Topic 10: Private Practice {by 7/31}
Based on the reading due this week consider the following two discussion points: (1) Considering the advantages/disadvantages (Table 8.1), personal qualities (Table 8.2), and common mistakes (Table 8.3), what are your current thoughts about pursuing private practice? (2) What are your thoughts about running your private practice as a business? Will this be easy or difficult for you? (3) How is running your counseling practice different from other helping professions (e.g., physician, dentist, physical therapist), if at all? (4) We have two great guest speakers joining us to talk about private practice! Jacleen Charbonneau, Mark Joyce, and Jared Manteuffel. Checkout out their private practice websites: jacleen-charbonneau-lmhc 3.jimdosite.com, https://www.markjjoycecounseling.com/, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jared-manteuffel-northborough-ma/1160337. Please come to class with a few prepared questions. Simply just share one of those questions here.
Your original post should be posted by 7/31. Post your two replies no later than 8/2. *Please remember to click the “reply” button when posting a reply. This makes it easier for the reader to follow the blog postings.
Dr. Adam M Volungis 
Jul 30, 2025 @ 11:16:45
At this time, I am undecided about eventually pursuing private practice. The idea of being my own boss, marketing the practice, being responsible for my own benefits, and managing finances all sound like a large burden at this stage of my career. For me, the disadvantages of working in a private practice far outweigh the advantages. If I change my mind and decide to start my own private practice, I would likely do it with assistance from other professionals in the field or as a joint operation with other therapists.
Running a private practice as a business seems incredibly daunting to me. I’ve never had any entrepreneurial interests and have always found the responsibilities associated with starting something from scratch as risky, especially since this would be my main source of outcome with a lot of stakes. I imagine that it would initially be difficult to get everything in order, but that it would become easier over time. I’ve also heard from many other professionals in the field that starting a private practice is not nearly as difficult as it seems, but I still have my reservations.
In many ways, running a counseling practice is very similar to other helping professions. As an owner of your private practice, you are responsible for scheduling, record keeping, paying bills, finding an office space, marketing, securing insurance and benefits, and protecting against malpractice in addition to the counseling work. This is very similar, if not identical, to how other helping professions such as dentistry, physical therapy, and physicians operate. Obviously, there are some differences in each field to account for the work that is relevant to each, but the management aspect is very similar across the board.
Question for Guest Speakers: What was the most unanticipated obstacle that you encountered when starting your private practice?
Jul 30, 2025 @ 18:45:59
Hi Lindsey!
I definitely agree that running a private practice is daunting! There is a lot to learn. I’ve also never had any interest in running a business, and it will be a big shift for me should I choose to pursue it. Having the right resources and support would be important.
Aug 01, 2025 @ 13:46:04
Hi Lindsey,
Great job! I do agree that starting a private practice seems daunting! I love the idea you suggested about starting a private practice in conjunction with other professionals. I think this would make it a lot easier to get support and would help with the feeling of isolation.
Jul 30, 2025 @ 18:41:55
Jul 31, 2025 @ 11:55:19
Hi Katie,
I also feel a bit cautious about pursuing private practice. Given the nature of the work we do, having support from supervisors and colleagues is important for both our job and for our own wellbeing. The inconsistent income part definitely makes me a bit hesitant as well. I also feel like the business side of running private practice would take time to figure out/manage. You bring up a great point about the differences between a counseling practice and other helping professions. With the concerns/reasons people go to these other professions, there is always a specific way to manage that concern. Whether it be a specific exercise, procedure, or medication, there’s usually one or two answers to solve the patient’s concern/problem. In counseling, however, you can approach one concern in multiple different ways.
Aug 01, 2025 @ 13:48:32
I agree with your point that other helping professionals have more of a set procedure that they have to follow. This was a great point that I did not think of when considering this question. I also discussed in my post how therapists get to know their clients on a deeper level, potentially increasing the need for support especially in private practice.
Jul 30, 2025 @ 19:43:33
(1) Based on the information presented, I am definitely interested in pursuing private practice in the future, but I recognize the importance of gaining solid experience first. While private practice offers flexibility and independence qualities that are very appealing to me I also understand that it comes with challenges like managing business operations, handling insurance, and working in isolation. I want to build my clinical skills, grow my confidence, and learn from experienced supervisors before stepping into that level of responsibility. Gaining experience in agency or community-based settings will help me avoid common mistakes, like taking on too much too soon or lacking a strong referral network.
