Know-How Exchange : Taglines/Names

What search terms are your ideal clients using?

Start there.

As much as flowers and trees are overdone in counseling, "catchy" is equally overdone in marketing.
The truth is that "catchy" is pretty meaningless. In terms of online visibility, names along the lines of Birchbox and Talkspace probably won't do you much good.

If "Bay Area Online Counseling Services" is taken, what other geo modifiers could you use instead?

That makes sense. the reason i wanted a more general biz name is because I want to use it as an umbrella to cover my 3 niche areas- online counseling, substance abuse services and mobile crisis work. Then i was thinking of putting tabs on my page (and buying urls that will directly connect to the corresponding tab).
And... I don't want a really long url so I'm not sure how to get around that one.
Thank you, Gary.

I bought the url of the long name that describes what I do so I'm covered there. I was hoping for a company name with one or two words that people can refer to when talking about it. Maybe a symbolic word that I can use as a starting point for a logo.
California Online and Mobile Therapy Services is a bit long! :)

COMeTs - A play on the acronym of your longer name, but can be used to convey that change is scientifically based and dramatic results are possible.

Other names are likely possible, but I'd need to better understand who your target audience is, how you compare in the therapy space, when they'd need your services, how they choose a therapist, etc.

Jay,

Thank you- I like the idea and direction you're moving toward.
My target audience is busy people who would prefer to receive therapy/counseling services online. This would be via a "Skype" type of setup (with more security). I have three areas of practice- but enjoy working in substance abuse and "dual diagnosis" (mental health disorder + substance abuse). People have to be higher functioning to work in an online type of setting. But not millennials per se. I'm aiming more toward the mid-aged divorced parent 35-50 year old.
The mobile part would be mobile crisis work- a psych emergency that I could step in within 48 hours and offer family support- or aftercare for patient. Also "mobile" if someone wanted services outside the office as in at their home (i.e. parenting support etc.). That would be geared more toward families who want immediate help and have a concern about mental health stigma and/or want more privacy.
I work full time now in non-profit helping the disadvantaged/underserved and would like to do more of what I'm passionate about on the side- which is what this is all about.
So just trying to carve out a little niche and get earn gratification for the work i want to feel empowered by.
How I compare in the therapy space- I am an expert in dual diagnosis (mental illness + drug addiction). People who enjoy working with me tell me it's because I have a good sense of humor, I'm nonjudgmental, compassionate and direct. Many therapists in this geo area lean toward the mindfulness piece. Although I think that's important- it's not my thing. Go to a yoga class.
The people need my service who are barely keeping it together- but together enough so they can go to work everyday and live a dispassionate life. The "rat racers." People who are stressed out and are hiding yet can function with a significant mental disorder and/or drug addiction.
As far as choosing a therapist... money talks. I take insurance- so that's a plus. Otherwise it's expensive so motivation is important. This is an interesting geo area- people are open about having therapists- but wouldn't be as open about substance abuse and mental health disorders. So with that said- it would be insurance, referral-based and through website searches to find me. I like to work outside the box.
I think that answers your questions. I hope that's helpful information.

mgoodman,
Thank you. Those are related to what I do. One last question... what is the minimum I would need to do as a solo practitioner to prevent others from using my biz name? I know about trademarks- but is that overkill?
Thank you

Based on your description, it would seem that the mobile feature is an added benefit, not a primary reason why people would choose to work with you (and it could also be a reason people would not want to work with you, if they'd prefer face-to-face therapy).

Some other words to play with:
Sated (Substance Abuse Therapy Education/Eradication) (as in "Get Sated")
Satisfaction Therapy (again "SAT")

If people are searching for "dual therapy," then you can play with:
Two Way Therapy
Think Twice [Therapy]

BeClear / KeyClear

Sagewords / SageConnect

Listenis

TheConfident

VirtualCouch