November 19, 2023
As a therapist or a mental health professional, building your team can be a game-changer, for you and for the clients you serve. Dr. Taylor Day joined us on the podcast recently to share her experience hiring a team, and her approach embodies so much of what we do here at The Paradigm.
Hiring for a therapy practice is a little different than other industries, and it’s an area of our work that we love expanding (maybe because I’m the daughter of a therapist??) If you’re a therapist dipping a toe in the hiring pool, but you’re concerned about maintaining the integrity of your profession and the uniqueness of your practice while bringing in new people, you’re in the right place.
Why Therapists Need a Team
One of the first things we always tell our clients in the therapy world is this: your patient’s journey is about more than their therapy sessions with you. It’s about their entire experience with your practice. Hiring a team that upholds your communication and customer service standards in crucial touchpoints, like scheduling and billing, will contribute to their overall perception of your practice while allowing you to focus on your clients and patients.
Plus, having replicable, efficient processes is essential for a smooth patient experience. The best way to build these processes is with a team that understands and shares your vision for the future of your business. Leveraging an in-house team and finding the balance between personal care and professional efficiency will help you retain clients and turn them into advocates for your practice.
Start Slow And Small
Dr. Tay shows us why it’s important to slow down and start small when hiring. First, bring on one team member to help you run the practice (thing: client communication, scheduling, billing, etc) and then start thinking about bringing on more clinicians to expand the practice. But as you continue to grow – your hiring decisions should be centered around the client experience.
Will the increased patient load of another therapist overload your customer service capabilities? If so, how will you bolster your team to support that expanded patient list?
Remember: the goal is for your patient list and your team’s capacity to grow hand-in-hand, not just to bring on more clinicians to see more patients.
Building A Culture Of Care and Collaboration
Even in a remote setting, it’s all about making sure everyone feels like they’re part of the team, even if they’re not in the same room. Prioritizing continuing education opportunities and team stability will help keep everyone on the same page. It’s really about making sure everyone feels included, important, and pumped to be part of the team, no matter where they’re logging in from.
What we’re really doing here is creating community around your practice. It’s like setting the stage for your clients, but you’ve got to set it up for your team first. In a world where it’s way too easy to get burned out, especially in the mental health profession, looking after your team’s wellbeing should be a top priority.
Just like Dr. Taylor Day showed us, being ahead of the game and looking out for your team can really make a difference. It’s about tackling problems before they even start, and building systems into your own company culture that support your team’s mental health. This way, not only does your team feel great, but your patients get the best care too!
A Quick Note On Employee vs. Contractor Classifications
Understanding the distinction between employees and contractors in therapy practices is crucial, and this distinction differs a bit from other industries. At Paradigm, we specialize in helping practices navigate these nuances and leveraging the benefits of each classification to build the best possible team for your unique practice.
TLDR: Building a team for your therapy practice is a journey that requires thoughtfulness, strategy, and a deep understanding of both HR dynamics and the unique needs of the mental health field.
At Paradigm, we’re here to guide you through every step of this journey, ensuring that you build a team that meets and exceeds the needs of your practice and your patients. Because we know your practice is more than just a place for therapy; it’s a beacon of hope and healing. And with the right team, you can shine even brighter.
If you’re a therapist interested in learning more about building a team, send us a note here and we’d love to talk about how we can help!
Listen Now!
Links Mentioned:
Contact Dr. Tay: Instagram | Website | LinkedIn
