Episode Details

This is part 3, of this four-part series of the Practice of Therapy Podcast, "Love the Work, But Hate The Job". In this session, Gordon explores some of the logistics around setting up an office and getting started with your private practice. This four-part series discusses the various steps and things a clinician might want to think about as they move into private practice. The series discusses: 1.) Knowing your "WHY", 2.) Making a Plan, 3.) Setting-up an Office, and 4.) Marketing & Getting Referrals.

Check out the mini-course: "Love the Work, But Hate The Job"

In this course, you will be emailed 4 lessons, one each day, that will walk you through a way to think about making the transition from agency work into private practice. (Get the discount here!)

One of the very first things you have to figure out, logistically, about going into private practice is where and how you will see clients. The good news about doing talk therapy is all you really need is a couple of chairs and place to meet that is private and has very few distractions. The truth is, that could be just about anywhere.

But, we need a little more than that for ourselves and for our clients. For example, a waiting and reception area is nice to have. Also, a comfy, warm and inviting therapy room makes a big difference too. We want our clients to feel at ease and safe when they come to us.

Finding the right place to meet with clients sometimes takes some creativity and willingness to "think outside the box". For most people getting started in private practice, there needs to be some flexibility in order be a bit more frugal. You really can't afford a huge office with all the "bells and whistles" in those beginning stages.

There are a lot of things you want to take into consideration in getting an office to see clients. Location is important. Also thinking about how clients get in and out of the space. It's better to not have a lot of stairs (I did that and it was a barrier for some clients). Also thinking long-term as you grow; will the space support your growth?

A good place to start is just looking online and in directories like Craigslist. Keep an eye out for places as your drive around town or begin to look. Sometimes people will only advertise by having a sign out in front of an office space. I know too, letting friends and other folks know you are looking for an office space can bring some results. Use social media to help let people know you are looking. Also maybe consider talking to a realtor who specializes in office space.

The normal progression of being in private practice is that you will want to do a lot of "bootstrapping" in those beginning stages. In other words, you leverage your time while you have a lot of it. You also want to be able to save as much money as possible as you build your financial assets in the practice.

Depending on where you are located, office space may be easy to come by or not. Usually, if there is a lot of spaces available, the prices will be more competitive. Needless to say, it makes sense, in those beginning stages, not to overextend yourself financially by spending a lot on office space. After all, office space will be one of your bigger, if not the biggest, expense you will have with running a private practice.

For this reason, subleasing or sharing office space just makes sense. And it doesn't need to be another therapist's office either. You could rent or sublease space from any other professional (lawyers, doctors, chiropractors, etc.). Also, look into churches, synagogues or other civic organizations that might have the extra space.

One thing to not overlook is considering joining a group private practice as