5 Things To Consider Before Starting Your Private Therapy Practice
Thinking of going solo?
So… you’ve decided it’s time to make the move into private practice, but you want to be sure to “look before you leap” and not miss any crucial steps.
Here are 5 steps you should take before leaving your current workplace and starting out on your own.
Plan Your Roadmap
You need a vision and a basic understanding of the private practice model, including how you will get clients, how you will invoice, how to apply for a business license, etc.
Success leaves clues! Who has done this before you? Who are models in your life that you can learn from—not just other therapists, but other business owners and entrepreneurs could have valuable insights that they can share.
Determine Your Client Base
What clients will fill your cup?
How will they find you? Do you need to build a website? Will you rely on word-of-mouth to build your client list? Will you pay for marketing ads, online or in print?
Create a Basic Marketing Plan (at Minimum)
You must be able to market yourself to bring in clients. Start thinking about your strengths, specialties, and professional wins. And practice talking about them with others.
What is your Best Yes for marketing clients?
Is it networking?
Directory listings?
Are you a specialist in a particular area?
In what areas will you be able to make a big difference in the lives of your clients?
Speak up! Don’t be afraid to drop your own name and tell people that you’re starting your own practice. Word of mouth, and referrals!, are powerful.
Marketing is an ongoing process. Marketing is about showing off the professional reputation and skills you’ve worked so hard to create and maintain in order to build a thriving practice full of satisfied, growing clients! You want to keep your business on current and potential clients’ lips and minds.
Determine Your Rate
What will your hourly rate be?
How many hours do you want to work? Remember, work-life balance shouldn’t go out the window when you open your own practice.
How much do you need to get paid in order to make life work? (Learn how to charge your worth and do so WITHOUT guilt or discomfort in out our free masterclass: https://privatepracticepickmeup.mykajabi.com/rateswebinar )
What are other therapists charging in your area?
It’s important that you set the right rate from the beginning. Too low and you’re selling yourself short. Too high and you may have a difficult time getting clients.
Believe in Yourself!
You MUST have belief in yourself first. No one can make it happen for you.
And you CAN make it happen!
There are tons of free resources out there to help you plan and get your new private practice off the ground.
