How to Start a Speech Therapy Private PracticeYou are here for a reason.
You're interested in starting a speech therapy private practice/ seeing private clients so that you can get more out of your life. Something isn't sitting right with you these days and you're interested in making a change. Maybe you're overworked, overtired and/or just plain over your job - but still love your profession and want to help more people but on your own terms.. Maybe you've considered treating a few private clients "on the side" of your regular job. Maybe you've been on leave and are looking to return to the field in a different capacity. Or maybe you're about to retire from a long career but still want to work with clients. |
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In the back of your mind, you have always been curious about private practice and felt that it's something you'd like to pursue at some point.
But when?
And how?
Keep reading because by the end of this article, you'll understand how you can go from dreaming about private practice to living your private practice dream.
Okay - so you want a private practice (or think you might want a private practice). Why? What about private practice is alluring to you?
But when?
And how?
Keep reading because by the end of this article, you'll understand how you can go from dreaming about private practice to living your private practice dream.
Okay - so you want a private practice (or think you might want a private practice). Why? What about private practice is alluring to you?
Clinicians often pursue private practice for several reasons:
- They need more flexibility in their schedule to meet personal or family needs
- They want to specialize in a particular population
- They want more control over their income
- Want more autonomy and the ability to "be your own boss"
- They want to give high-quality therapy and help more people
Do any of those motivate you too?
If so, keep reading because I'm going share a fantastic opportunity to learn more about getting started.
What does your dream speech therapy private practice "look like"?
When I first considered going into private practice, I thought that they only way to have private practice was to have rented clinic space with a waiting room, receptionist and employees. The problem was, I didn’t want all of that, I wanted to stay small.
In my 2015 Independent Clinician Survey I asked my readers, “What does your ideal private practice look like?”
Here are some of the answers:
See what I mean?
Everyone has a VERY different vision when it comes to their ideal private practice.
No matter what - you'll start by getting your first speech therapy private client and laying a solid foundation for future success.
In my 2015 Independent Clinician Survey I asked my readers, “What does your ideal private practice look like?”
Here are some of the answers:
- 15-20 hours a week working in clients homes
- Child-friendly clinic with lots of toys, samples of various AAC devices
- A classy office in a nice part of town with afternoon patient's
- Treating clients in my own home and having my own business with enough clients to support me financially so I don't have to have another job
- Me as the owner with independent contractors working for me
See what I mean?
Everyone has a VERY different vision when it comes to their ideal private practice.
No matter what - you'll start by getting your first speech therapy private client and laying a solid foundation for future success.
What types of clients do you want to work with?
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One of the best things about private practice is that you can follow your clinical passion and specialize in a specific population or treatment approach.
What types of clients do you love working with:
Private practice allows you to follow your clinical passions and focus on treating only your ideal private clients. The best way to find your ideal clients and establish a niche for yourself is through word of mouth marketing and creating specific marketing materials for specific populations. |
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For example, let's say you want to work with kids with autism AND adults with swallowing disorders. Rather than creating flyers, postcards or other marketing materials to meet everyone's needs, create different pediatric and adult focused materials to send to pediatricians vs. neurologists.
Private Clients vs. Private Practice?
I often use the words "private clients" and "private practice" interchangeably.
Even if you're treating a handful of private clients "on the side," that is still considered having a small private practice. You still have to have the same safeguards in place (like professional liability insurance and HIPAA-compliant documentation) and promote your business to build your caseload.
It's up to you how big your private practice gets. Starting small and part-time will keep things manageable until you're ready to scale up (if ever.)
No matter what, every private practice starts with one private client.
Even if you're treating a handful of private clients "on the side," that is still considered having a small private practice. You still have to have the same safeguards in place (like professional liability insurance and HIPAA-compliant documentation) and promote your business to build your caseload.
It's up to you how big your private practice gets. Starting small and part-time will keep things manageable until you're ready to scale up (if ever.)
No matter what, every private practice starts with one private client.
Hi - I'm Jena
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My name is Jena H. Casbon, MS CCC-SLP and I am a speech-language pathologist, private practice owner and business consultant in Boston, MA.
I've been treating my own private clients since 2006 (ten years!) and teaching fellow SLPs, OTs and PTs how to start their own private practices since 2008. I am thrilled that you're here - because we are a lot alike, you and me. We are both helping professionals who are trying to increase the quality of life of our clients. Having my own speech therapy private practice has allowed me to have more control over how I practice, achieve greater balance in my life and fulfill a lifelong dream. |
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If you can truly say that you love what you do, why not do more of it, on your own terms?
I've taken my knowledge and experience in helping thousands of clinicians (just like you!) get started in private practice and rolled into a brand new free Mini Course, which you can sign up for here.
I've taken my knowledge and experience in helping thousands of clinicians (just like you!) get started in private practice and rolled into a brand new free Mini Course, which you can sign up for here.
So now you're thinking, what are the steps to get started?
I'm going to tell you - but in the form of six lessons in an email-based Mini Course.
Introducing...
The Private Client Mini Course
Sample lessons include:
- Case studies of successful private practitioners
- Common myths about private practice debunked
- Jena's recommendations for how to get started - the smart way
- How to access additional information to help you along your journey
Who is the course best for?
The Private Client Mini Course is designed for total beginners as well as those who have treated a handful of clients but want to make sure they didn't miss any steps.
If you already have an established practice, you may learn a few new things, but you're not the intended audience.
If you already have an established practice, you may learn a few new things, but you're not the intended audience.
What is the format and time commitment?
The course is delivered via email straight to your inbox. You'll get daily Lessons for one week.
Most lessons take about 10-15 minutes to read and have "homework" in the form of leaving a comment on the blog or replying to an email.
If you feel the course isn't for you, you can unsubscribe at any time.
Most lessons take about 10-15 minutes to read and have "homework" in the form of leaving a comment on the blog or replying to an email.
If you feel the course isn't for you, you can unsubscribe at any time.
Are CEUs available?
Not at this time, sorry.
What are people saying about the Mini Course?
- "I've loved the mini course! Thank you!"
- "I enjoyed the Mini Course. Thank you for creating it!"
- "Awesome info, thanks Jena!"
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What are you waiting for?
Go ahead and sign up for the Private Client Mini Course by clicking here to enroll, completely free. |
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It can be really scary to try new things, especially making a big move like starting to treat private clients.
Not only will you get the content and information you need to start your private practice the right way, but you'll get support and guidance along the way.
Taking the free Private Client Mini Course is just the first step in your journey.
See you in class? Click here to enroll.
