Considering starting your own practice? In this series of posts, I will outline things you should consider.
- I’ll start with the more obvious. You’ll need an office, phone, business checking account, accountant, business license, malpractice insurance. These are the basics. Also, check your local and state laws for what type of licenses you will need. (I’m not referring to your clinical license here. I’m referring to money you have to pay to the state for the privilege of opening a business). You may want to consider incorporating; discuss this with your accountant or financial advisor as there are pros and cons to each.
- Network. Try drafting a letter of introduction describing yourself and your practice (populations and issues that you work with) and explicitly stating that you hope to build collaborative, mutually beneficial relationships with others in complementary fields. Then send the letter, along with some business cards, to massage therapists, primary care physicians, other psychotherapists, women’s health clinics, etc. (anyone who serves the same population in a non-competing field and who might have a similar approach to patient care). Also network with other therapists in the area. Let them know you are new to the field, are opening your own practice, and are looking to connect with like-minded others in the profession. Also start looking for a peer support/supervision group. This will benefit you not only from a networking perspective, but will also provide invaluable support and advice about clients.
- Create a profile on Psychology Today. Not only will this help give you exposure, they have a great Private Practice Forum that is filled with other professionals discussing private practice issues. When I first started my practice I spent months and months reading the entries- I learned quite a bit! I found the professionals on that forum were very open about the mistakes that they have made. Learn from others!
- Line up supervision, consultation and other forms of support. In addition to any legally required supervision, line up experts in areas you think you may need support in. These can be other colleagues, people you have met at conferences or networking events. Find a peer support/consultation group and make the time to attend, even if they meet at a time that is inconvenient for you. Keep in touch with your faculty supervisors and/or professors who specialize in areas that you treat. Lastly, consider attending personal therapy.
- Research, then draft policies and procedures. Try to think of every thing that could go wrong, and create a protocol for handling it. This then becomes part of either your informed consent or your office policies. Be clear and consistent in your policies. Consider reaching out to local law enforcement, the local ER, the psych hospital, etc. to be sure who to call in an emergency.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barbara LoFrisco
