To like or not to like… that is the question!
Without a doubt, Facebook has connected people like never before! On one platform, you can keep in touch with friends around the world and keep up with your kids. Many therapists have taken to Facebook to give their practice some social exposure. A Facebook Page is a great way to keep people (friends, family, colleagues, and the general public) informed of updates to your practice, or to share educational articles or inspirational quotes.
To set up a page for your practice, you must first have a personal account. From the left menu, click on “more” next to “Pages” and then click “Create a Page”. Complete the setup questions and invite friends and colleague to “Like” your page… voila! You’ve got yourself a business page! Now think of the content you’d like to share. Consider your audience and what information you want to promote.
There are obvious concerns of laws and ethics, mainly what to do if a client “friends” you or “likes” one of your posts. Our advice is to proceed with caution. Check with your governing board to see what’s okay for your license. But also, use common sense. Don’t engage in anything that may be viewed as a dual relationship (don’t accept friend requests from clients), don’t share client information (I don’t think this is okay to do even if you omit names and identifying information), and don’t search for your clients (just don’t). Think of what the real-life equivalent of a Facebook action is, and if you wouldn’t do it in the real world, then you shouldn’t do it on Facebook!
Everything you post on Facebook is public domain – never assume anything you’ve posted is private. This includes pictures you post on your own profile as well as conversations you have in private groups. Always keep in mind that with Facebook, you are sharing a platform with your clients!
Have fun with it, but keep it safe!
Without a doubt, Facebook has connected people like never before! On one platform, you can keep in touch with friends around the world and keep up with your kids. Many therapists have taken to Facebook to give their practice some social exposure. A Facebook Page is a great way to keep people (friends, family, colleagues, and the general public) informed of updates to your practice, or to share educational articles or inspirational quotes.
To set up a page for your practice, you must first have a personal account. From the left menu, click on “more” next to “Pages” and then click “Create a Page”. Complete the setup questions and invite friends and colleague to “Like” your page… voila! You’ve got yourself a business page! Now think of the content you’d like to share. Consider your audience and what information you want to promote.
There are obvious concerns of laws and ethics, mainly what to do if a client “friends” you or “likes” one of your posts. Our advice is to proceed with caution. Check with your governing board to see what’s okay for your license. But also, use common sense. Don’t engage in anything that may be viewed as a dual relationship (don’t accept friend requests from clients), don’t share client information (I don’t think this is okay to do even if you omit names and identifying information), and don’t search for your clients (just don’t). Think of what the real-life equivalent of a Facebook action is, and if you wouldn’t do it in the real world, then you shouldn’t do it on Facebook!
Everything you post on Facebook is public domain – never assume anything you’ve posted is private. This includes pictures you post on your own profile as well as conversations you have in private groups. Always keep in mind that with Facebook, you are sharing a platform with your clients!
Have fun with it, but keep it safe!