The 3 hardest parts of solo private practice … and their remedies
Starting and running a private therapy practice is one of the most rewarding yet challenging journeys a clinician can embark on. As both a private practice owner and a consultant, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles that come with the territory. While the freedom and fulfillment of being your own boss are undeniable, there are certain hurdles that can feel daunting. But don’t worry - there are ways to stay connected and be successful.
1. Working without a team around
One of the biggest shifts when moving from an agency, group practice, or hospital setting to private practice is the isolation. Without colleagues to consult with daily, lunch breaks with coworkers, or office banter, the solo nature of private practice can feel lonely at times.
How to Overcome It:
Create a professional support network. Join peer consultation groups, supervision groups, or professional associations to stay connected with other therapists. If you can’t find one to join, you can create your own by posting in online therapist groups (via Facebook, Reddit, etc.) or reaching out to nearby colleagues via therapist directories.
Work in a shared office suite. Renting an office in a shared space or working in a community setting a few times a week can help break up the solitude. Many therapists rent a single room in a suite, or share a suite with other therapists, both to maintain social interaction and save on rent.
Engage in ongoing learning. Attending workshops, conferences, and networking events keeps you engaged and interacting with others in the field.
Schedule regular social interactions. Make time for lunch with colleagues, virtual meetups, or even commit to connecting with friends outside of work to balance the solo nature of private practice.
2. Balancing Your Work with Other Interests, Commitments, and Pursuits
Private practice allows flexibility, but that can also mean work bleeding into personal time. Many therapists struggle to set boundaries, leading to an overwhelming schedule that leaves little time for hobbies, family, or personal growth.
How to Overcome It:
Define clear work hours. Set specific start and end times for your workday and avoid answering emails or messages outside those times. BONUS: I recommend grouping your sessions together during specific work hours, rather than seeing a client here and there throughout. By grouping sessions back to back, you won’t disrupt your time for other commitments, and you’ll reduce context switching throughout your day.
Prioritize your personal life. Block off time in your calendar for hobbies, exercise, family, and activities that bring you joy.
Practice saying no. Not every client or opportunity is a good fit. Being selective about your caseload and commitments can help prevent burnout.
Schedule non-work-related goals. Whether it's traveling, learning a new skill, or engaging in a creative pursuit, treating your personal interests with the same priority as work can help create a balanced life.
3. Managing Business Admin and Finances
Most therapists enter the field because they love helping people—not because they love bookkeeping, legal paperwork, and insurance claims. Yet running a practice means wearing multiple hats, including that of a business owner. The learning curve can feel overwhelming, especially if business skills weren’t part of your clinical training.
How to Overcome It:
Invest in systems and automation. Use Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems for scheduling, billing, and documentation. Services like SimplePractice or TherapyNotes can streamline administrative tasks.
Get comfortable with finances. Learn the basics of budgeting, bookkeeping, and taxes (or hire a professional to help!). Setting clear financial goals and tracking expenses can reduce stress and ensure profitability.
Outsource when necessary. You don’t have to do everything alone. Consider hiring a virtual assistant, accountant, or marketing professional to handle tasks outside your expertise. An hourly contractor could help with bookkeeping, website content, triaging client calls, etc.
Stay legally protected. Have clear policies, informed consent forms, and malpractice insurance in place to protect yourself and your practice.
Final Thoughts
Yes, private practice comes with challenges—but the rewards are well worth it. With the right strategies, you can build a sustainable and fulfilling business that allows you to help others while taking care of yourself. If you’re feeling stuck, remember: you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Seeking guidance from a consultant, mentor, or community of like-minded professionals can make all the difference.
You’ve got this! The hardest parts of private practice are manageable. And if you need more help - you can find me right here.
