362. Coaching Call w/ Dr. Anne Carlew: Marketing Neuropsychology in a Rural Setting
Apr 27, 2023
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In this insightful discussion, Dr. Anne Carlew, a neuropsychologist specializing in aging and dementia, shares her journey of establishing a practice in rural Mississippi. She reveals the unique marketing challenges of a less-informed community and emphasizes the importance of effective communication. Dr. Carlew advocates for the resurgence of phone calls over texts for building healthcare connections and discusses targeted marketing strategies. The conversation also highlights innovative networking techniques and the patience required for sustainable practice growth.
Successfully marketing a neuropsychology practice in a rural area requires educating local referral sources about the value of services offered.
Building community relationships and engaging with local events can significantly enhance public awareness and create essential referral networks.
Deep dives
Starting a Neuropsych Practice in a Rural Area
Establishing a neuropsychology practice in a rural area poses distinct challenges, particularly in terms of awareness and marketing for services that are often misunderstood. The limited number of neuropsychologists in Mississippi requires practitioners to educate potential referral sources about the value of their services. Dr. Ann Carlew is focusing her efforts on building her practice in Jackson, Mississippi, where she aims to provide essential services to adults facing neurological and psychiatric disorders. By refining her intake process and establishing a referral network, she is navigating the complexities of introducing her practice to a community with limited health literacy.
Marketing Challenges and Strategies
Marketing a new neuropsychology practice involves addressing the lack of awareness surrounding neuropsychological services, especially in rural settings. Dr. Carlew has begun reaching out to local physicians, including neurologists and geriatricians, but faces challenges in communication as many of these professionals are unfamiliar with neuropsychological assessment. To improve her outreach, she recognizes the need to personalize her marketing efforts and communicate the pain points she can solve for both providers and patients. Efforts include sending faxes with information about her services, although initial responses have been minimal, highlighting the importance of persistence and adaptive strategies in outreach.
Building Relationships and Community Engagement
A significant aspect of growing a neuropsychology practice in a small community revolves around relationship-building and community engagement. Dr. Carlew is actively seeking opportunities to speak at caregiver support groups, aiming to educate the public about cognitive health and the services she offers. She acknowledges that personal connections can lead to referrals, as individuals are more likely to recommend someone they have met or trust. By participating in local events and forming ties with community organizations, she hopes to enhance public awareness of neuropsychological services and position herself as a local resource.
Utilizing Digital Tools for Growth
As Dr. Carlew works on expanding her practice, she is exploring the potential of digital marketing tools to enhance visibility and reach wider audiences. While traditional methods like sending letters and making phone calls are helpful, she considers leveraging resources such as Google Ads to target individuals seeking help for cognitive issues. Enhancing her online presence through a well-structured website and effective SEO strategies will be crucial in attracting potential patients who are searching for answers to their concerns. Emphasizing that people often don't know to search for neuropsychology, she highlights the need for creativity in marketing to ensure that her practice becomes visible to those in need.