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#110 A Journey of Growth and Innovation with Paul Stanford

“I threw some money down the toilet because I had no idea what I was doing.” – Paul Stanford
Dr. Stanford is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor in Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Nova Southeastern University with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, and from Florida State University with a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Stanford is an adjunct professor for the marriage and family therapy program at Texas A&M – Central Texas and Pepperdine University, teaching courses in family theory and couples therapy among others. In this interview Paul shares insights on growing a therapy practice, marketing strategies, and destigmatizing mental health. Tune in for valuable tips and Paul’s personal journey.

About the Episode

Hi, everyone! Welcome to our latest blog post on The NTM Growth Marketing Podcast. We’re thrilled to take you through a fascinating conversation with Paul, founder of Stanford Couples Counseling. Paul shares his incredible journey of starting a mental health practice from scratch and explores the ins and outs of marketing in the mental health space. Get ready for an insightful read!

Starting from Scratch

Paul’s journey to establishing Stanford Couples Counseling is nothing short of inspirational. It all began in 2015 when he moved to the DFW area, Dallas, Texas, and decided to open his practice alone. Marketing wasn’t his initial focus. As he puts it:

“I threw some money down the toilet at that because I had no idea what I was doing.”

While it sounds humorous, this statement captures the daunting nature of starting a business with limited knowledge in marketing.

The Early Days: Psychology Today and Google Adwords

Initially, Paul’s marketing was minimal. He relied heavily on Google Adwords and placed his profile on Psychology Today, a well-known online directory for therapists. His approach was straightforward but crucial for kickstarting his practice.

“I put myself on something called Psychology Today, which is a big online directory for therapists… and kind of started from there.”

Challenges of Solo Marketing

Navigating digital marketing solo was challenging for Paul. His experiences with digital marketing firms taught him the importance—and expense—of professional guidance.

“I often find them very helpful but also very expensive. But they definitely taught me that I know even less than I thought I knew.”

Despite the challenges, Paul’s persistence and willingness to learn played a pivotal role in expanding his practice.

Growth and Expansion

By 2017, Paul’s practice had grown enough to include additional therapists. This expansion required a renewed focus on marketing strategies to attract clients suited to their services.

“We’re up to six locations and 17 different therapists of a variety of specializations and a variety of issues that they want to treat.”

The Marketing Mix

Finding the right mix of marketing strategies is essential for any business. For Stanford Couples Counseling, this meant balancing digital efforts with the practical needs of potential clients.

“It’s really just trying to figure out what’s the right mix of marketing strategies in order to get new clients in the door that are a good fit for our therapists and our services.”

Paul’s Marketing Instincts

Paul’s background as a tech and data nerd drove him to explore effective marketing channels early on.

“I’m a bit of a nerd, a tech nerd, data nerd, and I love getting into the digital component of anything and everything.”

Embracing Digital Tools

Paul’s affinity for digital tools led him to experiment with various online marketing strategies. From Google Adwords to Performance Max campaigns, his focus on the digital aspect of marketing has been unwavering.

“I could do that all day, every day. The hard part is, of course, narrowing it down to where it actually leads to new clients that walk in the door.”

Principles of Marketing Strategy

Paul’s experience in the mental health sphere has shaped his overall marketing principles. One key takeaway is the philosophy of “you get what you pay for.”

Building a Sustainable Practice

Ensuring therapists in his practice are well-compensated and not overworked has been foundational for Paul. This not only benefits the therapists but also enhances the quality of care provided to clients.

Navigating Cultural Trends

The perception of mental health has significantly evolved, and Paul has been at the forefront of this change.

“Flash forward to 2024. It’s a common thing people do. I’ve been in so many dialogues of having lunch or dinner, coffee, and talking about your therapist as a badge of honor.”

Differentiating from Life Coaches

A crucial aspect of Paul’s marketing strategy is differentiating his practice from life coaching services. By emphasizing the credentials and qualifications of licensed therapists, Paul ensures clients understand the value offered by Stanford Couples Counseling.

“We are required by the state licensing board… that in order to market yourself or label yourself as a therapist or a counselor… you have to hold a clinical license.”

Future Marketing Strategies

Looking ahead to 2024, Paul is focused on community outreach and forming genuine connections rather than traditional self-promotion.

“We’ve come up with this program that instead of going and knocking on people’s doors, we’re doing community outreach, saying, ‘Hey, here are some free resources.’”

Conclusion

Paul’s story is a testament to the importance of perseverance and innovative thinking in growing a successful business. As he continues to navigate the complexities of marketing in the mental health sector, his commitment to providing high-quality care remains unwavering.

For those interested in learning more about Stanford Couples Counseling or seeking their services, you can visit their website: Stanford Couples Counseling.

Follow them on social media for updates and free resources!

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