Tips for Setting Up A Private Practice
Taking the leap to running a private practice can be a daunting task for many qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, or other wellbeing professionals looking to “go it alone”. Taking things private means you will be responsible for the entire running of your business, from marketing and finding clients, to sourcing a suitable location to run your sessions.
For anyone looking to set up a private practice, here are our top tips for doing it successfully.
1. Mentally Prepare
Before you start preparing your business model and organising the logistics, you need to ask yourself if you’re truly ready to take things private. You need to be confident in your practice and prepared to face any hiccups along the way alone.
Although taking things private has many benefits, it can be isolating, so it is also a good idea to join professional networking groups before starting your business for added support and social interaction.
2. Find a Location
Where you will hold your therapy sessions is key, and your two main options are at home or in a rented space. To find the ideal space for your business, think of your target clients; a luxurious room to rent will cater to high-end clients and vice versa. Besides, the feasibility of running your practice from home depends on the rest of your household and if there is suitable space available.
If you were to look at renting a space, renting on an ad hoc basis will be best initially and a recurring booking can be set up once you have an established client base. We have a range of professional rooms to rent, ideal for new and established practices alike that could be a great starting point for your search.
3. Understand Legal Requirements
To legally run a private practice, there are also legal requirements you must meet. Insurance is mandatory, and depending on your practice and clients, a DBS certificate may also be required. Any work you do must also legally abide by the guidelines given by your professional organisation, and you must be compliant with GDPR laws, which your governing body should be able to help with. In line with UK tax laws, you’ll also need to register with HMRC.
4. Marketing
With all the admin and logistics sorted, you’ll need to source your first clients through a successful marketing campaign. It is a good idea to launch your own website, as well as getting business cards printed to hand out at events. You could also look into posting useful content on other websites to widen your reach, and attend networking events to form connections with other professionals that can recommend you to clients, while also guiding you on your journey.