Getting Started with Private Clients
This is the Best Place to Start Your Journey
Hi there! I'm Jena H. Casbon, M.S. CCC-SLP, founder of The Independent Clinician.
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Private Practice: My Definition
Nearly every SLP, OT and PT I have ever met has dreamed of starting a private practice at some point in their careers. Clinicians are often attracted to the flexibility, autonomy, status and income. Everyone has a very different idealistic vision of what they want their private practice to look like.
What I focus on at The Independent Clinician is:
Empowering clinicians to build a small private practice
with a few private clients "on the side" to grow at a comfortable rate
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Your very first step is to gather the information you need.
There are a lot of "ins and outs" of private practice that you need to consider and account for before getting started.
Enroll in the Free Mini Couse
I would like to invite you to enroll my free Private Client Mini Course, which is full of exclusive content that you can't find on this website.
The course is delivered via email. It's low intensity / low time demand (because if you're anything like me you're pretty busy and just want the most helpful info!
Mini Course Sign Up
Curious about the in's and out's of treating private clients / starting a private practice? Learn the basics in this FREE mini course!
The Guide to Private Patients
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The Independent Clinician Guide to Private Patients will turn your dream of starting your own private practice into a reality.
"The Guide" will walk you step-by-step through the process of learning to successfully start your own private therapy business. From documentation to liability, marketing to taxes and becoming a health insurance provider, this book will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to get started! Each section contains:
You’ve always wanted to have your own private practice. Here’s the information you need! |
Grow Your Private Practice
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Need more clients?
Grow Your Private Practice is a step-by-step marketing system to help private practitioners get to the next level by following a specific formula to attract more, ideal clients. Whether you're a complete beginning OR an established private practitioner, follow the 32 "Action Plans" to get consistent referrals / income and break free of the feast or famine cycle! The 6 Modules include info on:
and much more! |
The Guide to Creating a Web Presence for Your Private Practice
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The Independent Clinician Guide to Creating a Web Presence will teach you how to market yourself online - just where your *future* clients are looking for you.
The eBook will take you step-by-step through creating a professional website, making sure it’s found in search engines like Google and effectively using social media to connect with referral sources and build your brand.
Private patients are looking for you online. Will you be there for them? |
Special Topics
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Set Your Hourly Rate - CoursePrivate Practice Consultant RevealsThe Exact System She Uses to Help Clinicians Decide On Their Hourly Rate
Hint: It's NOT About What Others are Charging
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Check out The Blog
Whenever I set out to learn something new, I want to learn from others who have been successful.
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I have been treating private clients since 2006 (almost 10 years ago!)
When I first got started, I was lucky enough to have two fantastic mentors to help walk me through the process. I started with one client after work "on the side" of my regular job at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston. The truth was, I had been asked several times if I treated privately and kept saying, "no." After learning the ropes and gaining confidence that I could treat my own private clients, I finally said, "Yes!" one day. You can read my full story here.Over on my blog, I have shared success stories from regular SLPs, OTs and PTs who decided to follow their private practice dreams. You know why these clinicians are successful? They took action. Their lessons, advice and tips are waiting for you. Be inspired by what they've been able to accomplish and let their successes shape your dreams. Click here to read their stories.
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Back in 2008. Great motto!
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I bet you have a lot of questions :-)
It's okay - you SHOULD have a lot of questions!
The good news is... I have answers.
Every day I get tons of emails from clinicians. I happily answer them over and over again but in case you're wondering...
The good news is... I have answers.
Every day I get tons of emails from clinicians. I happily answer them over and over again but in case you're wondering...
Here are the top 10 questions I am frequently asked:
1. Can I see private clients "on the side?"
Yes! I highly recommend starting with 1-4 private clients on the side. If you enjoy private practice and want to expand your caseload and hours --> go for it! Otherwise, seeing clients "on the side" is still considered private practice. It's far less risky than quitting your job before building your caseload. |
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2. What do I need to do to get started?
You absolutely MUST have professional liability insurance before you see your first client.
Professional liability insurance protects you against claims arising from real or alleged errors or omissions, including negligence in your professional duties. I personally use and recommend The Healthcare Service Providers Organization (HPSO.com). Find out why here.
Your livelihood depends on your professional license. This is the most important step!
3. Are people really willing to pay privately for therapy services?
Yes!
You are exchanging a valuable service for money. While some people opt to use health insurance to cover therapy services, there are some diagnoses / treatments that aren't covered by insurance. Additionally, many clients (especially adults) have exhausted their health insurance benefits and elect to pay privately for continued services.
4. Where should I find clients?
First of all - if you don't have a website, you absolutely need one.
