5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Practice

Being in private practice can be an exciting and rewarding journey, but let me tell you—there are some things I wish I knew before I dove in. If you’re just starting out (or haven’t started yet), here are five things you’ll want to keep in mind as you build your practice.

1. You Wear All of the Hats

You’re not just a therapist anymore—you’re the front office, the back office, the bookkeeper, the receptionist, the marketing team, and IT support. While the freedom of private practice is amazing, it also means you’re running a small business, and there’s a learning curve to that. Be prepared to juggle client work with all the other tasks that come with keeping things running smoothly. Does it feel daunting to wear all of the hats? Consider outsourcing some of these roles. Many therapists hire agencies or individuals to help with bookkeeping, social media management, and even scheduling. Consider what your time is worth and if it may actually be more cost-effective to outsource some of your work. 

2. Finding Your Niche is Everything

At first, you might feel like you need to say “yes” to every client who comes your way, especially if you have few or no clients. The truth is, finding your niche—your specific area of expertise or the population you love working with—can be the key to long-term success. Consider this: when you last looked for a therapist for yourself, did you look for a therapist who specializes in something? What made you choose your therapist? Their experience working with people like yourself? Are they part of the same (or similar) communities as you? If you answered “yes” to either or both of these questions, this is why it’s so beneficial to have a niche! It helps both you AND prospective clients. When you narrow your focus, clients who need you will be able to find you more easily. Plus, it’s more satisfying to work with clients who align with your strengths. Lastly, having a narrower focus means that you don’t have to know everything about everything. Instead of knowing how to support clients dealing with depression, trauma, bipolar, anxiety, eating disorders, and relationship concerns, you can focus on an area that aligns with your strengths and interests. Not sure what your niche is or need help identifying it? Download my free “Niche Guide” under the “Products and Services” tab on my site. 

3. It’s OK to Not Have All the Answers

When you’re starting out, there will be moments where you’re not sure what to do—whether it’s how to handle a challenging client case or how to manage your taxes. Spoiler alert: It’s totally normal to feel a little lost at times. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Build a network of mentors, supervisors, and colleagues who can support you and help you navigate those “I have no idea what I’m doing” moments.

4. Clients Won’t Magically Find You 

When I started, my [then] supervisor shared that he didn’t have a website or Psychology Today, and that he was full within a couple of months of practicing. What he left out: he had been practicing in the community for YEARS and had built a strong reputation, and an even stronger professional network. He was also paneled with nearly every commercial and government insurance plan. While this was great for him, it painted an unrealistic picture of marketing for me. I thought putting up a website and Psych Today profile would be enough to bring in clients. It brought some, but I had a slow start. You need to be proactive in building relationships with referral sources like other therapists or professional organizations. Attending local meet-ups, networking events, and engaging in Facebook groups can help get your name out there. People are more likely to refer clients to someone they know and trust. They’re also more likely to remember you if you have a niche. I’ll be honest, I personally look for therapists with a specific niche when I send out referrals. 

5. You Don’t Have to Say Yes to Every Client

I know it’s tempting to say yes to every client when you’re just starting, but not every client is going to be a great fit for your skillset—or your sanity. Learning how to say no (politely) is one of the best things you can do for your practice and your own mental health. It’s okay to refer clients elsewhere if they’re outside your scope, or you feel they’d be better served by someone else. Boundaries will keep you from burning out and help you work more effectively with the clients you’re truly passionate about helping.