Figuring out how to get therapy referrals can be frustrating and exhausting for new — and sometimes even experienced — mental health professionals. Yet, it’s a crucial part of the job if you want to build your client roster and grow your practice. 

Successful therapists understand the importance of being proactive when trying to get referrals. They take the time to learn how to increase referrals in private practice settings because they understand the value of doing so.  

While client referrals can come from various sources, using several strategies and tactics will garner the best results. If you’ve been struggling to get therapy referrals or are just looking for a few more tips and tricks, read on. Here, you’ll learn how to get therapy referrals that help you grow your practice.

1. Create a Clear Referral Process

One of the most effective ways to get therapy referrals is to establish an accessible referral process. Make it easy for your clients who want to refer people by ensuring that your referral process is easily accessible and known. 

Tips on how to make referrals easy:

Timing is key: Choose an appropriate time to make the information available about referrals. For example, running into a former client at the grocery store or a restaurant is probably not the best time or place to share that information. Additionally, it’s not a good idea to talk about referrals when you’re in the middle of the session either. 

Show appreciation: Express gratitude for the trust they placed in you while they were on their mental health journey. 

Create referral cards: Provide physical or digital referral cards that include your contact information so it’s easy for clients to pass along your details without you having to ask explicitly. 

Promoting your referral program

To increase awareness about your referral program, you can share details in email newsletters, on your social media profiles, or in the reception area of your office. You might want to create promotional materials, like business cards, brochures, and flyers highlighting the benefits of referring friends and family members. Remember that word-of-mouth marketing is powerful in building trust and credibility.

In any industry, there’s usually a link between the quality of service provided and client referrals. While providing exceptional care should be a top priority, it can also be another positive point in the referral process. 

2. Use Social Media

You can grow your therapist referral network by leveraging the social media platforms you’re active on — like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn — where satisfied clients can leave reviews about their experience working with you. Leveraging social media for therapists can further strengthen your online presence. 

You can encourage clients to post testimonials by sharing links through email newsletters or including calls-to-action (CTAs) in appointment reminders. For example, you could include something like: “If our sessions have been helpful, please consider leaving a review on my Facebook page” — be sure to link to your profile to make it as easy as possible. 

“Clients that are happy with our services will refer other people they know to us, but it may require a little bit of a prompt. I either ask my current clients to review me so that other potential referrals can see their recommendations personally, or I am open about different slots of availability (i.e. my Tuesday afternoons are a little more open than average).”

– Talkspace therapist Meaghan Rice, PsyD, LPC 

3. Network with Other Professionals

One way to get an appropriate referral is to network with other professionals in your specialty and outside of it. You can enhance your therapist referral network by developing relationships with other health professionals, like psychiatrists, social workers, or primary care physicians. Once you establish a relationship and gain their trust, they’ll be more likely and willing to recommend your services to their patients or clients.

Attend conferences and workshops

Conferences and workshops are excellent opportunities to network with like-minded professionals. Attending these events does more than just help you learn about new developments in your field. You’ll also make valuable connections that may result in future client referrals. Not to mention, attending a conference or workshop can be a beneficial way to gain more knowledge in the industry. 

Join professional organizations

Joining expert organizations can be a great way to create valuable contacts that may lead to possible client referrals. Some organizations you can join include: 

American Psychological Association (APA)

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) 

“Because mental health is so heavily dependent on a village of providers, it’s relatively seamless to send referrals to psychiatrists (for clients that need medications) with an open dialogue about clients who can benefit from talk therapy to be sent over to us. The same is true for PCPs, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, personal trainers, nutritionists, and other people in helping professions.”

– Talkspace therapist Meaghan Rice, PsyD, LPC 

5. Get On Insurance Panels

Getting on insurance panels for therapists can significantly increase your therapy referrals. Many people search for therapists through their insurance provider’s directory, making it a practical place for you to list and promote your services. 

Becoming an in-network provider increases your visibility and makes your services more accessible and affordable.

Tips for joining insurance panels

Joining insurance panels can be complex — use these tips to navigate the process:

Research: Start by researching insurance companies. 

Gather documentation: Get all the documentation you’ll need together before applying. This might include things like your licensure, resume, proof of malpractice insurance, and other required forms.

Navigate credentialing process: The credentialing process can vary between insurers — but you’ll typically need to complete an application form with details about your practice and qualifications. Be prepared to provide references from colleagues or supervisors who can vouch for your clinical skills.

Patient billing system: Once approved as a network provider, you’ll need a reliable billing system that complies with the insurer’s requirements (electronic billing is often preferred). This helps streamline claims processing and ensures timely payments.

Feeling overwhelmed? Another option is joining Talkspace — one of the largest online therapy platforms. Becoming a Talkspace provider means you don’t need to go through the complicated process of getting on insurance panels. 

Talkspace partners with various insurers like Cigna and Optum Health, so you can focus on doing what you’re passionate about, providing quality therapy to clients while expanding your referral base.

Join One of the Largest Networks at Talkspace

Expanding your therapy referral network can be easier when you join a well-established platform like Talkspace. As one of the largest online therapy networks, Talkspace connects thousands of clients with licensed mental health providers.  

Talkspace offers numerous benefits for therapists looking to expand their reach:

Increased exposure: Your profile will be visible to people searching for therapists with specific expertise.

Flexible schedule: Talkspace therapists set their hours and can work from anywhere in the U.S. with an Internet connection.  

Ongoing support: The platform provides access to clinical support, peer consultation groups, continuing education opportunities, and resources that help grow your practice further.

Talkspace also handles the dreaded and usually time-consuming billing process, dealing directly with clients’ insurance providers, so you can focus on providing quality care without worrying about as many administrative tasks.