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How do you get referrals from other doctors or peers as a LCP/counselor/art therapist ?

Hello! This is a follow up question, but for background I am enrolling in a Maters program that will allow me to graduate with credentials to be certified as an LCP with a focus in art therapy. I would love to one day open private practice as well to offer art therapy.

I’m curious how you establish and maintain referrals from other doctors or contacts who will suggest your practice to clients. Specifically, how are these connections made? What does this partnership entail? Why would others be incentivized to recommend your practice? What are they getting out of it?

Thank you in advance for any guidance! I really hope to understand this amazing career!

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Michelle’s Answer

Hi, Maddie !

Your plans are wonderful and you have chosen a very marvelous future career ! The role of a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor- an LCPC - is very important and a sure benefit to any community !

You can get an early start with future referrals by learning your community now. Keep a file of all the social and community services, hospitals, shelters, transitional housing programs, re-entry programs, outpatient and inpatient substance addiction programs, schools and any other places in your community that provide services for mental health. Update the list when new services come about and edit out ones that close. Keeping your resource list updated will be important because you'll have six years of college and things change in six years. Sometimes these services even change their name.

Your target population most likely will be people who are not yet receiving the same services that you offer. You'll only know about this or see it after you are Licensed and ready to practice. You can be assured that you'll have patients so do not worry.

Most of the time, mental health patients actually choose a service that is easy for them to get to. Be aware of the transportation system in connection to where you open your practice.

You will be networking heavily for this career, so establishing a rapport with medical and psychiatric professionals and others is not going to be an issue. Throughout your academic time, you will be attending conferences, community mental health events, consortiums, panel discussions, meetings, trainings, etc., etc.. This will open up the opportunity for people to remember you and possibly an internship or volunteer work during the course of your studies and in your Masters Program. These contacts only have the good will of the patient in mind and would refer people to you because your services can assist the patient. Part of their job is to make sound referrals for new or additional services. When discharging a mental health patient, a complete plan report must be documented for continued services somewhere else. There's really no "incentive", it's part of the job.

It'll depend on you what your connections entail. When I was a social service Case Manager involved with mental health clients, some of the people who were professional contacts became friends of mine. Even if you do the same services, sometimes you'll get referrals because that person doesn't have anymore room in their program. Some contacts will be strictly business and remember you when one of their patients or clients needs the services you provide, especially if you have an opening for a new patient. It just sort of works out.

About Art Therapy, that would be a desirable service to offer, however, you must explore further how mental health professionals utilize art therapy. Art Therapy as done by the mental health field is psychotherapeutic. People specialize in it and I am sure in your undergraduate and post grad course of study, you can take courses in it. Try not to confuse it with people doing art because it's relaxing, that's more on the lines of art being a hobby or even being a professional artist. Look into what will qualify you and any certifications you may need in your state to offer this as a therapeutic technique. Some patients do just have the talent and like to do art for creative reasons, so you can have an event like an art show at your office of art creative patients have made. When I was a case manager, I went to one at a Mental Health Adult Day Program that my clients attended and it was great. Clarify the difference between it being therapy and it being a creative venture. There's a lot of information about the use of Art Therapy online and in books.

I hope this helps a bit and I wish you all the best. You will be contributing greatly throughout college and after graduation, too !
Thank you comment icon Michelle, this is such a wonderful answer, thank you for your clarity and advice, esp regarding making a list of relevant mental health businesses! Maddie
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome, Maddie ! Michelle M.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Maddie!

Establishing and Maintaining Referrals as an LCP/Counselor/Art Therapist

1. Understanding the Importance of Referrals

Referrals are crucial for building a successful private practice, especially in fields like counseling and art therapy. They not only help you gain clients but also establish your credibility within the professional community. When other healthcare providers refer clients to you, it signifies trust in your skills and expertise.

2. Building Professional Relationships

To establish connections with other doctors or peers, consider the following steps:

Networking: Attend local and regional mental health conferences, workshops, and seminars. These events provide opportunities to meet other professionals in your field.

Join Professional Organizations: Becoming a member of organizations such as the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) or state-level counseling associations can help you connect with other professionals.

Collaborative Work: Engage in collaborative projects or community outreach programs that involve multiple disciplines. This could include workshops that combine art therapy with other therapeutic practices.

3. Creating a Referral System

Once you have established relationships, creating a structured referral system is essential:

Informational Materials: Provide brochures or business cards that detail your services, specialties, and how to refer clients to you. Make sure these materials are easily accessible.

Regular Communication: Keep in touch with referring professionals through newsletters or updates about your practice. This keeps them informed about any new services or changes in your practice.

Feedback Loop: After receiving referrals, follow up with the referring party to provide feedback on the client’s progress (with appropriate consent). This demonstrates professionalism and encourages future referrals.

4. Incentives for Referring Professionals

Understanding what motivates others to refer clients to your practice is key:

Mutual Benefit: Establishing a reciprocal referral relationship can be beneficial for both parties. If you refer clients back to their practice when appropriate, it creates a mutually supportive network.

Specialization Recognition: If you have a unique specialization (e.g., art therapy), professionals may refer clients who would benefit from that specific approach rather than general counseling services.

