Episode Details

In this Best Of Telehealth episode, we feature four previous guests who know about running a successful virtual private practice. You will hear from Clay Cockrell, Jonathan Van Viegen, Jeremy Zug, and Danielle Blessing Taylor. The four speak about various topics like the importance of having a website and how to work with clients internationally. Plus, they give tips and tricks on making your virtual private practice run smoothly. As COVID is still among us, now is the time to think about how we will continue to serve clients virtually.

Meet Clay Cockrell

Clay Cockrell, LCSW is a therapist based in New York City and is the founder of several counseling oriented endeavors. Most recently he is the founder of Onlinecounselling.com – a listing directory with the mission of helping clients all over the world to find the therapist or life coach that will best meet their needs. The site also works through their educational resources and podcasts to help counselors work online in an ethical, responsible, and legal manner. A majority of proceeds from the site are donated to non-profit arts. Clay started his career as the creator of Walk and Talk Therapy (www.walkandtalk.com).

Where Are You Licensed?

The first question therapists will have licensure. Who can you work with? Back in the day, there weren't a lot of regulations. People will think if you're sitting in New York, then the therapy is happening in New York. However, that's not how it works. The only thing that matters is where your client is sitting. Is your client sitting in Nebraska? Then that's where you need to be licensed.

Can You Work With Clients Internationally?

There is a caveat. What about people outside of the United States? There is a massive mental health need all over the world. It would be best if you did some investigation on this. Think about your ethics and the different regulations around the globe. With the exception of Canada, no countries regulate virtual therapy. Clay says that he has clients all over the world. It's a personal choice. Clay has the ability to work with people who need his services; therefore, he works internationally.

You Need a Website and Advertising

Your private practice needs a website. On that website, you will need to explain that you provide this service. Make sure it's on your homepage. Plus, make sure you have another page about online therapy. On this page, make sure you describe the benefits of online therapy. Advertising is also essential. You can have your ad only show in a specific area. That way, people who are looking for you will find you. Find out where your target audience is and advertise to them. This is where the importance of having a niche comes in. Make sure you know who your ideal client is!

Meet Jonathan Van Viegen

Husband, Father of 2, Marriage and Family Therapist, Entrepreneur, and Coach, Jonathan Van Viegen, MA, MFT, CCC is the Founder and CEO of the Online Therapist Academy.

Jonathan helps therapists all over the world attract new clients and build thriving online practices so they can do more of what they love to do while serving their clients with passion, integrity, and authenticity. Jonathan built a successful therapy practice in Canada before selling it all to travel full-time with my family. After transforming his struggling online practice into a 6-figure business, he decided to help other therapists do the same. His therapy website is: https://jonathanvanviegen.com/ The Do's of Online Therapy

• DO your research. Make sure you have the proper licenses to practice.
• DO have a goal in mind. You can be both a coach and a therapist if that's your plan!
• DO protect your license. Make sure you operate under the necessary authority.
• DO take