If You Build It They Will Come
The private practice of mental health is a vibrant, thriving, and financially rewarding career path. Yet, many individuals who are considering entering private practice may have heard, or believe, a number of “myths” about private mental health practice. Believing these myths may result in not going into private practice and missing out on a wonderful career, or for those who enter private practice, it may result in a number of costly mistakes. These mistakes may have clinical, ethical, legal, and financial consequences. The authors of this book share practical advice based on their decades of clinical experience to address common myths about private practice in an easily accessible manner. Myths addressed fall into the broad areas of preparing for private practice, building your practice, managing your practice, documentation and record keeping, and ethical practice. Each chapter addresses a specific myth that may be believed, describes the myth, explains why the myth exists, and then offers specific guidance for moving beyond the myth. Accurate information is provided to help the reader avoid common pitfalls, and practice ethically, legally, and with clinical effectiveness. In addition to the specific recommendations and strategies provided in each chapter, each section offers a list of key resources available for additional guidance and support. This book is easy to read. It’s as if you are sitting with the authors and getting an in-person and practical consultation that is specific to your practice.