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If you’re struggling to fill your caseload, you might be wondering if getting licensed in another state will give you access to more potential clients.
As someone who’s licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, I understand the appeal.
But I don’t recommend getting additional licenses simply as a strategy to grow your caseload. Let’s dive into it!
In today’s episode, I’m answering the question “should therapists get licensed in multiple states?”
You probably don’t have a lack-of-people problem. Even Wyoming (the least populated state in the country) has around 588,000 residents.
If your ideal caseload is 15-25 clients, there are more than enough potential clients in your existing state!
Still struggling to reach them? Well, adding another state isn’t going to fix the underlying issue.
You’ve got to look at your marketing!
Something else to keep in mind: every additional license comes with more WORK.
There are applications, fees, renewals, CEUs, and different state requirements to manage (again, I know since I have 3)!
Honestly? For most therapists, that time and energy would be much better spent becoming more visible. You can improve your marketing where you’re already licensed!
Of course, there are a few exceptions. Maybe you’re a therapist with a very specific micro-niche. Maybe you’re a therapist who consistently receives inquiries from a neighboring state.
If that sounds like you, you may want to consider getting licensed in more than one place!
But for the majority of therapists? I’d rather see you double down on what’s already available to you.
Get more specific with your messaging. Run targeted Instagram ads. Strengthen your branding. Build your local referral network.
If you need support putting all of those pieces together? I teach ALL of this inside PPA.
No, you don’t need access to more people. You need a better strategy for reaching the RIGHT people where you are!
In this episode, Should Therapists Get Licensed in Multiple States?, I cover:
- Why multiple state licenses usually won’t solve a caseload problem
- The time and cost of maintaining additional licenses
- When getting licensed in another state can make sense
- Focusing on better marketing in your existing community
- Getting more specific with your niche & messaging
- Improving conversions + building a stronger referral network
- Investing in branding that supports your private-pay rates
Resources & Links:
- ⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Jane – use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
- ⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
- ⭐️ Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
- ⭐️ Reels Membership
- ⭐️ Business Coaching Waitlist
- ⭐️ Free training
- ⭐️ Caption Guide
Related Episodes:
- Episode 55: How to Audit Your Therapy Instagram to Get More Followers & Clients
- Episode 64: How to Get More Therapy Intro Calls on Your Calendar
- Episode 82: Is Hyper-Niching Dead in 2026?
More about the Business of Therapy podcast:
Are you a passionate therapist that’s burnt out and ready to transition to private pay? You’re asking yourself questions like “how do I build a business?”, “how can I effectively use Instagram to market myself” and “how can I scale a private practice?”
Welcome to the Business of Therapy podcast where we’ll answer those questions and more! Here you’ll find honest conversations about the good and the bad of being a therapist, tactical advice and best practices for marketing yourself on Instagram, and solidarity and community to find your own version of success as a therapist.
Join your host, Kelly McKenna, and her guests as they dive deeper into topics such as navigating burn out, mastering your mindset and boundaries, and tactics and strategies for marketing on Instagram, and more!
Kelly is a licensed therapist and business coach who grew her private practice on Instagram and has helped thousands of other therapists market themselves on social media, and effectively start and scale their private practice.
These episodes will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to take action towards your dream of a successful private practice.
Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!