Introduction

In this introduction to the series, authors Bill Whitehead and Denise Hoyt discuss tremendous gaps in their respective educations that are critical to a successful private practice: how to start a business, how to manage a business, and how to grow a business.

Taking the Leap

Taking the leap into private practice is exciting...and frightening! This video gives hints on when the timing is right for this transition, including some elements that are absolutely essential to the transition.

Office Selection and Decoration

If you are going to see clients, you'll need some place to see them! We explain how to select a suitable location, negotiate a lease or purchase, and decorate the office and the waiting room.

Presenting Yourself as a Therapist

The most important element in your new office is you! We give suggestions on dress, attitude, and an overarching rule that should govern your behavior in and out of therapy sessions.

The Dreaded Paperwork

There is more to a private practice than seeing clients. There are forms to have on hand, initial paperwork for clients to complete, and (most likely) insurance forms to complete and file. We discuss how to keep these to a minimum, as close as possible to the ideal "paperless practice."

Insurance Issues

Should you accept insurance? How do you go about getting on an insurance "panel"? How do you negotiate your in-network fees? And what about all those collections of letters and numbers, like ERA, EOB, CMS-1500, ICD-10, NPI, and CPT?

Expanding your Referral Network

The pathway to success in private practice runs right beside the stream of steady client referrals. We explain how to create, cultivate, and sustain a healthy cadre of referral sources so that you can keep food on your table!

When and How to Expand

When you have the exciting "problem" of more referrals than you can handle, it is time to think about expansion. We discuss how to hire additional therapists or front office admins, and when it is a good idea to open a second office location.

Unexpected Events and Stresses

What do you expect? Probably not the unexpected! We look at how your routines might be disrupted by things like flirtation, subpoenas, suicidal threats, encounters with clients in the community, and more.

Recognizing and Preventing Burnout

The first few years in private practice are usually exciting and challenging. But what should you do if "the thrill is gone" and you find yourself dreading that trip to the office.

In Their Own Words

While researching for our book, we traveled to the offices of several successful therapists who have expanded their practices and continue to grow. This video is arranged topically, with advice from each of them on the keys to success.