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PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

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NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

The Wrong Game

In the past few weeks I've herd all kinds of rumors.

"The big tech companies pay Psychology Today to prioritize their therapists' profiles..."

"Some companies are creating fake or duplicate profiles"

And so on...

When I did my own search I haven't found clear evidence of these rumors. But even if these are true on some level, solo providers and small practices are not in a position to spend resources on this type of competition.

Similarly, you probably don't have millions to invest in brand awareness campaigns or Google Ads. That's why emulating the big tech tactics is not only impractical, but strategically wrong.

Instead, you can play an entirely different marketing game. Instead of focusing on the lead volume, you can focus on the quality of your leads. Meaning, creating a strategy that prioritizes filtering the best fit for your practice.

Here’s what it looks like in practice:

• Focusing your messaging on your Niche and Ideal client.
• Building your authority as the "go-to" therapist in your area.
• Leveraging AI searches by answering specific questions.

You see, the big tech companies can't compete with you in local searches nor in your authenticity as an expert. So they play the volume game instead.

But if you want to create your own rules, I'll show you a better way.

On October 16th, at 12:00 PM EST, I will be running a live 90-minute workshop Search to Session: How Therapists Can Build Trust and Visibility in an AI World. As AI reshapes how people search for care, it’s more important than ever to have a strategy that converts visibility into actual client sessions.

Here's the link to save your spot. As always, you will receive a recording if you can't attend live but I hope you will join to ask your questions in real time.

And now to the news!

NOTEWORTHY

Regulators Struggle with AI Therapy Apps

AI mental health apps are multiplying faster than regulators can respond, leaving a patchwork of state laws and unclear rules.

Why it matters: If you’re using AI in your practice (or plan to), expect more changes ahead, and keep an eye on compliance.

BUSINESS AND PRIVATE PRACTICE

Pediatric Providers Under Pressure

Child and adolescent behavioral health providers say underpayment is making it harder to keep their practices sustainable.

Why it matters: Even if you don’t work with kids, it’s a reminder of how reimbursement rates and business models affect practice viability.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

ChatGPT as a Referral Engine?

OpenAI is testing ways to point users directly to therapists, which could shift how clients find care online.

Why it matters: If AI becomes a referral source, your online presence will need to be strong enough to show up or you’ll risk being invisible.

FINAL THOUGHTS

You’ll never outspend the big tech companies. Also, you don’t have to.

Their game is about volume and visibility. Yours is about trust, local authority, and attracting the right clients who are already looking for what you offer.

​Focus there, and you’re likely to win.

See you next week,

Avivit