This is part of an episodic series, The Therapist’s Networking Guide.
To see the previous post in this series, click here.

Donna loves Yorkies.  She has decided that a good way to make new friends is to organize a Yorkie Meetup Group.  That will get her out in the community as well as allow her to meet other Yorkie-lovers.

Donna is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who wants to build her private practice. Is the Yorkie MeetUp Group a good way for her to get clients?”

Definitely YES! Meetup Groups, as well as support groups and other special interest venues can be great ways to network.  At these groups you will find other folks with similar interests who are interested in meeting other people.

It’s here that you can really get to know individuals (and, more importantly, they can get to know you).  As other Halloween-lovers get to know you and run across clients of their own in need of your services, they will likely refer directly to you!

Definitely NO! On the other hand, as a mental health professional, you cannot ethically or legally hang out with the Yorkie Group, exchange dog stories, go have breakfast together, and then see someone from the Yorkie Group (now or later) as a client.  Neither can you see their family member or close friend as a client.

How to do it right? Be clear . . . very clear about what your purpose is when you venture out into the community and maintain the appropriate boundaries that go with that particular role.  Whether it is at church, . . . at a support group meeting, . . . at a fundraiser, . . .or at a formal business networking event, it is very likely that you cannot ethically or legally sit on a board of directors alongside your client.  You cannot go to Bible study with your client.  And, you cannot attend a brunch that is hosted by one of your favorite referral sources if your client is also attending.  

Note that ALL of these situations have come up for me.