The Hybrid practice: Creating a Simple, equal opportunity Schedule

image by Brett Jordan

The pandemic shifted many of our priorities, and created new possibilities for ourselves and our clients.  With these welcomed changes, we embark on the task of turning our dreams into reality.  But what if our dreams don't align with our clients needs?  On numerous occasions I've heard therapists say, "I wish I could just pick two office days and have all my in-person sessions at that time, but its not that simple with my clients."

After hearing that statement a number of times, and brainstorming with a handful of therapists, we've found a few solutions worth sharing.  These solutions vary for different practices - the scenarios range for those wishing to visit the office on a "Quarterly Basis" to those hoping to offer "Regular Weekly Visits".   While there are many ways to create a hybrid practice, in this article I’ve chosen to focus on simple scheduling solutions that have the least impact on your schedule while providing equal opportunity for all your clients to see you in-person.
​
Let’s dive right in!

Quarterly Office Sessions (every 2-3 months)​
The simple solution is to plan on a “Week at the Office” every few months.  In this scenario you don't need to move any of your clients around.  Simply book a Visitor Pass for each day of your work week and invite your clients to meet during their regular session time. 

Monthly Office Sessions (1 or 2 days/month)
One simple solution is to offer "Weekend Office Visits".  While this may sound unusual at first, it has a number of benefits: (i) since the weekend is typically a more relaxed time to catch up with friends and family, it provides clients with a more intimate connection, (ii) some clients are more flexible during the weekend, and (iii) your week load will be lighter since some of your clients will cancel their zoom sessions in exchange for meeting in-person.  With more breaks during the week, you can re-frame this as your monthly “catch up week".  Catch up with paperwork during the week, and with your clients on the weekend.  Simply book a Day Pass in advance and open the possibility to your clients.

Not keen to meet with clients in the weekend?  Another simple solution is to rotate your in-office days each month.   For example, you've decided that you'll go to the office on the first week of each month -- but only for one day.  On the first month, you offer your Monday clients the opportunity to meet with you.  On the next month, you invite your Tuesday clients. The coming month, book a room for the first Wednesday of the month and give your Wednesday clients a chance to see you.  And so forth.  This new rhythm provides equal opportunity for your clients to see you in-person every 3-4 months.

Weekly Office Visits (1-2 days per month)
A simple, equal-opportunity approach, is to create a rotating in-office schedule.  For example, on the first week of the month, offer in-person sessions on Mondays.  On the second week of the month, offer in-person sessions to your Tuesday clients.  On the third week, invite your Wednesday clients, and so forth.  This is the simplest way to offer equal opportunity for in-person sessions without disrupting your current schedule.  


Regular/Daily Office Visits 
For some therapists, and clients, teletherapy isn't a sustainable option. 

For therapists with a full-time practice hoping to resume regular office visits now is the time to secure a dedicated room (we only have a few left) or a daily sublease.  One of the perks of renting a dedicated room at Sima Space is that you can offer your subtenants a free Hybrid Flex Plan.  This will help you secure subtenants with ease. 

For therapists with a small, or part-time practice, we're glad you found us. Our model was built for you.  The Hybrid ​Flex Plan is our most popular plan and allows you to return to in-office sessions with minimal commitment and maximum flexibility.  Book our rooms on an hourly ($25/hr) or daily ($90/hr) basis depending on your needs.  
​
Still undecided?  We're happy to chat and brainstorm.  Schedule a tour with us and I'd be happy to explore your options together.