Many RSWs and other allied health care providers find referrals from medical professionals an important source of new clients. The challenge is that cultivating referral sources can be time consuming. Before you dive into making connections and asking for referrals, consider the following:

  • Cast a wide net in your community

Depending on your specialty, connect with spiritual leaders, family physicians, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, social and human services providers, guidance counsellors, community centers, lawyers, child care providers. Think about whom to contact, where to meet them and how to meet more than one at the same time, then make a plan.

  • Design, develop, re-use

It can be time consuming to develop introductory and promotional materials. Ensure that everything you use can be recycled for the next contact.  . Develop templates and other resources you can pick up later and use again.

  • Referrals to other mental health care providers

RSWs and other mental health care providers in private practice are technically in competition for clients. Examine your competitors and identify those who may be open to collaboration. For example, you may consider connecting with mental health providers who offer similar but not entirely competing services like psychiatrists and RSWs with other specializations.  Once you have established trust, you can begin mutually beneficial cross-referral relationship. Clients will appreciate your willingness to refer them to a service provider who is best suited to meet their needs.

  • Collaborate

Joint ventures with complementary and non-competitive businesses work together in a synergistic way by educating clients on the benefits of the participating businesses. Analyze your community and identify those that may apply to your private practice.  For example, if you offer divorce recovery services, connect with local divorce attorneys.

  • Help referral sources find the right provider

When you help your referral sources make more effective referral decisions, you make mental health services more accessible to your community. Consider developing a mental health practitioner referral guide that help your sources select the best suited provider from those available: psychologist, social worker, psychiatrist, occupational therapists, psychotherapist, community mediation, crisis intervention specialist. Include information like average wait times, fees, etc.  And added benefit of producing a guide such as this is that, in conducting your research, you expose yourself to prospective collaborators. (Read more in RSWs and related professions)

 

Business cards

You never know when you might meet a potential referral source. You could be running errands, picking someone up at the airport, or walking your dog, so be prepared!  Carry a handful of business cards or brochures about your practice with you wherever you go.

 

Helpful Links: 

International

Redefining Private Practice – Smart Ideas for a Changing Economy