Using Your Mailing List Effectively

Mailing lists are an excellent way to increase your referrals.

1. Build a mailing list of all past and present clients and referral sources. Also consider adding your suppliers (vendors) and members of the media.
   
2. Send a mailing to everyone on your list at least quarterly, whether it's a newsletter, copeis of news clippings or articles, announcements of TV or radio appearances, workshop or group notices, special offers, or just general information about your services.
3. Keep your mailing list up to date -- add the line "Address Correction Requested" below your return mailing address. You'll have to pay for the address correction notice you receive, but it's cheaper than undelivered mail.
4. Include a request for more information in all your mailings. This can be a simple box that asks "Want More Information About Our Services? Call 000-0000" or it can be as elaborate as a postage pre-paid postcard.

Interested in mailing to other mental health practitioners? Call APPT at 402-393-4600 on how to get a list of all licensed mental health practitioners in the state, or just those in our database.

The Cost of Mental Illness

The National Institute of Mental Health just released a study that quantifies the cost of lost productivity due to mental illness at more than $193 billion annually.

A key finding:
Mental disorders are the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and Canada for ages 15-44. Many people suffer from more than one mental disorder at a given time. Nearly half (45 percent) of those with any mental disorder meet criteria for 2 or more disorders, with severity strongly related to comorbidity.

The bad news is that suffering from a serious mental problem also affects a person’s ability to work, thus leading to earnings lost for those involved and for the U.S. That was exactly what researchers at the NIMH wanted to underline in their study.