Here's why: when you're looking for help for something (ex. car mechanic, hair stylist, doctor, etc.) where do you look? Online, right?
Your future clients are ALSO looking for services online. Make sure you have a website for your private practice.
You should also be thinking about "who" knows your ideal private clients and make sure you're marketing to them directly. This could be pediatricians, school psychologists, neurologists, etc.
5. What is the going rate for private therapy services in my area?
If I had a dollar for each person who asks that question :-\
It's not a bad question - but basing your hourly rate on an rate set by another clinician in your area assumes that you have the same level of skill / are providing the same service / have the same private practice needs AND it can be construed as "price fixing," which is illegal.
If you need help setting your hourly rate, check out The Guide to Setting Your Hourly Rate.
6. How do I minimize my risk?
The easiest way to do this is to not do anything that would put your license in jeopardy. For example, make sure you follow HIPAA guidelines. See clients in THEIR homes. If you feel uneasy about something - don't do it!
Getting professional liability insurance is a must for people in private practice. You can reduce your liability even further by setting up an LLC.
7. Should I become an insurance provider?
It depends. (Don't you hate it when people say that?)
If you're able to treat private pay clients, stick with that. You will likely get more referrals and business if you become an insurance provider, but there are a lot of headaches involved. That being said, I have an entire process dedicated to deciding whether you should become a provider in The Guide to Private Patients.
Trust me - if you decide to become an insurance provider, sign up for ONE company at a time. It takes a while to get approved, learn how to bill, etc. and you'll get totally overwhelmed if you sign up for multiple companies at a time. GO SLOW and learn the systems before adding other companies.
8. Do I need a business plan / business certificate?
Writing a business plan will help you estimate income and expenses and solidify a vision for your private practice. You will certainly need one if you're applying for a loan.
Some cities require that all businesses get business certificates and some don't. The easiest way to figure this out is to contact your town hall and ask. It's usually a quick and easy process that costs less than $50. (Usually.)
9. What if I make a mistake?
The question isn't IF but WHEN. You WILL make mistakes. You will learn from them. If you are terrified of making a mistake, this isn't the business for you. As long as you don't make a huge mistake (like breaking HIPAA or physically harming a client) you will learn more from mistakes than successes and become a better private practice owner because of it.
I made a TON of mistakes when I was first starting out. I learned from the mistakes and wrote a book about what I did right (and wrong) to save you time and headaches.
If you're interested in minimizing your chance of making a mistake, check out The Guide to Private Patients.
10. How should I keep track of everything?
Here's what you NEED to keep track of:
I wish I could say that you could slack on that stuff in private practice, but unfortunately it's the opposite. The customizable forms in my book will help.
You absolutely MUST have professional liability insurance before you see your first client.
Professional liability insurance protects you against claims arising from real or alleged errors or omissions, including negligence in your professional duties. I personally use and recommend The Healthcare Service Providers Organization (HPSO.com). Find out why here.
Your livelihood depends on your professional license. This is the most important step!
3. Are people really willing to pay privately for therapy services?
Yes!
You are exchanging a valuable service for money. While some people opt to use health insurance to cover therapy services, there are some diagnoses / treatments that aren't covered by insurance. Additionally, many clients (especially adults) have exhausted their health insurance benefits and elect to pay privately for continued services.
4. Where should I find clients?
First of all - if you don't have a website, you absolutely need one.
Here's why: when you're looking for help for something (ex. car mechanic, hair stylist, doctor, etc.) where do you look? Online, right?
Your future clients are ALSO looking for services online. Make sure you have a website for your private practice.
You should also be thinking about "who" knows your ideal private clients and make sure you're marketing to them directly. This could be pediatricians, school psychologists, neurologists, etc.
5. What is the going rate for private therapy services in my area?
If I had a dollar for each person who asks that question :-\
It's not a bad question - but basing your hourly rate on an rate set by another clinician in your area assumes that you have the same level of skill / are providing the same service / have the same private practice needs AND it can be construed as "price fixing," which is illegal.
If you need help setting your hourly rate, check out The Guide to Setting Your Hourly Rate.
6. How do I minimize my risk?
The easiest way to do this is to not do anything that would put your license in jeopardy. For example, make sure you follow HIPAA guidelines. See clients in THEIR homes. If you feel uneasy about something - don't do it!
Getting professional liability insurance is a must for people in private practice. You can reduce your liability even further by setting up an LLC.
7. Should I become an insurance provider?
It depends. (Don't you hate it when people say that?)
If you're able to treat private pay clients, stick with that. You will likely get more referrals and business if you become an insurance provider, but there are a lot of headaches involved. That being said, I have an entire process dedicated to deciding whether you should become a provider in The Guide to Private Patients.