(2) Running a private practice as a business is something I find both exciting and a bit intimidating. I consider myself an organized person, which I think will help with the structure and day-to-day responsibilities, but I also know that managing all the business aspects on my own—like billing, marketing, scheduling, and legal paperwork could feel overwhelming at times. I don’t think it will be easy, especially in the beginning, and I know I would need support or a mentor to turn to with questions as I navigate the process.
(3) One major difference is the deeply personal and emotional nature of the work. Counselors often hold space for clients’ trauma, mental health challenges, and emotional pain, which can lead to compassion fatigue or burnout if not carefully managed. Unlike some other healthcare fields where treatment is more structured or procedural, counseling requires building a strong therapeutic relationship and tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs over time.
(4) Question:
What are some effective ways new clinicians can build a strong client base when starting out in private practice, especially without prior marketing experience?
Jul 31, 2025 @ 11:42:25
Hi Bella,
I agree that getting experience is definitely needed before starting private practice, especially if you’re considering opening up a solo practice. There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to both private practice and working in community health. You mentioned the challenges that come with running the business side of private practice, and that’s something that I also anticipate being difficult and feeling overwhelming at times. You bring up a great point about having support when starting private practice. It highlights the importance of making connections with others in this field.
Aug 01, 2025 @ 15:31:30
Hi Bella,
You make a great point about how counseling practices are different than others in that therapists build stronger and more consistent relationship with their clients than other providers in the healthcare field. While it is a privilege to be able to connect with so many people on a deeper level and help them make meaningful steps towards progress, it’s also so important to be able to separate from the job and your duties as a clinician once the workday is done, especially after a particularly tough day of hearing about unfortunate circumstances.
Jul 30, 2025 @ 21:46:21
1- I am considering starting a private practice in the future, but I know it’s not something I should rush into. One of the big draws to private practice for me is the autonomy I like having the ability to choose my caseload, set my hours and build an environment clinically that reflects my own values. But I acknowledge there are also some downsides. One of the downsides that stands out is there is potential for isolation. As someone who values collaboration and consultation, I know I will need to be intentional about staying connected with other clinicians. In addition to this another risk I see is possibly biting off more than I can chew. I have seen how it is easy to overcommit in high stakes work especially when you are trying to build a client base as well as maintain financial stability. I would like to avoid that trap by planning out things and setting limits early.
2- Running a private practice as a business feels like a big challenge, but it is by no means impossible. I have my own experience running separate businesses so I’m used to doing things like outreach, scheduling and budgeting. But still I acknowledge that this would be a different level of responsibility. Things like insurance billing, managing confidential records keeping up with law changes is a lot. I don’t believe this will be easy, especially during the transition, but if I build a support system and outsource what I can like billing or bookkeeping I believe I can make this work overtime.
3- Counseling to me feels different from other helping positions. This is because of how emotionally and psychologically intimate it can be. When you are with a client, it’s not just about offering a service. It’s more about creating trust, collaboration, safety, and connection. Even when you love your work, this can take a toll on you but it is important to remember there can be a lot of ambiguity in outcomes and it can be hard to measure success in the mental health field compared to other health professions. In addition to this mental health services often have less financial stability when it comes to reimbursements, which only adds pressure on how to structure the business side.
Question 4 – What is one thing that you wish someone had told you before you had started your private practice?
Aug 02, 2025 @ 21:15:01
Hi Billy,
I really agree with you on the concerns about isolation. I’m already the kind of person that could go days without talking to someone if I’m not working or at school. I feel like an upside of this program is that we’ve gotten close to our fellow grad students and will have plenty of peers to consult with in the future. We can all hold each other accountable!
