Starting a private practice is exciting and there is a lot to do! 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 these items as a menu of options, not a strict to-do list.

Starting your practice may feel like standing on the edge of something exciting and terrifying! Perhaps you just got licensed and are eager to go out on your own. Or, maybe you have been in the field for many years, and the nudge to own your own practice has been sitting there quietly for a decade. The thought of creating your own schedule, choosing the clients you feel most called to serve, potentially earning a higher income, and shaping a practice that reflects your values can be deeply inspiring.

One of the biggest decisions therapists face when starting a private practice is how to structure payment. Should you be private pay, accept insurance, or do a mix of both? This question feels big because it affects your income, and daily experience as a therapist, from how you conduct consultation calls, to your conceptualization of change, to how you write your progress notes and treatment plans.

One of the best parts about private practice is being able to create a schedule that works for you. If you want to end early on a Tuesday to watch your daughter’s school play, you can. If you want to plan a day date with your spouse on a Friday, you can make it happen. Schedule flexibility is one of the biggest perks of working for yourself.