Trust me - if you decide to become an insurance provider, sign up for ONE company at a time. It takes a while to get approved, learn how to bill, etc. and you'll get totally overwhelmed if you sign up for multiple companies at a time. GO SLOW and learn the systems before adding other companies.
8. Do I need a business plan / business certificate?
Writing a business plan will help you estimate income and expenses and solidify a vision for your private practice. You will certainly need one if you're applying for a loan.
Some cities require that all businesses get business certificates and some don't. The easiest way to figure this out is to contact your town hall and ask. It's usually a quick and easy process that costs less than $50. (Usually.)
9. What if I make a mistake?
The question isn't IF but WHEN. You WILL make mistakes. You will learn from them. If you are terrified of making a mistake, this isn't the business for you. As long as you don't make a huge mistake (like breaking HIPAA or physically harming a client) you will learn more from mistakes than successes and become a better private practice owner because of it.
I made a TON of mistakes when I was first starting out. I learned from the mistakes and wrote a book about what I did right (and wrong) to save you time and headaches.
If you're interested in minimizing your chance of making a mistake, check out The Guide to Private Patients.
10. How should I keep track of everything?
Here's what you NEED to keep track of:
- client evaluation / treatment documentation
- income
- expenses
I wish I could say that you could slack on that stuff in private practice, but unfortunately it's the opposite. The customizable forms in my book will help.
Don't see your question? Shoot me an email.
IndependentClinician @ gmail. com
You are NOT alone!
Most regular clinicians think of private practice owners as being really connected people who probably belong to secret networking societies or something.
In truth, a large percentage of SLPs, OTs and PTs have their own private practices "on the side" and often feel pretty isolated from fellow private practitioners.
The good news is - there are several fantastic places online to connect with beginning and established private practitioners.
In truth, a large percentage of SLPs, OTs and PTs have their own private practices "on the side" and often feel pretty isolated from fellow private practitioners.
The good news is - there are several fantastic places online to connect with beginning and established private practitioners.
Here are the BEST places to connect with fellow private practitioners:
1. The Independent Clinician Facebook Page
2. The SLP Private Practice Beginners Facebook Page (click to join)
3. The OTs in Private Practice Facebook Page (click to join)
At some point you have to ask yourself:
Am I as prepared as I can be - knowing that I will learn more as I go?
I know that you're terrified of making a mistake.
I get that.
Know that if you've read my books and digested my materials (and don't do anything stupid - like harming a client or violating HIPAA) the chances of making a big mistake are small.
You will miss out on opportunities to market your services. You'll send a bill late. You will forget to track your mileage. These are SMALL mistakes that you can and will learn from.
The fear of making a mistake should not keep you from your dreams!
I know that you're terrified of making a mistake.
I get that.
Know that if you've read my books and digested my materials (and don't do anything stupid - like harming a client or violating HIPAA) the chances of making a big mistake are small.
You will miss out on opportunities to market your services. You'll send a bill late. You will forget to track your mileage. These are SMALL mistakes that you can and will learn from.
The fear of making a mistake should not keep you from your dreams!
If you're a person who "learns by doing," at some point you have to start.
Starting a private practice is no different than committing to run a marathon. You arm yourself with knowledge and equipment and you start putting in time, slowly building your skills and your confidence.
Most clinicians I know tend to be perfectionists, who get caught in "analysis paralysis."
I can't tell you how many clinicians have told me, "I wish I had started sooner."
Most clinicians I know tend to be perfectionists, who get caught in "analysis paralysis."
I can't tell you how many clinicians have told me, "I wish I had started sooner."
Don't forget: Every Private Practice Starts With One Client
Instead of comparing yourself to established private practitioners with beautiful clinic space, ads in local magazines and fancy websites - keep in mind that the owners also started with one client.
Starting small and building slowly is the safest and best way to grow your practice.
But in order to be successful - you have to start.
Starting small and building slowly is the safest and best way to grow your practice.
But in order to be successful - you have to start.
Lastly - I Appreciate You!
If you're on this site, you're interested in making a better life for yourself and your clients -
I admire that.
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I was lucky to have two fantastic mentors who guided me along the route from dreaming of private practice, to actually working with my own clients.
In starting The Independent Clinician, my goal was to take all of experiences and knowledge and turn them into "The Rule Book" that I wished was available when I was first getting started. If I can save you time, money and frustration, than my books and website will be worth it for all involved. Thank you so much for your support. And if you've made it this far, I'd love for you to say hi to me on my Facebook Page. I'm looking forward to meeting you! Best wishes and many thanks, Jena |
Jena H. Casbon, MS CCC-SLP
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