Jul 31, 2025 @ 01:14:19
I am excited to pursue private practice eventually. Going into this program I knew I wanted to have my own practice one day, and reading through this chapter made me even more excited for it, when the time comes. The overhead expenses, insurances, and business skills feel quite a bit intimidating, however with zero exposure, that makes sense. Hopefully, with time, networking, and exposure, I’m hoping it will feel more manageable as I wrap my head around it. As for the personal qualities to a successful practice, I’m not sure if I have enough of them. Willingness to stay motivated, plan and follow through, invest time and money over a long period of time, and effectively function independently – all a bit challenging at face value. Currently, it’s hard for me to see myself as all of those things, even though I have motivations, I can plan and follow through, and I work independently. I think a lot of those factors are largely dependent on where I am, and how motivated I am. If I can see something in my head, plan it out, know the resources and tools necessary to execute said plan, then I know I can do it. It’s just a matter of how many unknowns can I proceed with to follow through, but there is time until then – time for me to learn all that I need to starting and running a private practice.
I’m not sure if it will be easy or difficult for me to run it like a business. I have no personal qualms with treating therapy as a business. My goal is to be in the helping profession, not the charity business. I want to build up my skills and improve my efficacy in delivering beneficial and evidence-based therapy to my clients. If I am successful in that, than adequate compensation is only natural. It’s an insult to ones efforts and abilities when you are not compensated appropriately. As for the marketing and promoting the practice part of the business … we’ll have to see, I have a lot to learn there.
I think the main difference that sticks out to me is just how much more valuable interpersonal skills are in running a counseling practice vs other helping professions. How personable you and connected to your clients you are, not only benefits the therapeutic relationship, but the business aspect of the practice as well. Due to the more technical aspect of other helping professions, such qualities do not hold as high of premium. Personally, whether my dentist is an easy conversationalist and personable is secondary to their ability to execute procedures in a painless and effective manner. This is not to say that interpersonal qualities do not matter, just not as much. The same cannot be said for a counseling practice. How clients feel around us, how approachable we are, and the presence we present with our body language, words, and non-verbal signals, directly impacts whether they choose to do therapy (and business) with us.
Aug 02, 2025 @ 21:00:17
Hi Dimitr,
I hear what you’re saying about the personal qualities for having a successful private practice. The upside is that you don’t need to have all of those right away. They’re things you can work towards while you’re getting your license. Ultimately, if you like the upsides of private practice but don’t feel you have all the skills to make it work, maybe it’s worth considering joining a group practice. You won’t make as much money as you do in your own private practice, but you’d still make more money than we do in community health settings.
Jul 31, 2025 @ 09:19:36
Pursuing private practice as a mental health professional can be an advantageous path, but it comes with both opportunities and challenges. For me, whether or not to open a private practice depends on many conditions, primarily because it depends on my community. However, reading the information provided gives me some thoughts about opening a private practice (for anyone). It is great that we can set our schedule, choose our clients, and tailor our services. We can offer our services and expand with groups, workshops, or specialties. In addition, we can have a space for creativity, allowing us to design our programs. On the other hand, facing challenges is undeniable, such as working alone, business demands, and inconsistent incomes. Therefore, it depends on the level of readiness of each person when pursue a private practice.
Suppose I run my private practice as a business. In that case, I think that even though therapy is a helping profession, my practice will not survive unless it is treated like a business with structure, systems, and sustainability in mind. I can be compassionate and financially responsible. Ethical billing, fair fees, and high-quality care can all coexist. Additionally, marketing our private practice is crucial in the long run. Therefore, I think it would be difficult at first, but it may become more manageable as we gain our ability, support system, financial stability, and mindset.
I believe running a counseling practice differs from other helping professions, such as physicians, dentists, and physical therapists, because counseling is relational and process-oriented, rather than being procedural, as is the case with medical or dental work. The “product” is frequently intangible, such as insight, emotional control, or personal development, and therefore more challenging to measure. There are also many other differences compared to other professions.
Question: How do you handle slower seasons or fluctuations in client flow?
Jul 31, 2025 @ 12:49:21
Hi Han,
Thank you for your thoughtful post! I appreciate your perspective on how counseling differs from other helping professions. I had not thought about it in this manner and definitely agree we are more relational and process-oriented.
Aug 02, 2025 @ 16:14:39
Hello Han,
I enjoyed reading your post! Specifically I appreciate your comments regarding balancing compassion and business. I like the quote you stated “Ethical billing, fair fees, and high quality healthcare can all coexist”. Showing kindness and empathy to our clients is a central tenet of therapy. At the same time, we need to ensure we are justly compensated for the services we provide especially in a competitive field. If you were to provide all of your clients free therapy, you would go out of business if working in private practice. You would then run into the issue of your clients not having a therapist.
