Getting started: Toolbox for a successful private practice

Abstract

Starting a private practice can be on one hand the most exciting step you will take in your career, on the other hand it can be at the same time the most intimidating one. First of all, take the time to really think through what you want your work schedule and surroundings to be like and then set up your office the way it will work best for you. You may not get every item on your wish list right away, but do not be afraid to try to set it up just the way you want. Build a healthy network of collaborative clinicians around your practice. Your colleagues can be a great source of referrals to your practice. And without refferals, it is difficult to maintain sufficient patient turnout. That is also why a big part of private practice is marketing. If you want to establish and develop a successful business, you must sell yourself and your practice. Beside your role as a clinician, you will also be running a business. If you seek out some private-practice coaching, you might save a lot of time. Private practice can be wonderful, it is not for everyone. Some therapists find being in a solo private practice very tiring and lonely. For some psychiatrists, the ideal is actually a group practice that has therapists, counsellors, social workers and psychologists so that supervision can be done from a multidisciplinary perspective.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.