If you are toying with the idea of becoming an independent contractor, you probably have a lot of questions. I’m often asked what a typical day looks like for a contractor with CCS. That is a great question, though I promise if you ask ten therapists you will get ten different answers. While that may seem overwhelming, it can also be very exciting and liberating.
First, let’s break down what it means to be an independent contractor. As an independent contractor you are independent. Shocking right? It really can be. Depending on the settings you have worked in before, this level of autonomy can be a lot to digest at first.
As a contractor, your schedule is your own, your approaches are your own, your practice (you guessed it) is your own. Whether you decide to contract with CCS or not, be sure to do your research and learn about the pros and cons of being a contractor versus an employee and make the decision that is right for you. I am grateful I made the decision to become a contractor with CCS many years ago, but it was not a decision I made on a whim.
Each therapist is unique and will have their own varying schedule that works for them. I encourage you to reflect on what works best for you when you build your schedule. If you are more of a morning person, schedule like a morning person. If you aren’t a morning person, like me, you may prefer to start later. Your time is yours, make it work for you.
As I mentioned, ask ten therapists and get ten answers. Since you’ve got me right here, fellow therapist, I’ll share with you what a typical day would have looked like for me.
Day in the Life of a CCS Contracted Therapist
8:30am: Arrive at my office.
As I mentioned, I’m not much of a morning person but I found that getting in at 8:30 helped me to feel ready to go and more accomplished. In the past I tried starting later and it worked sometimes, but I also liked to be able to have options for my clients.
Getting in at 8:30am gave me time to check emails, drink some coffee and center myself for my morning clients. It also may not feel great to be rushing into the office alongside your first client. I find that tends to leave me feeling rather rushed!
9am to 12pm: Sessions with clients.
I personally like to do sessions back to back. This is what works for me so this is what I do. I generally would have 4 sessions in the morning and then I would feel ready for lunch and a break!
12pm-2pm or 3pm: Have lunch, do some notes or errands, respond to emails and client calls, and/or Jaime time.
Having a break in the middle of the day works well for me. I like to go eat lunch either at home or out somewhere. If there are other things I’d like to do in the office or choose to flex my time and see a client during this time so that I can start later or end earlier, I sometimes eat lunch in my office. I also like having this time if I’m going to be going on vacation soon, as it allows me to schedule a client that I would normally see the week I’ll be out.
Either way, this block of time has been something I enjoy using as I need it. The beauty of being a contractor is being able to flex your schedule and make it work for you.
2pm/3pm to 6pm/7pm: You guessed it, sessions with clients!
Having eight session times available per day has always been a good number for me. I enjoy having four in the morning and four later on. I wanted the ability to have 5pm and 6pm sessions. This allows me more flexibility for clients that work a 9-5 or for younger clients who are in school during the day.
Last 30 Minutes of the Day: Notes, Calls and Emails
After my last client, I try to take a look at emails that may need my attention or return calls. CCS takes care of most administrative tasks so therapists can focus on seeing their clients and writing notes.
The note system is also easy to use and cuts down on documentation time so you can easily get your notes done the same day.
To Sum It Up
Your schedule is your own. This snapshot of my day as a contracted therapist may not be for you. Some therapists may think it’s too many clients, some may think it’s too few. This is what works best for me, so it’s how I structure my day. It’s the beauty of being a contractor–you are in control.
If you are considering becoming an independent contractor, get to know your needs as a clinician and start thinking about what your ideal day would look like. Then make it happen! Practice what you preach, my therapist friend. See you next time.
*If you are interested in becoming an independent contractor with CCS and you are a licensed therapist in North Carolina, send your cover letter and resume to the following email: Applicants@CarolinaCounselingServices.com