Quality of Care Assurance: By providing high-quality care and positive outcomes for referred clients, you build trust among referring professionals who want their clients to receive the best possible treatment.

5. Maintaining Relationships Over Time

Maintaining these professional relationships is just as important as establishing them:

Regular Check-ins: Schedule periodic meetings or casual check-ins with referring professionals to discuss mutual interests and updates on each other’s practices.

Professional Development Opportunities: Offer workshops or training sessions where you can share knowledge about art therapy with other professionals. This positions you as an expert while fostering collaboration.

Express Gratitude: Always thank those who refer clients to you; this can be done through handwritten notes or small tokens of appreciation during holidays or special occasions.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll create a robust network of referrals that can support your private practice as an LCP specializing in art therapy.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

American Art Therapy Association (AATA) - A leading organization dedicated to promoting the profession of art therapy through education, research, and advocacy. Their resources provide insights into networking and professional development within the field.

National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) - An authoritative body that offers certification for counselors across various specialties. Their guidelines on ethical practices emphasize the importance of referrals and maintaining professional relationships.

American Counseling Association (ACA) - A prominent organization representing counselors across various disciplines. They offer resources on best practices for building referral networks and maintaining professional relationships within mental health fields.

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|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
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Thank you comment icon Thank you, James Constantine! Maddie
Thank you comment icon That Is Great To Be Able To Help With Advice Maddie! Career Village Is Brilliant! James Constantine Frangos
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Racheal’s Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
As for myself, I have a contract position 1099 where administrative work for marketing and support of paperwork is provided and I received a compensation of pay of a flat fee per client. There are many 1099 positions so no worry about that.
If you go into private practice you will do all the leg work regarding credentialing, insurance, marketing and documentation that is time consuming, in my opinion. I am not interested in full-time counseling, as I am trained to teach, consult and do research and I like this option for myself as it adds diversity to my portfolio. Be sure to ask these questions to your school as you are paying for the service to receive this help in your specific state and city.
Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Hi Racheal! This is so interesting, thank you for your perspective of being a 1099. I will bring this up at school, but curious how you became trained to do research as well! That sounds so interesting! Maddie
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Dr’s Answer

Hi Maddie! You’re diving into a fascinating field, and I’m excited to help you navigate the world of referrals as you build your LCP and art therapy practice. Let’s break down your questions with some humor (cause hey it's Dr. H) and solid advice!

1. How are these connections made?

Networking like a pro: The first step is building relationships with other healthcare providers. Start by introducing yourself to local therapists, psychologists, doctors, and even school counselors. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars. The more you get out there, the more connections you’ll make. You might even consider hosting a fun little "meet and greet" or offer a free workshop on the power of art therapy (bonus: this could be your “secret weapon” to get people talking about you).

Be the helpful friend: Offer to collaborate on cases where art therapy can complement their work. Imagine a psychologist who specializes in trauma, but their clients could benefit from creative expression—bam, you’re there! Show up as someone who helps them, not just someone asking for referrals. Trust me, they’ll remember you.

Leverage online presence: Having a website, LinkedIn, or even an Instagram account where you share insights on art therapy can give potential referrers a taste of your expertise. People will want to recommend you when they see you’re not just a therapist; you’re an art therapy expert!


2. What does this partnership entail?

Collaboration, not competition: Your job is to provide a service that complements their practice, not compete with it. Your partnerships should focus on mutual respect, shared goals, and improving patient outcomes. For example, a psychiatrist may refer patients who could benefit from a creative outlet. Your role is to work with them to ensure the best care for the client.

Clear communication: Make sure you’re keeping them in the loop (within privacy boundaries). Periodically send updates on the client’s progress so they know you’re taking good care of their referrals. Don’t be a ghost—show them that you’re a reliable partner.

Be a resource: Think of yourself as the fun, artsy therapist who can offer fresh tools for their clients. Provide occasional tips, share new art therapy research, or host a collaborative workshop with them. Show that you’re more than just a provider; you’re a valuable resource to their practice.


3. Why would others be incentivized to recommend your practice?

Trust in your expertise: Doctors or therapists won’t recommend you unless they trust your skills. This means continuously developing your craft, keeping up with the latest in both mental health and art therapy practices. When people see that you’re an expert in your niche, they’ll want to send clients your way.

A holistic treatment option: Not every issue can be fixed with talk therapy alone. Sometimes clients need creative expression to help process emotions or trauma. By referring clients to you, doctors and therapists provide a holistic approach, which is a huge incentive. You’re offering a solution to something they can’t do, and that’s valuable!

Enhancing their practice: Referral sources may see that by partnering with you, they’re adding value to their practice, creating more well-rounded care, and improving outcomes for their clients. Plus, working with a trusted partner means they don’t have to handle every issue themselves—this makes them look like an expert too!


4. What are they getting out of it?

Better care for their clients: By referring clients to you, they’re ensuring that their clients get specialized help they can’t provide. You’re providing a needed service, and that’s what they’ll ultimately get out of it—the satisfaction of knowing their clients are getting the best care possible.

