One of the best parts about private practice is the freedom to create a schedule that works for you. If you want to take a Wednesday off so you can drive at the school field trip, you can. If you want to schedule a long lunch with a friend, who is in town for only a couple days, you can make it happen. This flexibility is one of the biggest perks of working for yourself.

Starting a private practice is exciting, and it can also feel like a lot. Most therapists experience a mix of joy and overwhelm at the thought of creating their own practice. The truth is, you do not need every detail figured out right away. Begin with what feels manageable, and trust that the rest will fall into place as your practice grows. Think of this checklist as a menu of options, not a strict to-do list.

One of the first big decisions therapists face when starting a private practice is whether to be private pay, accept insurance, or offer a mix of both. This choice can feel weighty, because it impacts not only your business but also your day-to-day experience with clients. I want to start by saying there is no right or wrong answer. Therapists thrive in all three models. What matters most is choosing the approach that best supports your vision, your values, and your circumstances.

Stepping into private practice often feels like standing on the edge of something exciting and something overwhelming. You may have been imagining your private practice since before you even started graduate school! Or, maybe you have been in the field for many years, and the call to start your own practice, has been softly nudging you over the last few months. The thought of creating your own schedule, choosing the clients you feel most called to serve, earning a higher income, and shaping a practice that reflects your values can feel deeply inspiring.