The Labor of Private Practice
If we've ever chatted about private practice, you've likely heard me say, "Private practice is not the pinnacle of a therapist’s career." While private practice works well for me right now, it's crucial to evaluate it based on labor costs rather than the idealized image it sometimes carries. The truth is, due to systemic issues, many people end up making more money in jobs that are considered less “acceptable” by societal standards. I've known folks in my cohort who earned more bartending or waitressing, but felt pressured to use their degree in a mental health field that ultimately paid them less and led to more stress and trauma. On the flip side, I also know people who absolutely love their W2 hospital jobs, which offer good pay and excellent health insurance.
When considering whether private practice is right for you, think about where you are in your life right now. For me, private practice is feasible because my spouse has a W2 job with great health benefits. My body requires more than basic insurance, so if that ever changes, I'll be seeking out a federal W2 job. The key is to evaluate what truly serves you best at this stage in your life.
Here are things to consider when thinking of the labor of private practice:
1. Client-Facing Labor
Therapy/Consultation Sessions: Providing direct services to clients, such as therapy, counseling, or consultations.
Client Intake: Conducting initial assessments and gathering client history and information, creating treatment plans, informed consent documents.
Follow-Up Care/Continuity of Care: Checking in with clients between sessions or after treatment, obtaining records or sending records after referral, creating discharge summaries.
2. Administrative Labor
Scheduling Appointments: Managing and organizing client appointments.
Billing and Invoicing: Handling client payments, insurance claims, and financial records.
Record Keeping: Maintaining client files, session notes, and treatment plans.
Correspondence: Managing emails, phone calls, and other communications with clients and colleagues.
3. Marketing and Business Development
Client Acquisition: Creating and implementing strategies to attract new clients.
Social Media Management: Maintaining a professional presence on social platforms.
Networking: Building relationships with other professionals and referral sources.
Content Creation: Writing blogs, creating newsletters, or producing educational materials.
4. Professional Development
Continuing Education: Attending workshops, seminars, or courses to stay updated on best practices.
Supervision and Peer Consultation: Engaging in regular supervision or peer consultation to enhance skills and knowledge.
Research and Reading: Keeping up with the latest research, theories, and industry trends.
5. Operational Labor
Office Management: Overseeing the physical space, including supplies, equipment, and cleanliness.
Technology Management: Maintaining practice management software, telehealth platforms, and other tech tools.
Compliance and Legal Responsibilities: Ensuring that the practice adheres to legal, ethical, and professional standards.
Financial Management: Budgeting, tax preparation, and financial planning for the practice.
6. Self-Care and Personal Development
Stress Management: Engaging in activities and practices that help manage stress and prevent burnout.
Work-Life Balance: Establishing boundaries between personal life and professional responsibilities.
Reflection and Growth: Taking time to reflect on personal and professional growth, setting goals, and self-improvement.
Please don’t read this list and become overwhelmed, if private practice is right for you, I’m here to help tackle the overwhelm and help you streamline and get it done. Private practice is rewarding and serves me and my family wonderfully currently but when I eventually change (and I’m sure I will)- it will not be a step backward, it will be a step toward to aligning my career and life and I want the same for you.
