forty years experience, he specializes in combining technology, neuroscience and learning theory with current evidence and research to advance the treatment of aphasia and related disorders. He founded The Pittsburgh Aphasia Treatment, Research and Education Center in 1999 that offered intensive aphasia treatment. In 2005, he left his position at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to create aphasiatoolbox.com. Connors is a clinical instructor for the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and has assisted on numerous research studies in the assessment and treatment of aphasia and related disorders. |
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He is a state representative and member of the Multicultural Task Force for the National Aphasia Association and a member of the Advisory Board at speechpathology.com
In 2015, Connors started the Telepractice Certification Community to help clinicians learn the ins and outs of telepractice. When you sign up to become certified, you'll get access to:
To learn more about the telepractice certification process, click here.
In 2015, Connors started the Telepractice Certification Community to help clinicians learn the ins and outs of telepractice. When you sign up to become certified, you'll get access to:
- telepractice training and informative videos
- ongoing support (including a private Facebook page)
- weekly online Q & A sessions with telepractice issues covering issues such as: troubleshooting, marketing ideas, marketing ideas, practical tips, peer interaction and more
- consultation for program development.
To learn more about the telepractice certification process, click here.
