Summer can be a challenging time for many therapists. With clients going on vacations, changing routines, and exiting a period of seasonal depression, it's common to experience a drop in appointments— often referred to as the "summer slump." However, this period can be turned into an opportunity for growth for your practice and set you up for success for the rest of the year. Here are some strategies to help therapists handle the summer slump and make the most of this time.
Communicate with Existing Clients: Check-in with your existing clients leading up to the summer months and ask if they plan to continue working with you over the summer. This can give you a better idea of what to expect, plan for finding new clients, or adjust your schedule as necessary.
Flexible Hours: Offer more flexible scheduling options to accommodate clients' summer plans.
Teletherapy: Highlight the availability of teletherapy sessions, which can be a great option for clients who are traveling or prefer not to commute in the summer heat. Ensure that you check with your state licensing board about your ability to provide therapy to clients as they travel.
Continuing Education: Use the downtime to complete continuing education courses. This not only keeps you updated with the latest in your field but also enhances your qualifications - which you can add to your existing marketing efforts.
Specialized Training: Consider gaining new certifications or training in specialized areas that can diversify your practice and attract a broader client base. If you’ve always wanted to hone in on your niche, now is the time to focus on it!
Update Your Website: Refresh your website with new content, testimonials, and updated information about your services. Ensure it is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.
Blogging: Start a blog or update an existing one with articles that address common summer issues such as dealing with vacation anxiety, maintaining routines, or managing stress during family gatherings. As a clinician at Tava, this can be a time to write for our Tava Blog!
Social Media: Increase your activity on social media. Share informative content, engage with followers, and run summer-themed mental health campaigns to boost your engagement.
Webinars: Host online webinars to reach a wider audience. Topics can range from mental health tips for the summer to more specialized subjects relevant to your practice.
Workshops and Group Sessions: Organize workshops or group therapy sessions focused on summer-related mental health topics such as managing stress, coping with body image issues, or improving family communication during vacation.
Local Events: Participate in local health fairs, workshops, or community events. This not only boosts your visibility but also allows you to connect with potential clients and other healthcare professionals.
Check-Ins: Send personalized emails or messages to clients you haven’t seen in a while, reminding them of your services and expressing your availability.
Seasonal Discounts: Offer special summer discounts or packages to encourage clients to continue their sessions during this period.
Personal Growth: Use the extra time to focus on your own well-being. Take a vacation or simply rest. It is stressful to watch the summer season pass with a lower caseload, but most practices do pick back up in the fall and taking a step back to enjoy the time can be refreshing.
Reflect and Plan: Reflect on the past year and plan for the upcoming months. Identify areas for improvement in your practice and set goals for growth.
Email Newsletters: Send out regular newsletters with useful content, updates on your services, and special offers.
Referral Programs: Encourage your current clients to refer friends or family by offering incentives such as a free first session or a discount.
Advertise Locally: Invest in local advertising, whether through online platforms like Google Ads and Facebook or traditional methods like flyers and community bulletin boards.
The summer slump doesn't have to be a period of inactivity for your practice. Turn this season of client turnover, vacationing, and adjustment into a time of growth to take your practice to the level you’ve been working towards.
