October 20, 2025

534. The Referral Recession

49 minutes

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In this solo episode, I dive into what I’ve started calling the “referral recession” – the noticeable dip in testing referrals many practices have seen since 2024. I unpack national data from the APA and NASP, explain why these shifts are happening, and share both short- and long-term strategies for navigating slower seasons. From economic trends and insurance challenges to AI-driven search changes, I walk through what’s really going on beneath the surface – and how to respond without panic.

Main Topics

00:00–02:20 Overview of the referral slowdown and APA data showing a 14% average decline in inquiries

02:21–04:48 National data on testing-specific declines (18–20%) and Google search trends

04:49–07:10 Five contributing factors: economic compression, school stabilization, market saturation, referral fatigue, and AI-driven search changes

07:11–09:38 What not to do: panic discounting, bad ads, or over-diversifying services

09:39–14:28 Short-term tactics: re-engage referral sources, simplify intake, optimize Google profile, use downtime strategically

14:29–19:00 Long-term strategies: relationship marketing, content creation, list-building, leveraging past clients, and SEO foundations

19:01–21:24 Building a sustainable marketing engine through consistent visibility and credibility

21:25–23:23 Mindset shift: using slower seasons to strengthen systems, automate workflows, and prepare for future growth

23:24–End Referrals are cyclical—consistency, connection, and clarity will outlast the slowdown

Cool Things Mentioned

The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting

Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists

APA Practice Organization (2024 Survey): www.apa.org/practice

Federal Reserve Report on Household Spending (2024): www.federalreserve.gov/publications

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) 2024 Data: www.nasponline.org

HubSpot Conversion Research (2024): www.hubspot.com

Therapy for Your Money Podcast w/ Julie Herres: www.greenoakaccounting.com/podcast

Google Business Profile Optimization Guide: www.support.google.com/business

ConvertKit Email Marketing Platform: www.convertkit.com

MailChimp Email Marketing Platform: www.mailchimp.com

Kajabi All-in-One Platform: www.kajabi.com

Featured Resources

I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!

PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.

TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing

The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!

I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!

About Dr. Jeremy Sharp

I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.

As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.

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By Dr. Jeremy Sharp: Licensed Psychologist & Private Practice Consultant

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