Private Practice: What 8 Therapists Wish They’d Known Before Starting
Private Practice:
What 8 Therapists Wish They'd Known Before Starting
HelloSEO asked therapists in our community to share one thing they wish they had known before starting private practice. From marketing and business coaching to the realities of growing a team, here's what they had to say.
Austin Gonzalez
LMSW, CST · Austin Gonzalez Counseling, LLC · Grand Rapids, MI
What is one thing you wish you had known before starting your private practice?
I wish I had known what a big difference having a good website makes!
Sarah Razo
LCSW · Centered Healing Therapy · Chicago, IL
What is one thing you wish you had known before starting your private practice?
Before starting private practice, I wish I knew anything about marketing! I thought that it would be as easy as setting up a Psychology Today profile and a website and watch the referrals roll in. I quickly found out that if I wanted more quality referrals for clients that fit my skill set I needed a whole new strategy that involved SEO, networking, and a tailored website.
Michelle Magida
PhD, LCPC, LBS1 · Therapy Etc · Buffalo Grove, IL
What is one thing you wish you had known before starting your private practice?
It isn't going to be easy, but it will be worth it.
Andreana Mabry
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist · Show Up Counseling · Rancho Cucamonga, CA
What is one thing you wish you had known before starting your private practice?
If you take insurance, allocate 5-10 hours a week for pre-authorizations, claims follow up, and payment recording. If you decide to go cash-pay only, reserve the same amount of time for networking and marketing. There is no set-and-forget way to address this part of your business and you ARE capable. But there may be a learning curve.
Suzanne Muirheid
LCPC · Calm Mind Counseling Center · Forest Park, IL and Countryside, IL
What is one thing you wish you had known before starting your private practice?
Before starting a group practice, I wish I'd understood how much responsibility comes with its success. As our team grows, we can reach more people and make a meaningful difference in their lives. I've been surprised by how much I enjoy training and mentoring newer clinicians. I also miss the one-on-one work with clients. Both feelings are real, and I think it's important to make room for them. Growth has taught me to pause and ask whether our clinicians have what they need to do their best work and whether our clients are getting the care they deserve. I'm still learning how to balance my role as a clinician with my responsibility to the team and the practice. It's not always perfect, but the clinical development and support I provide to my staff has become one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
Hannah Strom
Doctor of Physical Therapy, DPT · Awake Pelvic Health & Wellness · Woodbury, MN
What is one thing you wish you had known before starting your private practice?
Hire business coaches before starting, and that high highs and low lows are just part of the process!
Michelle Wall
PT, DPT, PCES · Moms in Motion PT · Twin Cities, MN
What is one thing you wish you had known before starting your private practice?
I had a somewhat unconventional entrance into business ownership. Many people have a well-thought-out plan to build a side hustle, gradually grow their client base, and eventually leave their job to go all in on their practice. I didn't have that luxury. I started my private practice after being let go from my clinic job during the COVID cuts. I had also just had my first baby, so I wasn't eager to jump into a hospital or nursing home at a time when so many people were getting sick. I decided to take a chance on myself and start my own practice, despite knowing very little about running a business.
I was fortunate to have two entrepreneurs in my family (my dad and my brother) who helped me get the basics off the ground. I formed my business, started building a website, and began networking. One of the best pieces of advice I received early on was to hire a business coach. I was hesitant because I hadn't made a single dollar in my business yet, and spending money felt risky.
Looking back, hiring that coach was one of the best investments I made. I had no idea how to market a business, whether through digital marketing, in-person networking, or word-of-mouth referrals. I bought a course that taught me the fundamentals and then worked with the coach in his mastermind. That gave me a foundation I wouldn't have been able to build nearly as quickly on my own.
Over the years, I've done a lot of self-learning, but one thing I wish I had understood from the beginning is that I don't need to become an expert at everything. There are areas of my business where I can learn as I go, but there are also areas where hiring someone who has already mastered something can save me years of trial and error. Being willing to invest in the right experts at the right time has made a huge difference in the growth of my practice.
If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice before starting, it would be: you don't have to figure it all out yourself. Invest in expertise early, even when it feels uncomfortable to spend money before you're making money.
Sandy Boone
LPC · Foothold Counseling, LLC · Lexington, SC
What is one thing you wish you had known before starting your private practice?
1) Business courses are never a bad idea.
2) Hire a business coach as soon as you can.
