Social Media and Your Private Practice

As we continue to develop new ways to communicate and share our experiences as therapists, there are more opportunities to reduce mental health stigma and connect with ideal clients. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram could be exactly what you need to get your message out to the world, and now’s your time to share it. So, how do you get your voice out on social media while following ethical guidelines? Today, we’re going over some social media tips for therapists, including ethical social media use!

Social Media Tips for Therapists

It’s important to step back and recognize that social media — or any one thing — doesn’t have to make or break your practice. If you’re going to use those kinds of platforms, approach them as a discovery process where you can be authentic and have fun along the way.

So, before you get started, ask yourself these questions about social media:

• What message and transformation do I have to share with the world?

• Where does your ideal client spend a lot of their time online?

• How can you share your message in an authentic manner that attracts the right people?

• Is this something you really want to do that will provide real value to you?

Social Media and Ethics for Therapists

You’ll most likely receive a client friend request on social media, whether that’s Facebook, Instagram, or another platform. While no ethics codes forbid this type of behavior, guidelines from the American Psychological Association recommend not being Facebook friends. Social media can impact the relationship you have with your client – on both sides. You have the option of creating a social media policy and sharing it with your clients in their first session with you as a way to reduce these requests.

Here are some things to keep in mind when posting on social media:

• Your comments, likes, and stories default to being public.

• Social media platforms will often make changes that might change your settings, so you must check your settings regularly. 

• Avoid interacting with hostile or divisive posts online.

• Determine if you’d like to turn off messaging on Facebook and Instagram for potential clients.

• Recognize that you’re human and might post a comment on social media you aren’t a fan of later on. Learn from the experience and let it help you grow as a therapist.

What Happens If You Don’t Want to Be on Social Media?

The last question in particular is actually the most important. After all, if you don’t actually want to be on social media, then how can you really show up and make it a worthwhile experience?

You don’t have to do things you hate. If you notice a lot of therapists engaging on Facebook but feel like it’s not the right platform for you, that’s okay…find the space where you want to be!

And you don’t have to do it alone either. Connect with other clinicians on social media and identify ways to collaborate. That could be as simple as tagging each other in relevant posts or maybe even going live together. With all the ways to engage, there are probably at least a few that feel good to you, even if you don’t know everything about the platform you’re using.

Not to mention that your participation in social media is reducing the stigma and making mental health care more accessible. Finding a therapist isn’t easy, and providing someone with the opportunity to get a better glimpse into your personality could be exactly what they need to take the next step and book an appointment — whether it’s with you or maybe even a connection.

Your open, honest, vulnerable voice makes a difference. It shows people that there are people out there who understand them and can help. It lets people know they’re not alone.

But remember: It’s okay to do what feels good to you and set boundaries. You don’t need to share everything, and you don’t need to be on any platform or even social media in general if you feel it isn’t for you. What’s important is getting your message to the people who need it most at the intersection between what works for you and the people you want to serve.

Check out the full video below, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @zynnyme for the latest Live Broadcasts and Reels — we’re just getting started, and you’re welcome to join us!