Professional Development Workshops

The One-Minute Self-Assessment

Take just 60 seconds right now to evaluate your practice.

Our services are most appropriate for those who are:

Recently licensed and wanting to enter practice.
Relocating to a new geographic area.
Re-entering private practice after time away.
Shifting from the public sector to private practice.
Wanting to expand from part-time to full-time.
Wanting to increase net practice income.
Wanting to change their client mix.
Wanting to reduce dependence on managed care.
Successful practitioners wanting a refresher.

How to Market Your Private Practice Workshop

A Series in Entrepreneurship for Mental Health Professionals
18 CEUs available for MFTs and LCSWs

Contact Dr. De Santis to be placed on the mailing list to receive an
announcement of the next workshop series.

Not a "one-size-fits-all," this workshop guides you through developing a
written strategic marketing plan that is customized to your unique
practice. Most helpful when you need more business fundamentals, and
when the biggest obstacle is isolation and maintaining persistence, our
biweekly small group workshop series may be the answer. We follow you
every step of the way with didactic presentations, group discussion, peer
support, and structured sequential homework assignments. You assemble a
binder analyzing your business and creating an action plan around marketing
activities right for you, such as networking, advertising, speaking, or
writing. Recognized for continuing education credit for MFTs and LCSWs.

Other one-day or half-day seminars are periodically available on marketing
but tend to lack the encouragement of peer support and consistent
follow-through over time that our workshop is designed to cultivate.

Workshop Format

Our workshop is open to mental health professionals of all
disciplines--whether or not currently in private practice--as well as to
graduate students and interns.

The format includes didactic presentations, group discussion, peer support,
review of progress, and structured sequential homework assignments.

Twelve 90-minute meetings convene every other week in a small group
format--no more than 8 participants. A workbook and a diskette of office
forms is included. A free 30-minute follow-up phone consultation is available
upon completion of the course.

If you cannot attend a particular session date, we will mail you the
homework materials distributed in the session so you can stay current and
motivated.

What This Workshop Covers

1. Formulating Business Goals

Clarify and prioritize your long-term business goals based on your core
values and beliefs.
Inventory your unique pool of existing resources--including expertise,
interests, aptitudes, and support systems.

2. Researching Markets

Define existing profit centers.
Forecast societal macro-trends and future markets.
Identify target markets and referral sources.
Analyze "customer" expectations and needs and what you can deliver.

3. Designing & Implementing Strategy

Assess your competitors and market position.
Articulate your unique image and message.
Design promotional strategy which maximizes your personal competencies
and interests.
Select ethical and effective selling methods.

4. Maintaining Persistence

Deploy a coherent business strategy consistently over time.
Leverage the synergies of multiple services and products.
Actively track results, evaluate progress, and modify goals and methods.

This workshop will not cover topics like drafting intake forms, comparing
liability policies, leasing office space, conducting billing, or obtaining
managed care contracts.

What Alumni Are Saying

"Thought-provoking." "Expanded my horizons." "A helpful process." "I
enjoyed the balance of practical information and philosophy-centered
discussion." "His suggestions are awesome."

"I truly found all the materials and knowledge invaluable."
"Information-packed, directly applicable, nicely organized, and just
all-around fabulous!" "The homework kept me focused, challenged, and
inspired."

"I always leave the workshop uplifted." "I enjoyed his personality and
presentation style, too." "Humor, upbeat, personal good vibe."

"This program was very helpful in developing my identity as a business
woman. I feel much more confident about running and managing my practice
as a result."

"It is the kick in the pants I have been needing!" "I really enjoyed this
course, would recommend it to others, and have done so."

"For those of us who were never aware, we now hear the opportunity when
it arises; it arises everywhere. I'm very grateful for this."

Individualized Business Consultation

If you are a self-starter, already have experience in business and marketing,
or when affordability is a concern, the most flexible approach is individual
coaching on a per session, as needed basis. After an initial in-person
meeting, intermittent or periodic consultation can be arranged by
appointment or via telephone or e-mail. Feedback from your consultant
helps you refine your marketing strategy and develop innovative marketing
activities.

The consultant, James J. De Santis, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in
full-time clinical practice in Glendale. Dr. De Santis has been providing
mental health services to individuals, couples, and families since 1979.