Getting Paid: To Succeed & Prosper in Your Career and Practice, Join & Actively Participate in Your Professional Association

Therapists are always wanting to know what they can easily do to succeed in their career, find the best jobs in the field, and to keep their practice full, their clients happy, their income high, their expenses low, their license safe, and their services competitive. 

Whenever I tell therapists that belonging to and getting involved with their local, state, or national professional associations by attending events and volunteering is the number one thing that will find them jobs, save them money, get them known in their community, keep their practices full, their referral sources plentiful, and their clinical work up-to-date legally, ethically, and clinically—and more, they are very surprised. 

Invariably a very lively, interesting, and informative discussion about how professional associations help meet the needs of therapists in practice follows—a very eye-opening one for those who haven’t been aware of how the benefits of membership, participation, and volunteering sustain therapists, their practices, and their careers. 

Most therapists look at joining a professional association, or local chapter of one,as a necessary evil that takes money out of their pocket for dues so they can get discounted member pricing for continuing education hours—and access to general legal advice if they have a question or problem--or want a discount on malpractice insurance.

Professional associations are so much more than that.

To thrive in our field, it's essential to not only focus on honing your therapeutic skills but also to actively engage with your professional community. Joining, actively participating, and volunteering in your professional association can play a crucial role in your success and prosperity as a psychotherapist no matter what setting you practice in.

Professional associations are vital hubs for networking, learning, and collaboration among practitioners in our field. These organizations bring together like-minded professionals who share a passion for psychotherapy and provide a platform for ongoing professional development. By joining your professional organization, you gain access to a wealth of resources, support, and opportunities to enhance your practice and your career.

Engaging with peers, mentors, and leaders on a regular basis can open doors to valuable collaborations, referrals, and partnerships. By volunteering as well as attending events—meetings, workshops, and seminars—therapists can expand their professional circle, exchange knowledge, and stay updated with the latest clinical and profession information. Such networking opportunities can lead to a steady stream of referrals, ultimately filling your practice with your ideal clients.

Getting involved in your professional community through active membership and volunteering also provides opportunities for mentorship and support, particularly for early-career psychotherapists. By connecting with experienced practitioners, new therapists can gain valuable guidance, insights, and advice to navigate the challenges and complexities of our profession. This support system can be instrumental in fostering professional growth and confidence as well as clinical excellence.

One of the primary benefits of being an active member of a professional association is certainly the access to continuing education and skill development opportunities. Attending these events allows you to stay updated with the latest research, techniques, and advancements in the field—and enables you to continuously enhance your therapeutic skills and broaden your knowledge base which improves the quality of care you provide to your clients.

Your professional organization also serves as a hub for connecting with other LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Students, and Associates, as well as supervisors, mentors, and researchers—as well as allied professionals. Engaging with your professional network opens doors to collaborative opportunities, referrals, and mentorship relationships. By participating actively, you get to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from the collective wisdom of your peers as well as find jobs, employees, office space, and other professional services you need to run your practice or advance in your career. These connections not only enrich your professional life but can also lead to personal growth and career advancement.

Joining and actively participating in a professional association is often a game-changer for therapists, offering many benefits that contribute to career growth and success. By volunteering for committees, organizing events, or taking leadership roles, you can gain visibility, make new connections, and build your resume, while you shape the direction of your professional community and have a positive impact on its future. This active involvement not only enhances your professional reputation but also fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment as you give back to the community that has nurtured you and your career.

Membership in your professional organization also provides free or low-cost opportunities to increase your visibility in the professional community. Websites, newsletters, blogs, therapist directories, eblasts, and social media platforms are all cost-effective marketing and advertising opportunities for members and volunteers since these are distributed throughout the profession as well as to those in related fields.

Professional associations also offer a sense of community and support. The field of psychotherapy is emotionally demanding and can be isolating. Being part of a community where you can connect with colleagues, share experiences, and seek guidance and support when needed is reassuring and helps you know that you are not alone in facing the challenges and rewards of being a psychotherapist.

Lastly, joining a professional association provides you with a sense of community and belonging. Connecting with like-minded professionals who share your passion for psychotherapy is invaluable. It allows you to network with those who understand the unique challenges and triumphs you face every day in your practice. Through these connections, you can find support, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights that can enhance your experience as a therapist.

As you can see, joining and actively participating in your professional association is essential for success and prosperity in your career as a psychotherapist. By immersing yourself in your professional community, you position yourself for success, growth, and prosperity in your practice and career. Embrace the benefits that membership and volunteering in your association offers and contributes to your career as a psychotherapist.

Discover for yourself why joining, actively participating, and volunteering for your local, state, or national professional organization is a really good use of your time, energy, and money—and how it will keep your practice profitable and bring you continued success in your career.

​I guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 
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Lynne Azpeitia, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, is in private practice in Santa Monica where she works with Couples and Gifted, Talented, and Creative Adults across the lifespan. Lynne’s been doing business and clinical coaching with mental health professionals for more than 15 years, helping professionals develop even more successful careers and practices. To learn more about her in-person and online services, workshops or monthly no-cost Online Networking & Practice Development Lunch visit www.Gifted-Adults.com or www.LAPracticeDevelopment.com.