I also appreciate the comments you made regarding counseling practice being more process oriented and relational than procedural. Although there may be a relational component to some helping professions to an extent in terms of rapport,
relationship building in counseling is one of the key ingredients to successful treatment.
Surgery or dental procedures are different in that you could be a great provider who builds relationships with clients, but if you do not know the procedures you need to do, that is quite problematic.
Overall, great post! Keep up the great work!
Jul 31, 2025 @ 11:12:55
Jul 31, 2025 @ 22:09:42
Hi Ashleigh,
I am happy to hear that you got the experience of working as admin at a private practice allowing you to get the insight that you need regarding how it works and even feeling prepared to run one in the future. I think it is even more helpful as it can guide you into what you like and do not like and what to even avoid when starting or in the practice.
Jul 31, 2025 @ 11:29:59
Jul 31, 2025 @ 12:46:31
Hi Alyson,
Great post! I like how you spoke to the disadvantages of private practices especially when not managed appropriately. I think private practice as you indicated can be something we strive for in the future since there are the many potential advantages, but at a time where we feel ready since otherwise we are more likely to experience the disadvantages addressed in the table.
Jul 31, 2025 @ 12:53:58
Hi Alyson,
Great post! I liked how you talked about the disadvantages of private practice especially when not being able to appropriately manage it. Private practices as you indicated may be something we strive for since there are also many potential advantages too, but only once we feel ready since we are more likely to experience the disadvantages in the table if we are not.
Jul 31, 2025 @ 22:12:43
Hi Alyson,
You brought up a great point that other helping professions do have a team that they can consult with or lean on too, even build a community, than private practice which sometimes can feel discouraging to those who enjoy community.
Jul 31, 2025 @ 12:40:16
1) Considering the advantages/disadvantages, personal qualities, and common mistakes with private practices, my current perspective about pursuing a private practice is that there would need significant time and experience before I consider this as a feasible option. As we enter the field, I would like to learn as much as possible working under organizations where there are opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, be mentored under supervision, and not have to carry the responsibility of managing services independently. I think it is too soon to tell where I would like to remain given the lack of experiences and would like to gain more insight prior to making that sort of decision.
2) My thoughts are limited right now when thinking about running a private practice as a business. I think it would be difficult for me given I have never run a business before and there are a multitude of factors to consider that run far beyond the responsibilities as solely a provider of care. In result, thinking about private practice can be intimidating, but I think it is certainly something I will consider in the future after I expand my experience within the field.
3) I think there are numerous parallels between counseling practice and other helping professions despite the uniqueness of our fields. For instance, although we provide niche services while in session, I think the means of functions are quite similar. This includes but is not limited to offices, management, reception for scheduling, billing/insurance, and service notes. As helping professions, I think it makes sense that there are these modalities for patients/clients to expect/follow for easier accessibility and navigation.
4) What is the best or most memorable advice you received as a clinician that continues to remain applicable?
Aug 01, 2025 @ 22:56:52
Hey Gigi,
I like your insight in that it is too soon to tell if running a private practice is truly in our best interest. You bring up great points for insight, such as collaborating with colleagues, being mentored, and not carrying the responsibility of managing services independently. I think for some, those factors will bring a sense of comfort that will make the risk of starting a private practice not worth it, even with all the advantages it can carry.
Aug 02, 2025 @ 10:36:32
Hi Gigi,
Thank you for sharing your insight. I appreciate how you are approaching the idea of private practice with a strong sense of self-awareness and realism. The desire to first gain experience under supervision and within collaborative environments displays a profound commitment to ethical and effective practice, which is significant in our field. I also liked your comparison to other helping professions. Indeed, even though our duties are different, there is frequently an overlap in the administrative and structural components. By acknowledging this, some of the logistical complexities of private practice can be clarified. Thank you!
Jul 31, 2025 @ 13:03:06
(1) I definitely am interested in pursuing private practice at some point in the future. I imagine the flexibility and independence will be refreshing after spending some more time working in CMHC. The disadvantages of doing private practice are a bit intimidating, however. The idea of insecure income, marketing, etc. sounds like quite a bit of practice. Looking at the tables, I can imagine how much easier running your own practice must be if you have a supportive spouse. It could address many of the different disadvantages of having a private practice, like insurance, feeling isolated and lonely, receiving steady income, etc. I definitely want to spend as much time working in CMHC as I can before moving to private practice.
