Starting a Private Practice in Mental Health
Written By: Veronica Johnson, Licensed Psychologist
I recall starting a private practice in the early 2000s. I felt so honored to be meeting with people in helpful ways. I still remember the pride of welcoming people into my bright, new office. I had picked out a loveseat from American Home Furniture (which, by the way, doesn’t honor the warranty if the loveseat is in a place of business). I decorated my office with little tchotchkes, including a mug from my grandma that said, “Love what you do, do what you love.” I put all my favorite books on the bookshelf to be ready at a moment’s notice.
More than 2 decades later, I am still running a private practice (though it’s now a group practice). There are some things I learned over time that have helped the practice run well. I have also read lots of great books on the topic. Because this is the web and we all have shortened attention spans, I will offer you three things I believe to be necessary to have a successful private practice.
Make sure your friends stay your friends. It’s incredibly easy for a caregiver such as yourself to start asking questions and not stop, am I right? It’s also hard for your friends to resist asking advice from someone who has education in the area of mental health! It doesn’t take long for your friends (and family) to become like clients. Before long, all of your relational time and energy end up with you giving out and not receiving in. We definitely take turns in relationships, but if you find that you are consistently drained after your time with friends, you may have slid into a therapist-client pattern. Make sure your friendship time is mutual and restoring, and not just an extension of your private practice.
Retain a lawyer, follow their advice. Lawyers tend to be risk-averse – this means the advice they give you will keep you from getting into trouble. Most people setting up a private practice have an independent spirit. It can chafe when someone tells you “that’s not a good idea,” but it is wise to pay attention. We want what we want, and will naturally justify anything in order to get what we want in a particular situation. Your lawyer will help you keep that part of yourself in check so that you are following the ethics code even when it is uncomfortable.
Secure a supervisor you respect and trust. In the first 15 years of my career, I had 13 years of supervision. Yes, 13. While my checkbook (yes, we paid with checks at one time) was not thrilled with this practice, I’m so very grateful for the input my supervisors offered. They challenged me, encouraged me, and increased my understanding in ways school and books cannot. I quoted one of my former supervisors just yesterday to one of my own supervisees. When you are starting a private practice, it is so important to find a supervisor whom you will allow to speak into your life in formative ways. Make sure you pick a supervisor who is a person you would want to emulate and who holds values that align with yours.
I have loved running a mental health private practice. It is my calling and my career: a way I serve others and a way I put food on my family’s table. I hope the same is true for you as well. Be wise as you take this next step in your life and career. Surround yourself with friends and wise advisors. Your private practice can only be as healthy as you are.
Call for more information about supervision at Envision.
