by Corporate Relations and Business Strategy Staff
Whether you are in private practice, work in a counseling center or community-based agency or have a consulting business, having a basic understanding of advertising can help you reach potential clients who could benefit from your services. This article will review key concepts, provide pointers for effectively advertising your professional services and highlight ethical and legal considerations.
Over the years, many of the historical restrictions on psychologists’ ability to advertise have been loosened via ethics code revisions and the Federal Trade Commission’s work to eliminate barriers that prevented public access to useful consumer information. Despite these changes, some psychologists still view the advertisement of psychological services as inappropriate and distasteful.
Few would argue that psychologists should hawk their wares in the fashion of a used car salesman. But if done professionally, tastefully and appropriately, advertising can be an effective way to educate the public about psychology, help potential clients make better choices about accessing needed services and help drive business to your door. It also can be a cost-effective communications tool. Advertising can provide you with a way to reach a large number of people simultaneously, using mass media.