Building their professional network: Referring clients to you can also boost their own reputation. They look like a well-connected, thoughtful professional who is willing to go the extra mile for their clients.

Stronger collaborations and referrals: If you’re able to give them a positive client update or even refer clients to them (hey, it’s a two-way street!), it can lead to a mutually beneficial ongoing relationship. They might be more inclined to send more people your way!


Tips, Skills & Suggestions:

Develop your niche: You’re specializing in art therapy, so make sure people know exactly what that entails. Highlight your specific skill set and how it can benefit their clients. If you specialize in trauma, anxiety, or children’s therapy through art, make sure you’re vocal about it.

Follow up and say thanks: After receiving a referral, always follow up with a thank you note or a small gesture of appreciation. It’s professional, and it makes you memorable. (Also, who doesn’t love a handwritten note or small coffee gift card?)

Stay active in your community: Volunteer, offer free seminars, or start a local support group for mental health professionals where you can introduce your art therapy approach. It’s about making yourself known in your community.

Learn to love business cards: The more you can hand out your cards (or better yet, create a killer online portfolio) to everyone in your network, the more opportunities will come your way.


And lastly, remember to have fun! If you can’t get excited about art therapy and the chance to help others through creativity, it’s hard to expect others to get excited too. Bring your passion into everything you do, and you’ll attract the right people to refer to you.

Good luck, Maddie! You’ve got this—and trust me, your creative energy will make a HUGE difference in the world of therapy. Go and shine!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for breaking it all down and taking the time to elaborate! This is wonderful information! Love the idea of following up with a thank you note and giving seminars or workshops to spread the word! Thanks so much! Maddie
Thank you comment icon You’re so welcome, Maddie! I’m really glad the information helped and that you’re feeling inspired! The thank you note is such a nice touch, and I love that you're thinking about sharing your knowledge through seminars or workshops—what a great way to spread the word! Keep that positive energy going, and feel free to reach out anytime you need a little extra encouragement or advice! You’ve got this! Dr H
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Maddie,

First of all, congratulations once again for pursuing a master’s program and working toward becoming an LPC with a focus on art therapy! Your vision of opening a private practice and offering art therapy is inspiring, and you’re asking the right questions about building professional connections and generating referrals. Here’s how to establish and maintain referrals effectively:

1. How Are These Connections Made?
Building a referral network involves developing relationships with doctors, therapists, social workers, schools, and community organizations. Here’s how you can start:
- Networking Events: Attend local professional meetups, mental health conferences, or workshops. This is a great way to meet other professionals.
- Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of associations like the American Counseling Association (ACA) or the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). They often have referral directories and networking opportunities.
- Reach Out Directly: Introduce yourself to local healthcare providers, psychiatrists, and schools through emails, phone calls, or by visiting their offices. Bring a clear and professional business card or brochure explaining your services.
- Collaborate: Volunteer for community mental health programs, partner with local schools or hospitals, or offer workshops to showcase your expertise in art therapy.

2. What Does This Partnership Entail?
A referral relationship is a professional collaboration where both parties aim to provide the best care for their clients. It usually involves:
- Clear Communication: Keep referring professionals updated (with client consent) on their progress or outcomes. This shows your reliability and helps them trust you.
- Trust and Reputation: Consistently provide excellent care to your clients. Word-of-mouth and positive experiences can help solidify these relationships.
- Reciprocity: While it’s not required, referring clients to them when appropriate can strengthen the partnership.

3. Why Would Others Recommend Your Practice?
Professionals recommend your services because:
- You Fill a Niche: Art therapy offers a unique approach that complements traditional counseling methods.
- Specialized Expertise: If you establish yourself as an expert in art therapy or a particular demographic (e.g., children, trauma survivors), they’ll trust you for cases requiring your skill set.
- Trustworthiness: When you demonstrate professionalism, ethical practice, and great results, they’ll feel confident referring clients to you.

4. What Are They Getting Out of It?
- Better Client Outcomes: Their priority is the well-being of their clients. Referring to someone they trust (like you) ensures clients receive the appropriate care.
- Reciprocity: Over time, they may also benefit from referrals from you, creating a mutually supportive professional relationship.
- Reputation: Referring to high-quality specialists enhances their standing with clients, as they’re seen as well-connected and resourceful.

Tips for Maintaining These Connections
- Build Relationships, Not Transactions: Regularly check in with your referral sources. A quick thank-you email, an occasional coffee meeting, or sharing a resource can go a long way.
- Host Workshops: Offer seminars or training for healthcare providers on how art therapy can benefit their clients.
- Track Referrals: Keep a system to track referrals and follow up appropriately, showing your commitment to collaboration.

Starting and growing your referral network takes time, but your dedication to helping clients through art therapy will set you apart. Keep building your expertise, staying connected, and showcasing the unique benefits of your approach, and the referrals will come!

Best of luck on your journey, Maddie—you’ve got this! 😊
Thank you comment icon Chinyere, I am so appreciative of you following up with a reply to this question! Thank you so much! This is amazing information and I can’t tell you how helpful this is! Maddie
Thank you comment icon You're welcome! Glad I could help. Chinyere Okafor
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