Written by: Jazmin Burns, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In recent years, the landscape of healthcare and counseling services has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of virtual practices. Dr. Jazmin Burns saw this first-hand and decided to take the leap into launching her own private practice, Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions. Her practice has grown rapidly in less than two years and her team has quadrupled in size!
Establishing a virtual private practice offers numerous advantages, such as increased accessibility for clients and the flexibility to manage your own schedule.
If you're considering taking the plunge into the world of virtual private practice, here are the top five steps to get you started on the path to success
1. Legal and regulatory compliance: Lay the foundation
Before diving into the technical aspects of setting up a virtual practice, it's crucial to ensure that you're in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. This includes obtaining the necessary licenses, understanding the telehealth laws in your jurisdiction, and complying with privacy regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States.
Check with your professional licensing board and local authorities to understand the specific requirements for providing virtual services. It is highly recommended to contact a business attorney within your state when setting up your private practice. This foundational step will not only protect you legally but also instill confidence in your clients that you are operating ethically and responsibly.
2. Choose the right technology: Invest in a secure platform
Selecting the right technology is paramount to the success of your virtual practice. Invest in a secure and user-friendly platform that facilitates seamless communication with clients. Video conferencing tools like Zoom, Doxy.me, or SimplePractice are popular choices among healthcare professionals.
Ensure that the platform complies with relevant privacy and security standards. This includes end-to-end encryption, secure data storage, and features like waiting rooms to control client access. Understanding the technology you choose will not only enhance the client experience but also contribute to the overall professionalism of your practice.
3. Develop a strong online presence: Build your brand
Establishing a strong online presence is key to attracting clients to your virtual practice. Create a professional website that reflects your expertise, credentials, and the services you offer. Include a user-friendly interface, clear contact information, and a secure appointment scheduling system.
Utilize social media platforms, such as Instagram, to promote your practice and engage with potential clients. Consider creating informative content related to mental health or your specific area of expertise to showcase your knowledge and build trust within your community. Remember to post often to help build trust and exposure to your brand.
4. Set clear policies and procedures: Define your practice guidelines
Clearly articulate your policies and procedures to set expectations for both you and your clients. This includes outlining your cancellation policy, fees, and the process for scheduling appointments. Clearly communicate the scope of your services and the limitations of virtual interactions.
Having well-defined policies in place not only ensures a smooth client experience but also helps you manage your practice more efficiently. Consider creating a welcome packet or handbook that clients can refer to for important information about your virtual practice.
5. Market your virtual practice: Reach your target audience
Once your virtual practice is up and running, it's time to market your services to reach your target audience. Utilize both online and offline strategies to maximize your reach. This may include search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your website's visibility, running targeted online ads, and networking with other professionals in your field. Seem like a lot of work? You can hire an SEO company to do this for you! This is a significant investment that frees up your time and energy to focus on expanding your private practice.
Consider offering introductory promotions or discounts for initial sessions to attract new clients. Encourage satisfied clients to provide testimonials that can be featured on your website to build credibility and trust. Remember, mental health professionals have different rules to follow when it comes to testimonials. Check with your state’s licensing board to ensure you are following ethical guidelines for requesting testimonials.
In conclusion, starting a virtual private practice requires careful planning and execution. By following these top five steps – ensuring legal compliance, choosing the right technology, developing a strong online presence, setting clear policies, and effective marketing – you'll be well on your way to building a successful and thriving virtual practice.
Call to action
Want expert coaching advice on how to start your own thriving virtual private practice? Contact Dr. Jazmin Burns here to get started!
Jazmin Burns, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Jazmin Burns is a psychologist and the owner and founder of Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions. She has been working with individuals of all ages with a variety of diagnoses in private practice, as well as clinics, hospitals, and community-based settings. She has a passion for increasing access to care for children, adults, and families. Dr. Burns has been able to help individuals across the country who may not have access to resources and providers in their state. Dr. Burns enjoys empowering individuals to advocate for themselves. In her free time, Dr. Burns enjoys spending time with her family, playing videogames, watching TV/movies, singing, cooking, trying new foods, and traveling.
