3 Tips for Starting a Therapy Private Practice

Establishing a private therapy practice doesn’t have to be difficult. If you are a counselor, psychologist, or marriage and family therapist ready to make the private practice leap, this post will give you three tips to get started.

Tip One: Your Therapy Private Practice Can Start Small

Many therapists have the false belief that they must leap into full-time private practice. This limiting belief prevents many therapists from opening their practices. Remember, you can have a private practice with only one client. If you can’t quit your job, consider just seeing one or two clients in the evenings or start by offering weekend appointments.

Tip Two: Make Sure to Get Malpractice Insurance Before Starting your Private Practice

No matter how large or small your private practice is, you must have malpractice insurance when you start speaking to clients. This should be the very first thing you do when opening your private practice. I recommend using CPH and Associates for all of your malpractice insurance needs. Additionally, I recommend contacting your state license professional organization and asking who they recommend specifically for licensed professionals in your state. Many professional organizations advocate for better coverage for their members.

Tip Three: Set Time Aside Each Week to Market Your Private Practice

If you want to get therapy clients, you have to market yourself. Unfortunately, this is just the reality of owning a private practice. I suggest developing a marketing schedule and sticking to it. Set aside time each week to meet other therapists for coffee, work on social media posts, sign up for therapy directories, or network with doctors. It’s never too early or too late to start networking with other mental health professionals.

This article was written by Kelley Stevens, LMFT. Kelley is a private practice business coach for therapists. Kelley specializes in helping therapists launch a cash-pay private practice from the ground up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Therapy Private Practice

1. What are the three main tips for starting a therapy private practice?

The article recommends starting small, securing malpractice insurance before working with clients, and setting aside time every week to market your practice. These steps can help therapists begin without feeling like everything must happen at once.

2. Do I need to leave my current job before opening a private practice?

No. You do not have to quit your job or move directly into full-time private practice. The article explains that therapists can begin with one or two clients while continuing their current employment.

3. Can I start a private practice with only one client?

Yes. A private practice can begin with just one client. Starting small gives you time to learn how the business works, build confidence, and decide whether you want to expand your caseload later.

4. How can I see private practice clients while working another job?

You may consider offering evening or weekend appointments. This allows you to begin building your practice without immediately giving up the income and stability of your current position.

5. Should I get malpractice insurance before opening my practice?

Yes. The article recommends obtaining malpractice insurance before you begin speaking with or seeing clients in your private practice. This applies whether you plan to see one client or maintain a larger caseload.

6. When should I purchase malpractice insurance?

Malpractice insurance should be one of the first things you arrange when opening your practice. The article advises having coverage in place before you start providing services to clients.

7. How can I choose a malpractice insurance provider?

The article recommends CPH and Associates as one option. It also suggests contacting your state licensing professional organization and asking which providers they recommend for licensed professionals in your state.

8. Do I really need to market my private practice?

Yes. Opening a practice does not automatically bring in clients. The article explains that therapists need to make time for marketing so potential clients and referral partners can learn about their services.

9. How often should I market my therapy practice?

Set aside dedicated marketing time every week. Creating a regular schedule can help you stay consistent instead of waiting until your caseload is empty to start promoting your services.

10. What marketing activities can help a new private practice?

The article suggests meeting other therapists for coffee, creating social media content, joining therapy directories, and connecting with doctors. These activities can help you become more visible and develop potential referral relationships.

11. Is it too early to start networking before my practice is full?

No. The article says it is never too early or too late to connect with other mental health professionals. Networking can begin while you are still setting up your practice or seeing only a few clients.

12. Who is this article written for?

The article is intended for counselors, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and other therapists who are considering starting their own private practices.

13. Does a private practice need to begin as a full-time business?

No. The article challenges the belief that private practice must begin as an immediate full-time career change. A smaller practice can still be a real practice and may be a more manageable place to begin.

14. What is the main message of the article?

You do not need to have a full caseload or leave your job before getting started. Begin with what is manageable, protect yourself with malpractice insurance, and consistently make time to market and build professional relationships.