- Add client’s emails to your schedule invite so it automatically reminds them
- Write blog posts all at once when you are inspired and schedule them for when you want them released
- Settle all billing at the end of the session so you don’t have to remind clients about payment
- Don’t keep a waiting list
- Create an automated email list through aweber
- Hire a 1099 counselor to help with overflow and expansion
- Pack a lunch
- When you go out to eat, do it with a potential referral source
- Use online printing like vistaprint or moo
- Learn to create your own website through bluehost
- Complete part/all of the progress note in the session
- Do your own scheduling
- Negotiate rent as a percentage of your income
- Use another counselor’s office when they don’t and split rent
- See clients back to back
- Check email only a few times per day
- Batch phone calls together
- Email new clients the intake paperwork
- Email new clients interactive directions to your office through Google Maps
- Only see clients one or two nights a week, when those are full add more
- Rent your office out to another counselor when you’re not using it
- Learn from people that have already done what you’re going to do, like people who have already successfully launched a counseling private practice
- Get enough sleep so that you are efficient when you are awake
- Walk and talk with clients that are depressed so they/you both get exercise
- Charge full price for a no show
- Praise clients when they are early
- Take deep breaths to reduce your own frustration
Above all, love your job!
Joseph R. Sanok, MA, LLP, LPC, NCC is a licensed counselor and owner of Mental Wellness Counseling in Traverse City, MI. He helps kids and families to make decisions and plans that will help them enhance their therapeutic outcomes. Will you comment below or email Joe? If you want to take your private practice to the next level, check out the paid e-newsletter subscription.
To link to Joe’s Google+ follow the link.