(2) I am VERY intimidated by the prospect of running my own business. Unlike with other fields, we don’t really spend much time talking about how to run a business. Until I read this chapter, I had virtually no idea where to start. How do I file taxes? What does malpractice insurance look like? What do I name my business? How do I bill? My biggest concern though, is will I be a good enough therapist to make it in private practice? It makes me feel a bit better to know that there are therapists out there who are very successful in private practice but are not great therapists (i.e., not using evidence based practice, committing ethical violations, etc.).
(3) I think the emotional toll running your own private practice in our field versus other healthcare professions is very different. We become much more involved in our client’s lives and know them on a more personal level. In other helping professions, there’s not as much expectation for healthcare workers to be available after hours. If their patients have an emergency, their first instinct is typically to call 911 or go to the emergency room. In our profession, I’ve noticed many people will attempt to contact their therapist first, especially in certain populations (like with children or in substance use treatment). When you work in a CMHC or other settings which have more staff, there’s at least the chance that someone else will be able to respond to your client. In private practice, you’re oftentimes the only staff member and have to manage it all. I’d be worried about letting clients down.
(4) When did you know that you were ready to open your own practice?
Aug 03, 2025 @ 14:41:50
Hey Meg, I agree with you that the emotional toll of running your own private practice in our field versus other healthcare professions is very different. We are expected to be there for our clients in many different emergency settings after hours whereas there’s not as much expectation for healthcare workers to be available after hours. I also worry about being the only staff member and have to manage it all. I’d be worried about letting clients down. But like anything I believe we will get used to this setting and make good decisions clinically.
Jul 31, 2025 @ 13:44:29
Question 1
Prior to reading this chapter, I had had some interest in private practice. I am aiming to work in residential after this program, but would be interested in private practice once I get licensed and have some experience.
From Table 8.1, one advantage of private practice that resonated most with me is having ownership and flexibility (Volungis, 2022). Although it is daunting to be in charge of everything, I have administrative and financial experience that would support me with these aspects of private practice. If I were going into private practice this is less of a concern for me personally. I do like the idea of having more autonomy over the clients I work with and the interventions I provide.
One disadvantage of private practice that resonated with me in Table 8.1 was isolation (Volungis, 2022). Although I am very much an introvert, I enjoy working in a team setting and having multiple people to work with when providing care. If I were to work in private practice, I would be want to join consultation teams and/or be part of a I
group private practice. Another concern I have with isolation is the risks with crisis occurring during session as well as ethical implications. Having an additional person available if a client becomes a danger to themself in session would be ideal.
One personal quality listed in Table 8.2 for successful private practice that resonated with me was “Self-motivated with ability to plan and follow through on goals” (Volungis, 2022, p. 213). With being the only person in charge, it is essential to be motivated, well-organized, and goal-focused. Working in private practice, I can see how a clinician would need to be motivated to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Being goal focused and well-organized is essential regarding having a clear idea of the clients you want to work with, the interventions you want to provide, as well as marketing/PR for clients and financial management.
Finally, on Table 8.3, the mistakes to avoid for a successful private practice that resonated with me the most was “Not having a niche, especially in a competitive market” (Volungis, 2022, p. 213). This reminds me of our discussions on professional identity. As a clinician in general, it is important to have a clear conceptualization of your identity including what populations you want to serve and the interventions you provide. Specifically in private practice – having a clear idea of this and knowing how to market this skillfully.
With the rise in need for mental health services and having a competitive market, it is important to do this effectively to acquire and maintain clients.
Question 2
I have mixed feelings about being able to run my own private practice as a business . I have experience working in retail management and an administrative assistant where I have had experience with financial and business aspects. With this experience, I do feel comfortable with my ability to do this to an extent. However, I would want to acquire additional training in this area such as taking business courses.
Question 3
Running a private practice as a clinician is different than other areas due to the nature of the job. We have different ethical considerations for financial management, insurance, and client care compared to other areas of care. For example, considerations for risk management working with higher risk clients that would not be present in a helping profession like a dentist or physical therapist. At the same time, there is some crossover with these areas such as working within your area of expertise and accepting clients that you can provide interventions for. For example (this is going to seem like an odd example but bear with me) a doctor with their own practice for podiatry would not be able to accept a patient who needs support with dialysis. Similarly, clinicians who do not have experience working with clients with personality disorders would need to refer the client to a clinician who can meet their needs.
