Starting a Telehealth Practice: first steps
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Last week, we published an outline highlighting the key steps to follow in order to start a telehealth cash only practice from ground-zero. Today marks the first installment of the series as we go through each of the steps in great detail. As telehealth continues to redefine the way mental health services are accessed and delivered, it’s imperative for aspiring business owners to have a deep understanding of the virtual landscape they are about to navigate. Launching a telepsychiatry practice is not simply about replicating traditional clinical services in a digital format—it requires a deliberate and unique approach, considering factors that are specific to the virtual space.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of conducting thorough digital landscape research— an important step that informs who your services will cater to and what unique offerings will set you apart in this rapidly growing field. From investigating existing providers to understanding your target demographic, this research isn't just about sizing up the competition; it's about defining your place within the existing marketplace.
Moreover, we’ll lay down the steps to craft a comprehensive and strategic digital business plan. Think of this as your blueprint—a carefully designed document that outlines your mission, your vision for patient care, and the practical aspects of your telehealth business, such as services offered, pricing strategy, and tackling potential challenges.
Let’s dive in.
Digital Landscape Research
1. Investigate Existing Providers:
Directories & Platforms: Websites like the American Telemedicine Association or Teledoc can be starting points. Psychology Today is another. Here, you'll find lists of providers, specialties, and services.
Surveys: Consider launching a simple survey via platforms like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms, targeting both providers and potential patients. Questions can explore average wait times, preferred platforms, and more.
Local Telehealth Forums: Join state or local telehealth online forums and communities. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and glean insights.
2. Define Your Demographic:
Age Range: This is especially important to consider when starting out. In an effort to fill your schedule you may be tempted to say “I will treat everyone.” But it is arguably better to niche down and become a relative expert in your domain. This is especially true if you have a strong preference for a particular population. So you have to decide.. will you cater to children, adolescents, or adults? Or will you commit to treating patients across the lifespan? Each age range comes with it’s own challenges. Adolescents, for instance, will necessitate
parental involvement. While children may require specialized approaches, adults do bring their own variety of challenges. Defining this early on helps tailor your services and visualize .
Specialties & Services: Beyond general psychiatric care, would you offer niche services like CBT, substance abuse counseling, or grief counseling? Establishing this differentiates you. While it may seem counterintuitive, be careful to avoid
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