Natural Therapy Advice
NTA provides CAM practitioners with several support services. Members of our local networks (currently Hampshire only) pay a referral fee for clients that we pass on to them. In addition we can provide “virtual clinic” reception and admin services when requested, which are charged on an as used basis and can be used full time or just for holiday cover.

The first NTA local network is based in Basingstoke and covers further areas across Hampshire.In addition we plan to establish a national NTA register for practitioners, so that therapists not in our local area can still benefit from referrals generated by our national advice line service. 

Available statistics show us that over 44% of people in the UK had used Complementary and Alternative Healthcare in 1997 and that in 1997, 20% of British adults had used CAM services in the previous 12 months. 
Using our experience and market research, we believe that to strengthen CAM provision in our area and provide the public with an integrated and accessible service, we need to address 3 key issues:

1. The public do not have a good understanding of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, commonly they either have no information about which therapy & therapist could best help them or are reliant on a recommendation from a friend who may have no depth of understanding in the subject. Our intention is to bridge this gap with an integrated network and advice about which therapy may help their condition.

2. That for professional therapists to market themselves effectively whilst taking the point above into account is very difficult. We believe that as a network, promoting the whole rather than individuals, we can change the public’s understanding of what we have to offer.

3. We feel that it is better for therapists’ skills to be focussed on treatment and client support. Time spent on admin, reception and book keeping tasks is time badly spent. As professionals, you should be able to concentrate your efforts on patient care, in turn improving the level of patient satisfaction. Our “virtual clinic” services make this possible, without the cost and logistical issues that employing a receptionist would create.

 What are the costs involved?
           For local network practitioners the cost is £12.50 per referral. If you also use our virtual reception service, this increases to an average cost of £30 per week. All practitioners benefit from our marketing and promotions, as well as from networking opportunities and general support. 
  
What do I have to gain by joining NTA?
            Through our virtual clinic services you could increase your availability and fill those additional appointment slots by using our clinic services to run your diary, deal with client queries, take your payments and run your book-keeping system.

            Be part of a team of therapists, working together to provide the public with a high quality, integrated service. There will be networking opportunities within the team, CPD opportunities in the future and team marketing events.

            Promoting your business as part of the network and with the virtual clinic team behind you, will bring you an increased flow of clients, all of whom with an understanding of what to expect from their consultation.

Hopefully you’ll want to know more…