Question 4
After reviewing the pages for the guest speakers today, I have the following questions:
•Jacleen Charbonneau – In your welcome page, you mention some interventions such as CBT, ERP, and DBT. I am familiar with CBT and DBT. What does ERP look like implementation wise in private practice?
•Mark Joyce – On your website under services, you mention that you provide Sports Performance Counseling via telehealth. What types of theoretical orientations/modalities do you implement for this area? What is an example of a treatment goal that a client may have in this area?
Jared Manteuffel – In your bio you mentioned that you had experience in non-profit community mental health, in-home, and school-based therapy prior to establishing your own private practice. What was it like transitioning from these settings to now working in your own private practice and how did those experiences support you with your practice. On the other end, is there anything that you wish you had learned prior to going into private practice?
References
Volungis, A. M. (2022). Becoming a Mental Health Counselor: A Guide to Career
Development and Professional Identity. Rowman & Littlefield.
Aug 02, 2025 @ 10:55:46
Hi Rachel,
Thank you for such a thorough post! I agree with your point about autonomy being a key advantage. The idea of having flexibility over the clients we serve and the interventions we use is appealing, especially for clinicians who already have some administrative experience, as you do.
Your concern about isolation is one I share as well. Private practice offers flexibility, but it also presents significant challenges due to the potential lack of rapid support. I liked your idea of being part of a consultation group to help mitigate that. It is a good reminder that we do not have to choose between autonomy and collaboration because there are ways to incorporate safety nets and assistance purposefully. Thank you!
Jul 31, 2025 @ 14:24:07
Aug 01, 2025 @ 23:12:12
Hey Mariana,
I think your excitement with regard to starting a private practice is a very good sign. With lack of experience in running a private practice it is natural to be nervous, however reading your post and seeing all the different facets of private practice that excite you is a hopeful indicator that you will meet all the challenges that come with starting your own practice. Knowing how hard of a worker you are, those extra hours needed in the beginning are going to be a piece of cake for you!
Jul 31, 2025 @ 14:56:43
(1) Considering the advantages and disadvantages of private practice, I am feeling great (kind of) about pursuing a career in private practice. In fact, I have already landed a job back home in PP that I am both excited and nervous for. I am excited because PP allows a lot of flexibility that working in community settings does not; however, the taxes, finances, and lack of peer consultation is what worries me the most. After considering these disadvantages, I have been making preparations to address some of my concerns, such as monthly peer consultation with the other clinician who will be at my practice and hiring a financial advisor to help me with the business side of PP.
(2) I think running my PP as a business will be a bit difficult for me at first. I always imagined myself working in a community mental health setting where I could provide care to those who could not afford high quality mental health treatment. Unfortunately, now that I have decided to go the PP route, my practice does not accept insurance and is all self-pay with starting rates over $100/session. I feel a bit guilty about this, but also recognize that I can also do pro bono counseling and offer a sliding scale dependent on need (this does bring up some ethical concerns though). I try not to think about it too much though because it makes me feel really guilty.
(3) My counseling practice is different from other helping professions because our work is more vulnerable. I understand that it can be vulnerable for clients to talk about their health issues with healthcare workers, but we are diving deep into thoughts and emotions in therapy (which societally people are meant to keep to themselves). I feel like therapists are often made to feel that we should help others out of the kindness of our own hearts without expecting compensation.
(4) What steps have you taken to ensure that your treatment is accessible to all individuals, if any?
Aug 03, 2025 @ 14:42:42
Hey Taylor, congrats on landing the job sounds like you’re setting yourself up well! Also, I resonate with you on all of this. I’m also aiming for private practice and totally relate to the tension between wanting flexibility and worrying about access and isolation. I’m hoping to offer some sliding scale slots and maybe partner with community organizations down the line to offset that guilt.
