Have referrals decreased?  Are your patients ending their therapy or decreasing their sessions because of financial stress? But building a successful private practice that enables you to reach as many people as possible and help them work through their problems is more difficult than it has ever been.  External factors like those listed below are having dire effects on therapists’ and counselors’ ability to retain and acquire new patients.  A poor economy that decreases discretionary income Competition from other therapists Increased use of alternative therapies such as yoga, body work, meditation, and herbs to address emotional issues Growth of the coaching industry Popularity of self-help techniques Increased use of psychotropic medications to address mental health issues An insurance industry that devalues the importance of therapy and places debilitating restrictions on coverage The ability to easily access copious amounts of free information via the Internet  One way to successfully tackle these obstacles is to develop a plan and assertively market your practice in a way that conveys integrity and competence.  For instance, you can develop a Web site that provides valuable (and accurate) information about mental health and puts your practice in front of people who are actively seeking help.   Developing a Web site is only one way to market your practice.  You might also consider direct mail campaigns, brochures, newsletters, fact sheets, and other promotional materials.  If you do not have the time or inclination to develop your marketing plan and the corresponding materials, I am here to help. With time, patience, and hard work, we can increase your case load and build your practice.  My work on your marketing strategy will lift the weight off your shoulders and give you more time and energy to focus on helping your patients build successful lives. As a therapist, your success depends on having a full schedule of patients who have the budget to pay for your services and who are best suited for your area of expertise and treatment philosophy.