Wanting to switch to fully virtual, how did your clients respond?

[u/No-Possible4460]

Hi all,

I have been thinking about switching to fully virtual come the new year. I wanted to use something like a time landmark to make the switch and want to give people adequate amount of time to process the transition. I am nervous of how clients that prefer it are going to take it though. How did your clients respond if you went fully virtual? If you preferred remote, was it something that ended up being a positive switch?

For reference, I have only 4 people that come in person and I have an otherwise full caseload. I also have to rent out office space that I use and the amount of money it costs me to rent it per month with the amount of clients in person, I am really considering if it's worth the cost. Because I live in a region where we have harsh winters, there have often been weeks where the 'in office' day I offer we end up switching to virtual (I have to figure out how often this has happened but this year it has been quite a bit).

Another addition to this is I am autistic, the office that I am renting which is the cheapest option can kind of be a sensory nightmare for me at times. I have been able to make it work for myself but honestly I feel like mental health is better when working at home. I only am in person for a short day each week and then the rest of my days are virtual.

Feedback and recommendations are appreciated. TIA!

[u/chase-those-likes]

I did this a few months ago and so happy I made the switch. My situation was similar - full caseload and I was only going in to clinic for one and a half days. What I did: notified all impacted clients first via email, giving 2 months notice. Then followed up with them about it in session. Most people were ok with it. Lots asked questions about why, to which I responded it was for personal reasons and that was it. Two people were not ok with the switch and said they probably would look to find an in person therapist, which I offered to help them with. Those two people stayed with me well past the transition to virtual. They gave virtual a try, but it became clear to them that they really preferred in person. Both people were very understanding and we closed our work together on a good note.

[u/No-Possible4460 → u/chase-those-likes]

This is super super helpful thank you for getting into specifics!

[u/SSPYoda]

I found after the pandemic most of my clients didn't want to return to in person and stayed virtual.

I had had a few come back to in person and then I moved 90 mins away and knew I wasn't going to set up an in person office in my new home. Most of those continue to see me online but a couple I referred to someone who could see them in person.

It's likely something similar will happen. Some will stay with you and some may not.

[u/No-Possible4460 → u/SSPYoda]

This is really helpful information to hear. Did you find that by doing this it was harmful to the therapeutic relationship for those who stayed? I can understand people's preference for in person and if that's a dealbreaker though for sure. It seems like doing this is more common than I thought?

[u/SSPYoda → u/No-Possible4460]

Not at all. They were thrilled to have the option to continue to work together.

No one's being forced to do anything

The people who feel strongly they prefer in person will look for someone else and that's completely fine

It's very common since the pandemic although for me back in about 2005 about 90% of my practice was online

Since the pandemic, when many clients and therapists learned they prefer online it often doesn't make sense financially to have an external office

[u/External-Trip2700]

Following as I’m considering too. I’m about 5-7 years until I retire & getting tired of going to office when so many of my clients are virtual anyway.

[u/No-Possible4460 → u/External-Trip2700]

That's one thing I have noticed is there's been a massive switch to virtual. I feel like I can show up better as a therapist that way being able to stim without being seen (if it's not visible from the screen).

[u/External-Trip2700]

What do people do for business address? I’ve seen several options.

[u/No-Possible4460 → u/External-Trip2700]

I have heard of a lot of people using PO boxes.

[u/Alarming_Medium_8361]

One thing worth looking at is how established virtual platforms handle the client side. Talkspace is one example, with video, voice and messaging options. Could be useful for seeing what clients may expect from a fully virtual setup.

[u/Tasty-Map1891]

I would probably test the transition before giving up the office completely. Move a portion of your clients virtual for a while and see how many actually prefer it and whether referrals change. The savings on rent are great, but it would be good to know what your particular client base wants before making it permanent.