Jul 31, 2025 @ 15:32:08
Honestly, private practice is something I definitely see myself doing down the line. It just really appeals to me because of the flexibility, independence and potential for making myself a livign in a way that allows me to practice in a way that is specific to my interests and strengths. But I also know it’s not something to jump into right away. There’s a lot that goes into it, like running the business side of things, dealing with insurance, and the potential isolation that comes from working solo. Right now, I want to focus on building up my clinical skills, getting more confident, and learning from people who’ve been doing this work for a while. Starting out in an agency or community setting feels like a smart move so I can avoid common pitfalls, like taking on too much too fast or not having the right support network in place.
The idea of running a private practice as a business seems like it would be a feat for me. I’ve never really been drawn to anything entrepreneurial, and the thought of starting something on my own, especially when it could your main source of income, feels super daunting. I feel like starting it up, I would want support and advice from others, and possibly do it part time an ween myself into it, if that is something that makes sense at the time of my life when im ready for it.
I’ve heard from a lot of people in the field that it’s not as hard as it seems once you get going, and I am eager to reach the phase in my career where I am ready for this, as I can really see the benefits that it could have for me and my future family as a means of making good money and providing for my family, while practicing the way that I choose to.
Running a counseling practice differs from other helping professions in a few key ways. Counseling often involves deeper emotional work and long-term relationships, which can make managing boundaries and burnout more challenging. Unlike physicians or dentists who may have administrative support, many counselors handle everything themselves—scheduling, billing, and marketing. That added responsibility makes private practice both rewarding and demanding.
Do you feel like it is easier to manage work life balance in private practice, or does it come with its own challenges to work life balance?
Aug 03, 2025 @ 18:21:30
Hey Maura,
I totally agree with your blog post that counselors often have to take on a lot of administrative responsibilities that other professionals in helping careers do not. I had not initially considered this. I also agree that there is more of an emotional investment in our line of work that other helping professionals do not have to navigate to the same degree! I also feel like there are added pressures to our job because we are oftentimes seen as responsible for the safety of our clients, whereas other professionals are not held to that same standard. It’s very interesting to explore these differences.
Jul 31, 2025 @ 15:43:48
1. After looking at today’s material, I am interested in pursuing private practice after licensure. I enjoy the outpatient setting currently, and think that it is important to gain more experience in this area post-grad prior to opening my own practice. However, I have always had an interest in owning my own business, so I feel like the benefits definitely outweigh the cons for me. I think with time and practice, managing a private practice will be rewarding and beneficial.
2. Going off of this, running a private practice as a business does come with managing paperwork, billing, office spaces, etc. However, I think that all of these aspects of private practice will get easier with time. After learning how to start a business and getting over the initial challenges, I believe it will be a great career goal.
3. Next, this will be different than many other helping professions. For instance, we spend a lot of time getting to know our clients. This can be emotionally taxing compared to other professions that only meet with their clients briefly and less often. This can be extra challenging in private practice as you may have less support than in community health settings. Not being surrounded by other clinicians can make this specific career path more isolating and draining.
4. The question I have prepared is what is the most rewarding part of owning your own practice?
Aug 01, 2025 @ 15:35:01
Hi Ashley,
Good for you for recognizing how private practice would be a desirable career path after licensure! There’s a lot to be said for knowing exactly what you want to make of yourself at this stage of your career and being able to dedicate that much more time and energy to your professional development. Hearing an optimistic perspective about starting a private practice allows me to consider the opportunity from different viewpoints and truly evaluate whether this is something I would be interested in down the road.
Aug 03, 2025 @ 18:24:05
Hi Ashley,
I totally agree with your statement about how therapists have to build more emotion-based relationships with their clients as compared to other helping professionals. The frequency and intensity of our services opens us up to burnout and more liability. This is definitely something to consider when exploring options for career settings within the field of mental health!
Jul 31, 2025 @ 21:55:08
Aug 02, 2025 @ 16:31:31
Hello Melanie,
I loved reading your post! I especially appreciated what you mentioned about the independence and inconsistent income in private practice. The isolation of private practice is something that makes me nervous about going into private practice as well. Going into private practice can be less isolating with networking events and peer supports such as consultation. This can make it seem less isolating and help expose yourself to different areas as well.
At the same time, it is important to recognize the positive qualities you possess as a clinician and how you can market these to promote your practice. Organizational skills, motivation, and passion as you mentioned are all fantastic characteristics to have to support with this.
Overall great post, keep up the great work!