What is your off-the-clock strategy for managing your private practice?
- Do you use an answering service?
- Do you remain on call 24/7?
- Do you refuse to speak to clients when you are out of the office?
- Do you trade off with other professionals?
I’m eager to hear what you do to cover your practice and how it works for you.
Oh what a great question! I’m very curious about what YOU do off-hours Tamara. I’m also wondering what the LEGAL requirement is for us therapists in terms of having 24/7 availability. Are we required to have an answering service and/or be on call? Oh dear, sometimes the legal and ethical side of our practice can be a bit overwhelming. I want to make sure I’m clear on all my obligations.
Thank you so much,
Niloofar
Hi, Niloofar! It’s nice to hear back from you!
Over the years, I have done a variety of things to provide coverage for my practice during my absences. I’ve tried to cover my own calls 24 hours / day, 7 days / week. (That can be exhausting and confining.)
I’ve given my clients written information about who / where to call in emergencies i.e. crisis lines, hospitals, etc.
I’ve left similar information on voice mail.
I have used answering services.
And, what has often worked best for both me and my clients, is to ask a trusted colleague to provide phone coverage when I am away.
How ironic! I googled this question and it lead me to your website. How great! Thanks for the info.
Traci Hart
Traci! Thanks so much for dropping in! And, . . . that is the idea here . . . for this to be the place to get your questions answered! Let me know if I can help in some other way!