You must be thrilled that you are starting a private practice as a psychologist, counselor, or therapist. As a private practice therapist or licensed professional counselor, you need to have some business skills to ensure your practice grows.
You also need to develop new therapeutic techniques and set hours that work with your lifestyle. It is one thing to excel in your field, but it is equally important to know how to run and market your business.
You have probably heard the phrase ‘if you build it, they will come”. It is safe to say that this does not apply when you want to establish a counseling private practice. You have to put some work into the business side of things to ensure it becomes successful. More clients mean more revenue.
This guide will offer tips on picking an area of expertise, achieving your financial goals, and other important factors to consider when starting a private practice for mental health services.
Find Office Space
Mental health services require privacy. Finding an ideal office space to set up your practice should be your priority. You want to find an inexpensive space that will make your clients feel comfortable. According to a study carried out by the APA (American Psychiatric Association), clients are more drawn to therapy offices with soft and orderly features.
Since you are starting your practice from the ground, you don’t have to spend a fortune renting a permanent office space. Instead, look for an ideal office space specifically set aside for private practice therapists and counselors that you can rent by the hour. You don’t need to sign long-term contracts. Find one that offers a flat rate for wellness professionals. How much you pay for office space depends on how many clients you see at a time. Amenities you should look out for include:
- Comfortable and relaxing furniture.
- Office equipment and standard office supplies.
- Wi-Fi Connection
- Kitchen or break room.
- Weekend and evening access.
- Online scheduling.
- Easy parking.
- Convenient location.
- No long-term contracts.
Create a Digital Presence
Digital marketing is in demand today. Most clients look for professional counselors or therapists over the internet. For this reason, you need to create a digital presence to make it easy for potential clients to reach you. Start by creating a website that indicates your contact information, charges and health insurance acceptance, address and hours, your profile pic, and qualifications. The website should be professional and easy to navigate. Other ways to create a digital presence include creating an online directory profile being active on social media such as Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Create a Referral Network
Networking is vital for growing private practice therapists. Expand your network by coordinating and reaching out to other professionals. Create a referral network with other therapists or counselors in your local area to allow you to build your client base. It also helps to attend networking events and join online discussion boards. Some rental office facilities for private practitioners bring together mental health professionals with different areas of expertise to promote cross networking.
Have a Solid Business Plan
Like any other business, ensure you create a business plan for your practice. Create one that will allow you to amend changes as you learn and grow your business. A good practice management business plan should include:
- Funding options.
- Financial goals for the first few months.
- Marketing plan.
- A target income that will help you to meet your needs and expenses.
- How much money do you need to make every year to profit and help you keep practicing?
- How much are you planning to charge in diagnosing mental health conditions?
Legal Requirements
Make sure you do thorough research about different laws and regulations you need to understand before starting your practice. While doing your research, you need to consider the scope of practice concerns, malpractice, and professional liability insurance.
You also need to consider incorporating your business as a separate entity, local and state zoning laws limiting where you can practice. You can consult a professional to help you with the details if you are unsure what you need to research before committing to start your practice.
Determine Which Type of Clients You Are Willing to Work With
Being in private practice means you need to set boundaries and choose which clients to see and when. This does not mean that you have to turn down potential clients. Having a reliable network allows you to refer clients you cannot see at a moment’s notice.
Choose a facility that has more than enough office spaces to allow you to have enough time with your clients without having to cut your sessions short because your time is over and another therapist or counselor has to use the office. Also, your new office space should be flexible to allow you to take cases that require emergency attention. That means you need to have access to your office space any time you need one.
Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses
The decision to go solo into the mental health care business will demand a lot from you. If you are starting, expect to experience a great deal of pressure on your economic or marital status. You need to work with other professionals to help you deal with stresses associated with private practice.
Don’t be hasty to give up additional sources of income until your business can comfortably meet all your personal and business needs. That is why it is important to create a reliable network and have an office you can pay for whenever you need it.
Choose 214 Counseling Group for Your Turn-Key Office Space in Dallas, TX
Looking for a place to grow a thriving private practice? At 214 Counseling Group, we’ve got you covered. The facility was created by therapists who empowered upcoming therapists and counselors looking to start their private practice. Our facility offers safe and comfortable spaces because we understand how important this is for potential clients.
Our prices are straightforward, and the office spaces have all the amenities you need to start seeing clients right away. You will be investing in a warm and inviting space with a beautiful view. Professional clinicians can collaborate to build your network and ensure your business runs smoothly.
For more information about our office spaces, You can email us at info@214counseling.com to schedule a tour.