Erin Blakemore of VOCO Creative wrote a great little post suggesting 10 easy ways to nurture those online relationships you are building.

Whether you call it “do unto others,” “cross-promotion,” or “backscratchin,” the results are the same.  Check out her tips and get busy building your private practice with social media!

Then, drop in here and tell us where we can find you and how it’s working for you.

Tags: Relationships, Social Media

A reader,  Kristene Elmore, in Brighton, Colorado wrote in asking,

Can anyone suggest a great billing software to manage a solo private practice?

. . . Does anyone use TheraQuick?

. . . Has anyone customized a general billing software like QuickBooks?”

[Update 01-28-09]    Another reader, Sandy Jardine, in Phoenix, Arizona also wrote in asking for help.

I am a long-time user of Therapist Helper software.  I have just been informed that when I switch to Windows 7 my ancient version of Therapy Helper will be useless.  I need to get new software. I am looking for something SIMPLE.  I have a completely self  pay practice, do no direct billing to insurance, submit no electronic claims and need no scheduler. I provide my clients statements they can submit directly to their insurance for reimbursement.  I also use it for keeping track of my income receivables, client lists, etc.

Can you please recommend what you have found helpful, affordable, simple and windows 7 compatible.”

If you have experience and opinions about billing software, please introduce yourself, tell us what you’ve used (and for how long) and let us benefit from what you know!

Tags: Billing, Software

I put off building my websites for at least five years simply because I didn’t know where to start.  Now that I have two, I thought it might be useful if I shared some of my thoughts to help you get your website started.  There are several things you need to consider before you even talk to a web designer.

Why Do You Want A Website? A good website will not be all things to all people.  Do you want it to build your credibility?  Do you want it to provide information? Is there another reason that you want a website?  Get clear about it and stay focused.

Who Is Your Target Audience? Be specific here because it matters.  The look and feel as well as the content of my counseling website is geared to women with a particular focus on complex trauma.  It’s not necessarily going to be attractive to servicemen or useful to parents of small children.  It’s not very focused on addictions or compulsive sexual behaviors.  Take the time to identify and speak directly to your targeted audience.

Why Will People Take Time To Visit Your Website? Are they looking for relief?  Entertainment?  Information?  Know why they will take time to visit your website and then use that information to meet their needs.

How Will People Find Your Website? Will they be looking for someone like you or will they be looking specifically for you? Your networking will both affect how and be affected by how others find you / your site.

What Are The Measurable Goals For Your Website? After being up for one year?  After five years?

Answering these five questions is critical to developing a good website.  Once you are able to answer them, you are ready to begin the next phase of developing your website.  Let me know when you’re ready and I’ll walk you through the next step!

Tags: Goals, Website

I just discovered a free source for professional development (no CEU’s) at

"Podcast Subscribe" by Derrickkwa

CounselorAudioSource.net .  This website offers free weekly podcasts on topics primarily of clinical interest to counselors.

Additionally, if you would like to expand your resume to include your own podcasts on topics relevant to counselors, you can check out their guidelines and suggestions for contributing here.

Do you know of other free resources for the professional development of counselors and allied health professionals?  If so, please let us know!

Tags: Free, Podcast, Resume

"New Year - Which Direction?" by Randi Hausken

Change Therapy is a free eBook designed to introduce new business development ideas and concepts for the mental health profession.  It is written by my colleague, David P. Diana, a licensed professional counselor and Director of Business Development for a large behavioral health care company.

You can download the book for free at  www.davidpdiana.com.  Enter your name and email in the sign up section on the top right hand side of his website.

Tags: E-book