OK, gang . . . the holidays are behind us and I’m still feeling the spirit of the season. Thought I might host a BIG GIVEAWAY so here’s what I’m thinking . . . .
The first five years I was in private practice, I just about starved to death. Have you been there? . . . the phone doesn’t ring . . . the clients don’t show . . . seeing one client at 9 a.m. on Monday and the next one at 3 p.m. on Tuesday? Bottom line, there’s just too much waiting!
Twenty years later, I’ve built my third practice from scratch (after moving to a new state) and I’m busier than ever. I’m doing things different than when I first started and I’m loving my work! I work when I want to work. I take time off to live my life. And, I get to help others along the way. And, that’s what I’m offering to you . . . a step in that direction . . . to turn your practice around . . . to help your ideal clients to find you . . . and to get them into the office in front of you . . . so that you, too, can change your world by building a strong and vibrant practice.
What’s the catch? There is no catch! I’m giving away 10-15 free 30-minute consultations on anything related to helping you build your ideal private practice. Do you need a little help? Someone to bounce an idea off of? A new project that needs looking over? Or suggestions for how to improve your website? If so, try me! There’s no cost. No strings attached. No hook. And, no big qualifiers or exceptions. Just leave your big frustration in the comment box below. I’ll choose 10-15 of those that comment and get back in touch with you to schedule your consultation in the upcoming weeks.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Wow Tamara! What a great contest!
I have several frustrations, but I promise to keep it brief 🙂
*marketing my practice to get more clients that will sustain the practice- I closed my former office space in July because ivwasnt making enough to cover overhead. I recently started subletting an office to help out a sick friend, but don’t want to end up like the last space
*drawing attention to my site and possibly blogging
*figuring out the logistics of paying myself so I don’t end up working just to pay biz expenses
I said I would be brief… So those are a few of my frustrations
Hi, Tamara: I’m a psychotherapist and practice-building coach too — but it never hurts to get a second opinion other than my own. My question is not about frustration but rather transitions within a practice and how they can be addressed gracefully and easily. I look forward to hearing from you!
My frustration is the lengthy process to apply to insurance panels, and also that even though I’m licensed to practice independently, i have to wait about 2 more years for the most part before they will even consider me.
Hi Tamara, I’m doing the things that you’ve recommended (CAQH, a few carefully selected panels, website, directory listing, online/offline networking) and a few other things. I’m getting calls, but getting them through the door is another matter (insurance issues seem to bog some folks down). My focus is growing the referrals, especially more self-pay clients, diving into niche’ing, and marketing. There has to be something that I can do better and not just more of.
P.S. Thank you for this opportunity!
I just came upon your site today and am looking forward to checking out all of the information you have available. I recently came upon time in my schedule, with support from my new husband, to start a private practice. I am in the beginning stages and trying to figure out where to start. If I were to approach established practices about possible openings, how does that work? Would I be a contract worker? Would I still want/need to establish my own LLC? Should I wait to try and get on insurance panels until I have a location set? I’m really nervous about the idea of doing billing. How do I find a reasonable costing company to do my billing even though I’m in Nebraska? Those are just some of the questions I have. If you could help me with any one of those I would be very grateful. Thanks!
I don’t have a frustration with practice per say, but with myself instead. I’m not sure how to get started in private practice/or if it is the correct move for me. It sounds wonderful, but the idea of “almost starving for 5 years” is too frightening.
Tamara, Wonderful contest! Thank you for letting me participate.
I’m interested in knowing what you did when you started your practice for the 3rd time. What did you learn that made it so easy the 3rd time around.
I just graduated 6 months ago. I’m moving to Grand Junction, CO in April, so we’ll be neighbors. Well, 250-mile-apart neighbors. ha ha. I’m looking for a full time job for now, but I want to start a private practice on the side.
I want to know how to start from scratch, find a supervisor, find clients, etc.
Thanks
Tamara: What a generous gift of your expertise. I am an RN, MA, LPC and just completed a program to get board registered as an addiction interventionist (only one residing in my state, so hoping that helps). I just left the hospital outpatient world (to return nevermore) where I was an addiction counselor and clinic coordinator and now am heading out on my own! I have a sub-let office, bus. lic, web domains, etc. I meet Monday with a web designer.
SO…………..next step is marketing to get clients. I plan on con’t see individual clients, add interventions of substance abuse and behavioral disorders such as eating or sexual addictions (I walk families thru the whole process from intervention to sober escort, to post-treatment as needed.
Any ideas on best way to market without a big budget?
Hi, gang! It’s exciting to see you guys dropping in here to chat! I promise, I’ll get to as many of you as I can over the next few weeks!
I’m eager to pass on what I know so that you don’t step into the same holes I did when I started private practice.
Please pass on my offer for the BIG GIVEAWAY!!!!! I want to reach as many mental health professionals as possible!
I’ve passed it along to a couple of colleagues!
Thanks, Ana! I’m really excited about making the choice to meet and help so many folks get off to a good start or tweak whatever is not working for them! Is all well with you?
Tamara~
I am impressed with your giving idea. You set an expamle for the rest of us to follow.
Take care,
🙂 Thanks, Brenda! Wish I had had some folks to follow as I was building my private practice!
Hi there,
I’ve just opened my practice while I continue working part-time in a non-profit clinic. I’m struggling to generate referrals and I’m not really sure what to do next. Any advice would be helpful!
First, “Thank you” for this giveaway!
1. I have just reached the 1 year mark in my practice here in GA and I don’t know what to do in year 2! I have mostly insurance clients and I want to balance that out with more self pay clients.
2. I still am not entirely clear on how to market the other clinicians in the practice and their areas of focus.
3. What are alternative ways to network, economically? I see opportunities like joining my Chamber of Commerce but it is a bit pricey for the current budget.
4. Is there anything I can do to make my website more attractive to potential clients?
Any insight is needed and greatly appreciated!
Hi, Camille! Welcome to Private Practice from the Inside Out and thanks for dropping in here to list your concerns! I appreciate the detail that you have gone into here in explaining what you are dealing with.
Dear Ms. Suttle,
This is not so much a frustration as it is a question about prepping for private practice. As I must work in the field for 3 years before I can hang out a shingle, I want to make certain I am laying a strong foundation as I get ready to finish my first year in the fray.
Your suggestions are welcomed.
Hi, TJ! Thanks for dropping in here to chat! You ask an excellent question. I’ve got 2 more days before the BIG GIVEAWAY! Stay tuned! Answers are coming!!
Tamara,
I am constantly inspired by advise and encouragement you give on the web.
My questions pertain to balancing. There are clients that can’t afford to pay or pay very little and clients that can pay full price.
OK, gang! I’m getting excited!!!! Less than TWO HOURS LEFT until THE BIG GIVEAWAY!!!!!!! So tickled to have so many of you dropping in here to share your concerns. I’ll start contacting the winners on Monday so that we can get down to work!
TA DA!!!!! Thank you to all of you who entered THE BIG GIVEAWAY!! I’ve just finished notices to the winners of THE BIG GIVEAWAY and look forward to working with each one of you.
However, I also want to offer something special to each one of you who entered my first contest here. So, during the remainder of February and all of March, I would like to offer you my consulting services at half of my usual consulting fee. For each of you that entered THE BIG GIVEAWAY, I am happy to provide my consulting services for $125 / hour rather than my usual fee of $250 / hour.
If you still do not have all the answers you need to grow your private practice, let’s talk! I’m sure together we can come up with a plan unique to your needs that can launch or re-direct your practice into a prosperous and joy-filled business!