Can you use Instagram to grow your therapy practice? To reach specific audiences? Is Instagram for psychologists part of a successful practice growth strategy?
Instagram is hugely popular. In fact, according to Pew Research, Instagram is second only to Facebook in social media use in the United States. Instagram is more popular than Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Reddit. While growth in social media use has leveled off overall, Instagram use continues to trend upward.
Is “Instagram for psychologists and therapists” almost an oxymoron?
In your work as a therapist, often you help clients slow down. For people facing stress, anxiety, or trauma, we often help clients learn how to make time for and implement relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and even meditation. Instagram in particular, and social media in general, act in exactly the opposite direction. Instead of slowing down the mind and body, the user often gets caught up in a frenzy of clicks and shortened attention. So, as a psychologist or mental health professional should you even be on Instagram?
The answer is a resounding yes. Your potential clients are having difficulty dealing with stressors. For many of them, social media contributes to their difficulties. If they were doing fine, they wouldn’t be potential clients!
Meet your clients where they are! Even if that means Instagram posts and Instagram stories
By posting information on Instagram, you will not be contributing to Social Media Anxiety Disorder (SMAD). Instead, you will be reaching people in need where they are. Posting on Instagram for psychologists and therapists is a way to provide useful mental health information and education to potential clients. Instagram can help you build awareness of your practice, and help potential clients reach out to you for professional help.
43% of US college graduates use Instagram according to the Pew Research Fact Sheet on Social Media. And, it’s not just teens and young adults using Instagram. 37% of adults in the 30-49 age bracket and 23% of adults in the 50-64 age bracket are Instagram. If you are a psychologist, clinical social worker, LPC, or other mental health professional, meeting your clients where they are means using Instagram!
Get started
Ready to create your Instagram account? Already up and posting but want to make a push for more reach? Let us know what your Instagram goals are. We will work with you on daily posting, landing pages, scheduling, and creating optimal Instagram posts and stories for your therapy practice. Call today, or fill out the contact form and click Send.