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Private Practice with an LMHC
By: Danielle Nobitz and Lynette Rojas
Introduction and Relevance to Mental Health Field● Private practice is a method of implementing mental health services, which
are privately owned. ● Practitioners who own private practices make their own schedules, have
their own offices, and hire their own staff. ● Private practice practitioners usually have more flexible hours, working
longer days and weekends.● Hiring a staff is optional● Private practice owners must pay for their own benefits, their own
liability/malpractice insurance, and much more● Private practices are helpful in the mental health field because they (most of
the time) have their own niches and have flexible hours for clients.
Personal Qualities ● Self-motivated and self- confident● Risk taker● Basic business skills ● Commitment● Organization skills ● Problem-solving skills● Financial management● Coping skills● Solid morals and ethics● Self-advocacy ● Social supports
● Independent qualities ● Communication & Interpersonal
skills
● Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Advantages of Private Practice● You are your own boss!● Flexible office setting● Flexible office hours/vacation time● Setting fees● Wide range of populations to work with● Own approach to counseling● Create jobs for others ● High reward
Disadvantages of Private Practice● Responsible for everything● Expenses of private practice ● Work style ● Endless paperwork● Long work hours● Isolation ● Non-predictable pay● Responsible for own benefits● Direct work with MCO’s● Business aspects● Potential financial & emotional losses
Legal Matters to Take into Consideration● Business lawyer
○ Local zoning laws○ Business license○ Business is separate○ Malpractice and professional
liability insurance○ Scope of practice
Business Aspects of Private Practice to Consider● Steps to start your own private practice:
○ Multiple roles other than therapist○ Financing○ Selecting business entity
■ Sole proprietorship■ Limited liability company (LLC)■ Corporations■ Partnerships
○ Business name and license○ Malpractice and business insurance
● Developing a business plan● Budgeting and financial planning● Setting and disclosing fees● Managed care organizations
Office Space● Location
○ Subletting office space○ Purchase your own office space○ Pay rent/lease on an office space
● Physical Layout○ Aesthetics○ Organization○ Privacy○ Office supplies
● Client Population○ Children, Adults
What Do I Charge for My Practice?● Know your value● Compare fees with other local
counselors● Consider business expenses
○ How many sessions per week?● Find middle ground (not too high, not
too low)● Collecting fees for services can be a
challenge
Working with Managed Care Organizations (MCO’s)● Benefits:
○ Accepting insurance can provide a steady work flow○ Clientele can be referred to your practice by their insurance
● Disadvantages:○ Additional paperwork○ Restrictions on number of sessions○ Lower payment fees
● Can start off with accepting insurance then transition to self pay.● Insurance panels● Third party payers
Marketing for your Private Practice
Developing a Niche● Balance between your expertise and the
community you are serving○ Social, economic, & political trends
● Competition between agencies and private practice
○ Selling yourself & ability to serve the community● Sell your strong suits (CBT orientation,
specialize in anxiety for children or adults, etc.)● Start general, and develop skills and expertise
over time● Educate yourself as much as you can on your
area of interest○ Trainings, workshops, etc.
Advertising
● Direct○ Online advertisements○ Websites & publication (Psychology Today)○ Social media○ Handing out flyers, business cards, brochures, etc.
● Indirect○ Blog posts○ Articles ○ Newsletters in your niche or community○ Social media○ Vlogs/youtube channel
Networking● Networking is a very important aspect of increasing client intake and getting word of
your practice out there. ● Establish personal connections in the field
○ LinkedIn● Reaching other practitioners in your community is essential for potential referrals
○ Physical therapists○ PCP’s ○ Attorneys○ Nurses○ Schools
○ Other counselors○ School-based Clinicians
Getting Involved with the Community● Speaking at public events within the community
○ Meetings, conferences, school events● Start general information meetings, seminars, or workshops in public spaces within
the community● Assess needs of the community to ensure you’re a good fit
○ Fire dept○ Schools○ Physicians○ Police
● Increase positive reputation within the community, and let them know you’re there to help!
Common Mistakes When Going into Private Practice● Not investing enough time & money● Jumping in full time ● Inaccurate counseling fee● No marketing● Lack of understanding of managed care● Inability to manage/safe money● Lack of insurance coverage ● Poor documentation● Poor billing● Poor financial skills● Neglecting social life/personal relationships
● Lack of self-care
How to Avoid Mistakes● Make sure to create a business plan● Know your worth and do your research to develop a reasonable counseling
fee● Make sure to develop a marketing plan● Make sure you do financial planning and budgeting ● Get business, malpractice and liability insurance● Make sure to collect fees even if you feel uncomfortable● Keep documentation up to date● Seek advice from other mental health professionals who are running their
own private practice● Spend time with loved ones and do not forget self care!
Discussion Questions1. Do you personally feel like you have the qualities it takes to run a successful
private practice? Why or why not? 2. Do you think running your own private practice is worth it considering the
advantages and the disadvantages?
References
● https://www.goodtherapy.org/for-professionals/business-management/private-practices/article/your-checklist-for-starting-a-private-practice-in-counseling
● https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/private-practice
● https://wearemore.life/marketing-for-therapists/
● Volungis, A. M. (Anticipated release date fall 2020). Becoming a Clinical Mental Health Counselor: A Guide to Career Development and Professional Identity. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.