Afraid to start your own practice? Did you swear you never would, or never could?

I get it - because a few years ago, I was just like you.

Early in my career, I swore that I would NEVER go into private practice - I didn't know enough, it was too much work... name an excuse, and I probably made it. But like so many others, I eventually found myself NEEDING to start my own practice. I was burnt out, overwhelmed, and out of options. I was afraid of the change, but the idea of staying the same was even scarier. So in early 2021, I took the leap.

I remember how difficult it was to find the information I needed, and how daunting it felt to embark on this journey alone. I had some support, but ultimately it was up to me to make my own decisions. Some of my choices were good, some were not so good, and others were BIG mistakes.

Eventually I made some adjustments, and got to a place that was sustainable and satisfying. But it took a LOT of work! The process took so much time and stress - but it didn't really need to. I decided to use my experiences to help others avoid some of those same stressors.

This course is the guide I WISH I'd had when I started my business.

Are you considering private practice but find it intimidating? Or have you already taken some steps, but are feeling overwhelmed?

I've been there! Entering the world of self-employment can feel confusing and scary. Even if you've always been interested in private practice, it can be difficult to know where to start. Or if you didn't expect to take this path, you may feel anxious and unprepared.

Many of us doubt our business skills, our math abilities, or lack confidence. This leads many therapists to a) make big practice mistakes, or b) shy away from business entirely.

But sometimes, starting your own practice is necessary.

Many therapists turn to this route as a solution for burnout, to regain healthier work-life balance, and to claim control of their finances.

You may have been aware of the working conditions in the mental health field, but experiencing burnout firsthand is totally different. Nobody really warns you for how unsustainable (and sometimes unethical) many jobs can be.

By settling for this treatment, you're selling yourself short. You're also leaving money on the table, and possibly doing so at the expense of your own mental health.

Why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we put up with it?

Let's face it: Business preparation for therapists is SERIOUSLY lacking.

Many of us are forced to start our own businesses out of self-preservation - yet we have NO idea what we're doing!

Grad school does NOT prepare you for the reality of having to leave a job to work for yourself. No one gives us all the information so we can make our own decisions - we are largely left to put together the pieces on our own. It's so easy to get discouraged and doubt your own abilities - not because you can't do it, but because no one has made you believe you CAN do this.

But with the right guidance and an intentional plan of action, you can absolutely create a solo private practice that fits you and your needs!

The Honest Private Practice Guide™ can help!

I've created a simple yet comprehensive guide to starting your practice, and maintaining a business that is sustainable and rewarding.

In just two hours, I'll teach you everything I know about starting a private practice from beginning to end!

This course is FULL of checklists, definitions, pro/con lists, and tons of helpful information to help you along your journey. I'll share tips for developing policies and practices that meet your needs, and how to create a business that works for YOU.

Get clear guidance about topics like:

  • Steps to Start Your Practice

    A step-by-step checklist for getting your business up and running

  • Business Expenses

    Understand what it costs to start and run a private practice

  • Guidance on Important Decisions

    (Should you take insurance? Should you do your own billing? Do you need to hire help?)

  • Paperwork + Policies

    Know what forms you need and how to create (and stick to) your own policies

  • Insurance vs. Private Pay

    Weigh the pros and cons of accepting insurance vs. operating a self-pay practice

  • Billing

    Be aware of the insurance billing process and prepare for possible issues that may occur

  • Setting Your Fees

    What to base your fees on, and how to make sure you get paid

  • Work-Life Balance

    Create a balanced practice that works for YOU (and doesn't burn you out)

  • Finding Your Niche + Specialties

    Explore your clinical strengths & interests to help you identify your ideal clients

  • Websites + Directory Listings

    Learn your options for marketing yourself, and how to do so without feeling icky

  • Common Mistakes

    (And how to avoid them - or fix them when they do happen!)

Course Outcomes

This course is designed to help you:

  • Understand the steps needed to start a private practice

  • Gain guidance on important business decisions

  • Learn more about details like billing, insurance, websites/marketing, etc.

  • Develop strategies to set your business up for success

  • Consider how to create the ideal practice setting

  • Identify ways to create a balanced schedule & caseload (and stay organized)

  • Avoid common pitfalls (& bounce back from mistakes)

  • and more!

BONUS CONTENT

To supplement the course, I've also included:

  • Private Practice Startup Checklist (PLUS a Paperwork/Policy Checklist + sample intake forms)

    FREE

    A step-by-step checklist for starting your business. Plus, a checklist of paperwork you'll need and policies to create. I've even included sample consent forms to use as a template!

  • Office Checklist

    FREE

    A list of everything you'll need to furnish and stock your therapy office, making it comfortable for both you and your clients.

  • Schedule Templates, Budgeting Spreadsheet, & Productivity Spreadsheet

    FREE

    I've also included my tried and true spreadsheets for managing business expenses, tracking how many clients you see each week/each month, and managing your inquiries/wait list. There are also scheduling templates to help you balance client vs. admin time, to create a schedule that works for YOU.

Learn how to start your practice today!

FAQ

  • How long will I have access to the course?

    Once you purchase, you have lifetime access to the course and supplemental materials.

  • How long will the course take to complete?

    The video portion of this mini-course is about 2 hours long. The worksheets are to be done at your leisure - you can do them along with the course, or anytime afterward.

  • I'm curious, but I'm not quite sure if this course is for me. Can I ask you questions?

    Absolutely! If you're interested but have questions before you purchase, please reach out to me via email. I will be honest with you regarding if this course is the right fit.

  • Can you advise me on financial and/or legal issues related to private practice?

    While I am not able to provide specific financial or legal advice, I can speak to my own experiences and what has worked for my business (and the businesses of my colleagues). This course offers a mix of general guidance as well as specific options and ideas, to help you make your own informed choices. If you have specific financial, tax, or legal-related questions, please consult with a qualified professional.

  • Does this course offer CEUs?

    This training is not eligible for CEUs. But I'm confident that it will be useful for you personally, clinically, and professionally if you're starting your own practice!

  • Do you offer refunds?

    Due to the digital nature of this course, all sales are final and no refunds will be offered. If you have any concerns or are dissatisfied with your purchase, please email me and I'll work to find a solution for you. I'm always open to feedback!

Course Instructor

Amber Kinney, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Consultant

Amber has worked as a therapist in various settings since 2016, including community mental health, nonprofit agencies, and her own private practice since May 2021. She helps a variety of clients with stress management, self-esteem, high-achieving/perfectionism, and creating healthy habits & routines. Amber specializes in working with other therapists & mental health professionals, through both therapy and consulting.

Specialties include: Burnout Management, Counselor Wellness, Professional Development for Therapists, Workplace Issues/Boundary Setting, and Private Practice Support.

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