***Congratulations to Brynn who won the FREE copy of Start and Run a Therapy Practice!***
The overwhelming majority of direct email queries I receive are about private practice—everything from “how do I get started” to “what kind of billing form do you use?” So I know that the dream to strike out on your own is near and dear to many.
I’m a firm believer that if you harbor the desire, you need to take the risk and try it at some point, in some capacity. However, I’m also fiscally conservative and would always suggest starting small with as little overhead as possible while you build your caseload.
Scott Harmon at Start a Therapy Practice has podcasts and free forms that can answer a lot of your questions, but his recent endeavor, Start & Run a Therapy Practice e-book, contains an over 120pg blueprint for the fledgling practice. (Check out his website to download sample chapters for free.)
He thoroughly covers marketing research, funding, billing, even adding on employees. It was an easy read with important recommendations you can return to as you need or grow. I was personally quite taken with the extensive list of resources in the back. While I was familiar with a number of them, I’m now working my way through the rest!
A short word of warning however, this book contains the truth and not simply “go get ‘em, Tiger!” You won’t like everything he has to say, but you need to hear him out (a.k.a. don’t shoot the messenger). This might be particularly difficult if you’re already “in”, but I promise you that you’ll reap more success considering these tips (even if it mean cutting some losses and beginning again) than you will sticking your head in the sand.
Scott generously gave me two copies of Start & Run a Therapy Practice. One to review (though the opinions expressed here are strictly my own), and one to give away. To enter, leave a comment below letting us know the area you feel least knowledgeable about in terms of starting your own practice. Enter by Sunday, April 20, 2014, midnight EST. I’ll select a winner at random and announce it on Monday, April 21, 2014. Good luck!
Did you know I often post “extras” on my Facebook page? Check out the activities I’ve been doing with Easter eggs!
This Post Has 17 Comments
Even though I am close to retirement age, the idea of a private practice still appeals to me. Even after retirement, I plan to work in the field part time. Would love a copy of this book.
I would like to explore the possibility of some private practice after retiring from the schools to continue in the field on a more part time basis with more flexibility in my schedule. I would like a copy of the book.
Least knowledgeable? Everything! I’ve been toying with the idea of a private practice for a few years, but wasn’t ready to step out of my comfort zone. Maybe this book will give me the push I need. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Just started my private practice this year and am looking for advice and ideas about everything from marketing to billing to employees! It has been a roller coaster ride so far…but satisfying. A little coaching is needed as I work out the glitches and this book sounds great!
I think it’s really cool someone put a book out about this! I would say I am least knowledgeable about billing- specifically when insurance is involved. I don’t get why it takes so long to have the payments come through or how it’s even profitable in a smaller business. I think marketing would be the next area but I guess some of that could come along with networking events.
I feel most stymied about billing and insurance. VERY overwhelming!
I am not at all knowledgeable about the business aspects! would love to win this book!
I would like to know more about the process of billing insurances when having your own practice. Any other information would benefit me as well. I’m a full-time school-based SLP and would like to offer summer services out of my house. Then if I built up the clientele, I could offer services during after-school hours during the week. Thanks for the giveaway!
I have a lot of questions, but I think the area I feel weakest in is the Notice of Privacy Policies and legal side of forms. Thanks for the review and new resource to check out!
I’m always thinking about this! Would love this book!
I have been running my private practice for a while – thoroughly recommend it to those who are thinking of it. I’m in the UK, so some of the info in this book won’t be relevant for me, but I feel most stuck on employing people. Loved your podcast you did for Scott by the way, Kim!
Great review Kim! The comments are really interesting and I would like to say that I do cover the topics mentioned in them. Don’t let fear and the phrase “but I don’t know about…” stop you from what you are called to do. Even if you don’t win a free book there is plenty of free information out there to get you started.
By the way Kim, I already have a copy of the book so take me out of the hat ; )
Thanks again!
I would really appreciate information in order to expand my business. I am retired from the schools and have had my own practice since 2007. I’d like more information on the best way to add more therapists to my company!
Hmmm, in what area am I least knowledgeable? All of the above? Lol. I’ve checked out Scott’s website and podcasts, downloaded some free forms, and have his book on my wishlist. I’d agree with others who’ve said billing and legal forms (privacy policy, payment/cancellation, treatment contract) are most intimidating. Scott’s forms have been helpful. I also found a cool resource for private practice SLPs on TeachersPayTeachers from Kate Shepard. I’ve been researching and taking baby steps for about a year now. It will be nice to actually start seeing some clients soon. 🙂 Plan to begin in the summer, when I have a break from my school job. Thanks ALWAYS for the inspiration and ideas, Kim!! You are awesome!
I wonder about starting out on my own without having a “home base office”. Like if I want to see private clients on my own time, after my main SLP position. I’ve asked many who do so in the area, but this would also be a great resource!
Started my own business last year – VERY SCARY! With some help from other SLPs (private practice & school system) things are moving along – slower than I expected though; but, I’m hanging in there! I’m learning a lot, but still have SO MUCH to learn. Scott Harmon’s book would be most welcomed!!!!
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