Scaling Your Therapy Practice with Continuing Education Courses

Welcome to another episode of "The Scaling Therapy Practice" podcast with your hosts, James Marland and Dr. David Hall! In today's episode, we dive into the exciting world of Continuing Education (CE) courses and how they can benefit therapists looking to expand their practice. David shares his experience with researching and creating profitable CEU courses. 

Offering Continuing Education (CE) Courses

Expanding your therapy practice through CE courses is an excellent way to provide ongoing learning opportunities for mental health professionals. James and Dr. Hall emphasize the potential of online CE courses, which have a natural pricing limit due to the number of required credits. These courses often require around 40 hours of renewal every two years, allowing therapists to stay up-to-date in their field. To scale CE offerings, creating larger courses and catering to specialty topics can attract a wider audience of professionals seeking advanced knowledge.

Approval Process for CE Courses

Navigating the approval process for CE courses can seem daunting, but it is an essential step in offering quality education to mental health professionals. Different organizations have varying requirements for approval. Dr. Hall mentions that NBC-C, for instance, requires an applicant with a master's degree in a mental health discipline. However, it's worth noting that the main applicant doesn't necessarily have to be a qualified person for approval. Seeking guidance and support from experienced individuals who have gone through the process can greatly assist in obtaining the necessary approvals.

Teaching CE Courses Without Being a Therapist

While therapists are ideally suited to teach CE courses, there are opportunities for individuals without a therapy background to contribute to the educational process. As James and Dr. Hall discuss, one can coordinate and organize CE courses without teaching them personally. The qualifications for teaching depend on the specific discipline and organization. It is crucial to have a therapist involved in the teaching content, but others can contribute based on their qualifications and expertise, widening the range of potential instructors.

Recommended Resources for Learning About CE Courses

For those interested in delving deeper into the world of CE courses, James and Dr. Hall suggest some valuable resources. They mention a full course called "Profitable Mental Health Trainings," which covers CE courses as well as non-professional trainings. This comprehensive course provides guidance on various aspects of offering CE courses and has received positive feedback from participants. Additionally, they mention a free guide available as a starting point for understanding CE approval processes. These resources can serve as valuable tools in navigating the journey of offering CE courses.

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success in Offering CE Courses

As with any venture, offering CE courses comes with its own set of challenges. However, with the right mindset and determination, success is achievable. James and Dr. Hall emphasize the importance of persistence and following up on paperwork during the approval process. Dealing with bureaucratic challenges and maintaining patience is key to overcoming obstacles. They assure listeners that offering CE courses is attainable for individuals at various skill levels who are willing to put in the necessary effort.

Making Money as a Therapist with CE Courses

One aspect of offering CE courses that may be of particular interest is the potential for generating income. Offering CEUs is like putting the icing on a delicious cake. People love to come for meaningful training, but getting a CEU for great training is even more delicious. By scaling your CE offerings and attracting a broader audience, you can increase revenue for your therapy practice. You can make money by offering CEUs at a competitive price because there will be people who don't want low-quality training for a $5 course. You are not competing with the low-dollar courses. Remember to watch your costs. A hotel ballroom is more expensive that a community room rental or even a free classroom at a church. Here are some potential ways to earn money as a therapist offering CEUs.

Course Fees: Charging a fee for participants to enroll in your CEU courses is a primary source of income. Consider pricing your courses competitively based on factors such as course content, duration, and the value you provide to professionals seeking CEUs. Offering tiered pricing options, such as early bird discounts or package deals for multiple courses, can attract more participants and increase revenue.

Online Platforms: Utilize online learning platforms that allow you to host and sell your CEU courses. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Thinkific provide a user-friendly interface for creating and selling courses. They handle payment processing and provide access to a wide audience of potential learners, making it easier to monetize your CEU offerings.

Partnerships: Collaborate with professional organizations, associations, or universities to offer your CEU courses as part of their professional development programs. These partnerships can provide access to their network of professionals and increase your course's visibility. Additionally, partnering with experts or other therapists to co-teach courses can offer unique perspectives and attract a broader audience.

