In previous blogs, I’ve mentioned the importance of making a good first impression on a potential client. Most of the time, the first contact will be over the telephone. Since we are often in session, it is very likely that the first time a client hears our voice is on our voicemail greeting. This is why a professional greeting is so important. Identify yourself because you need to reassure the client that they have called the correct number. Clients will be a lot less likely to leave a message if they wonder who will get it. Use a warm friendly voice to say something like, “You have reached xxxx, licensed mental health counselor.” Tell clients what to do if they are in crisis. Although it seems obvious to us, clients may not realize that it could be several hours until we can return their call. I suggest something like, “If you require immediate assistance, please dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.” Ask for what information you need. Yes, the obvious name and number, but if it would be helpful to get their insurance information, ask for that, too. Give clients an idea about when you’ll return their call. Common business practice is within 24 business hours. Any extra messages or information you’d like clients to know. For example, if you are no longer accepting a particular insurance plan, the end of your voicemail greeting is a great place to convey that information.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the [insert office name] is currently operating remotely. We are retrieving voice messages on an hourly basis between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m, Monday through Friday. We invite you to leave your name and number so that we can respond to your call and will do so as soon as we are able.

If anything big changes- address, phone, etc.- make sure you correct your voicemail early on. Keep It Short; We know, we know. We just gave you all this information and we’re now telling you to ‘keep it short‘. But, a professional voicemail greeting (or any for that matter) shouldn’t go beyond 20-25 seconds.
Note: Maximum storage for voicemail is 50 Mb regardless of storage time. You can change how long messages will be kept on the server before auto-deletion by navigating to Unite > Settings > Voicemail settings. Verify the correct time zone is set (Services > Unite > Auto Attendant > Edit Auto Attendant > Settings > General > Time Zone) because it will affect the Business/After Hours. Make sure the extension and phone numbers are assigned as intended. Make sure the email for Voice Mail is the one you want Voice Mail messages to be delivered to (Services > Unite > Auto Attendant > Edit Auto Attendant > Settings > Voicemail settings). Make sure your greeting explains each option that you have set up and which key caller needs to press for it.