When thinking about starting your own private practice, moments of excitement and eagerness may quickly be followed by clouds of doubt. You’re not alone in feeling a bit confused or on edge about this big move! Transitioning from a structured work environment to the freedom (and responsibility) of your own practice is no small decision. However, with the right preparation and a fair amount of reflection, it could turn into the most fulfilling venture of your career.

As you prepare for the transition, or even just ponder what life would be like as a private practice clinician, here are a few things to consider.

Embrace Your Inner Entrepreneur

Stepping into private practice means you’re not just a clinician anymore; you’re a business owner too! Think of it as learning a new skill set. From managing finances to marketing your services, these are all aspects that, with time and experience, you can master just as well as any therapy technique.

Check Your Financial Pulse

Shifting from a regular salary to what might initially be an unpredictable income is scary. However, with some careful planning, like setting up a budget, understanding start-up costs, and saving for initial lean times, you can set yourself up for success. If you are not quite ready to jump all the way in, keep in mind that many of our affiliates hold part-time or full-time employment while engaging in private practice on the side. This can be a good way to ease into the transition and see if private practice is the right choice for you.

And though it’s important to market your own practice and grow your clientele, affiliates can breathe a little easier knowing our well-established referral network also draws in new clients to help grow affiliates’ caseloads and contribute towards a steadier stream of income. We also offer advanced payment for MaineCare and Medicare/MaineCare so you can receive timely and weekly payments for your services.

Create Your Unique Brand

What makes your practice special? Building a personal brand and establishing an online presence can help attract the kind of clients who will benefit most from your unique approach. Choosing a catchy name and designing a welcoming website are just the beginnings of creating your professional identity. You can learn more about marketing your private practice here .

Get the Legal Ducks in a Row

It’s crucial to tackle legal requirements head-on. From sorting out insurance to staying in compliance with ever-changing healthcare laws, make sure everything is buttoned up and you are following all guidelines. A chat with a legal expert is a great investment. We also provide affiliates with updates on the latest healthcare policies and regulations so you can stay in the know.

Though some clinicians choose to become incorporated or an LLC based on their business needs, this is not a requirement to affiliate with Health Affiliates Maine. Before making this decision, we highly encourage you to consult a legal or tax advisor. (We also encourage affiliates to speak to an expert in liability insurance!)

Surround Yourself with Supporters

Starting out on your own might feel lonely at times, especially if you’re accustomed to a bustling team environment. Cultivate a supportive circle of fellow clinicians, mentors, and advisors. Whether it’s bouncing off ideas, venting on tough days, or just sharing a coffee, having people you can rely on makes all the difference. If you’re looking for community, our network of affiliated clinicians provides a ready-made group of like-minded professionals.

Remember that as a business owner, you’ll need support beyond the clinical world. Having a network of business professionals, such as an accountant, lawyer, or expert on liability insurance is a great place to start.

With Freedom Comes Responsibility

You’re about to step into a world with more freedom and autonomy—but that comes with a great deal of responsibility. Without the frame of a 9-to-5 job or a boss to direct the show, are you prepared to steer your own ship? Managing your time effectively, holding yourself accountable, and embracing the full spectrum of running your practice can be empowering yet challenging. Think about how you’ll approach self-discipline, setting your schedule, and shouldering the exciting responsibility that comes with calling the shots.

Reconnect with Your “Why”

In the midst of all this planning and deliberating, take a moment to remember why you considered private practice in the first place. Whether it’s the desire for autonomy, the flexibility to balance work and life, or the passion to create a therapeutic environment that aligns with your philosophy, keeping your motivation in sight can guide you through
challenges and towards success. Would engaging in private practice get you closer to your “Why”?

Feeling nervous about stepping into this new role is completely normal, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to deliver care on your own terms. And remember, though you’re working alone, you don’t have to do it alone.

Learn how Health Affiliates Maine supports clinicians in building strong, independent and autonomous practices.

Posted on July 3, 2024by Author Kayla Quesnelin Categories Advice for Affiliates