In-House Training: Reach out to organizations, clinics, or agencies that employ therapists and offer to provide in-house CEU training. Many employers are willing to pay for on-site professional development opportunities for their staff. By tailoring your courses to the specific needs of the organization, you can negotiate fees for conducting on-site training sessions.

Consulting and Customized Training: Offer consulting services or customized training programs for organizations that require specialized CEU courses. This can involve developing and delivering courses specifically designed to meet their unique training needs. Consulting and customized training often command higher fees due to the personalized nature of the service.

Navigating Approval Processes: Why New York and Other States Differ in their CEU Approval Process

Understanding the approval processes for businesses can vary from state to state. While some states may have simpler procedures, others, like New York, often have more complex requirements. Let's explore why New York's approval process tends to be more challenging, while other states offer a simpler path.

"New York has a more difficult approval process due to its robust regulatory framework and stringent compliance standards." The state prioritizes thorough evaluation and oversight to ensure businesses operate in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines. This rigorous approach aims to protect consumers, employees, and the overall integrity of the market.

On the other hand, states with simpler approval processes, like Colorado, often have a less densely regulated business environment. These states prioritize ease of doing business and aim to attract entrepreneurs and foster economic growth. By streamlining the approval process, they reduce barriers and encourage startups and small businesses to flourish. "States with simpler approval processes often have more relaxed regulations and compliance requirements, allowing for a quicker and smoother path to obtaining licenses and permits." This streamlined approach enables businesses to establish themselves swiftly, empowering entrepreneurs to pursue their ventures with less bureaucratic red tape.

To illustrate this concept, imagine two cars navigating through different terrains. New York represents a rugged mountain road, challenging to traverse due to its steep inclines, sharp turns, and occasional roadblocks. Conversely, states with simpler approval processes are like wide-open highways, providing a smoother and more straightforward journey to business approval.

Insights on getting started with offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Here are three key suggestions they shared:

1. Identify Your Expertise and Passion: David emphasized the importance of identifying your areas of expertise and passion within your field of therapy. Consider the specific topics or modalities you excel in and have a genuine interest in teaching others. This self-reflection will help you create compelling and impactful CEU courses that resonate with participants. James added that focusing on a niche or specialized area can also differentiate you from competitors and attract a targeted audience.

2. Research and Understand CEU Requirements: It's crucial to research and understand the CEU requirements set by licensing boards or professional organizations in your region. David recommended thoroughly reviewing the guidelines and regulations to ensure compliance when developing and delivering your CEU courses. This includes understanding the number of required CEUs, specific content areas, and any limitations or restrictions on course formats. Adhering to these requirements will give your courses credibility and make them more appealing to professionals seeking CEUs.

3. Start Small and Gain Experience: Both David and James emphasized the importance of starting small and gaining experience when venturing into offering CEU courses. Begin by developing shorter courses or workshops to test the waters and refine your teaching skills. David advised seeking feedback from participants and making adjustments based on their input. As you gain experience and confidence, you can gradually expand your course offerings and delve into more complex topics. Starting small allows you to learn and grow while building a reputation as a trusted provider of quality CEU courses.

Scale Your Therapy Practice by Offering CEU Courses

In conclusion, incorporating Continuing Education courses into your therapy practice is a fantastic way to expand your reach and provide ongoing learning opportunities for mental health professionals. By understanding the approval process, leveraging available resources, and persevering through challenges, you can successfully offer CE courses that benefit both your practice and the wider therapy community.

Remember, offering CE courses is an achievable endeavor that can greatly enhance your therapy practice and contribute to the professional growth of mental health professionals. Good luck on your journey of scaling your therapy practice through continuing education!

Resources and Links

• Profitable Online Courses - Resources for Making Your Own CEU Courses
• PsychMaven - Find more resources here 
• Builder Type Assessment
• Assistants, Automation, and AI for Mental Health Providers