Starting a business is stressful, no matter how you slice it. Starting your own private practice may have always been a dream of yours, yet doing it may feel like anything but a dream. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone.
Unfortunately, many therapists dream of starting their own practice and become overwhelmed by everything that entails. Due to this overwhelm, they give up and stay in positions that may not be right for them. Starting and running your own private practice can be A LOT, but you don’t have to do it all on your own.
Many therapists have turned to contracting as a way to have their own private practice while also receiving support from a team of experts. When you find a reputable group practice you may feel like you can finally have your cake and eat it too.
Let’s explore some of the stressors that can become barriers to starting your own practice and how contracting can help!
- Credentialing is complicated.
If you choose to accept insurance, you will first need to become credentialed with insurance panels. This can be a long and arduous process, especially if you are new to the world of credentialing. It can be hard to find time to get ahold of insurance panels and keep the process moving smoothly. Not to mention that some panels differ greatly from others, making it difficult to figure out who needs what.
When you contract with a group private practice it’s likely that they will also have a credentialing specialist. This insurance guru can help you navigate this difficult process and find ways to not only complete your credentialing but have fewer headaches throughout the entire ordeal. Credentialing can be overwhelming, and reputable practices that know what they are doing can help!
- It can be hard to find your ideal clients.
Counseling is becoming more and more popular. With more people than ever seeking therapy, you would think it would be easy to find clients that are looking for your particular skill set. Clients are out there looking for effective therapists, though they may have a hard time finding you if you aren’t up to date on marketing trends.
Finding a practice skilled in marketing can make a world of difference. You can rely on their expertise in marketing and allow them to help you find clients that you can help. When you are spending less time marketing yourself you can spend more time effecting change.
- Insurance can be confusing.
Once you become credentialed with insurances, you have to learn about them. This can include learning what your contract with them entails, allowed reimbursable amounts, copays, billing requirements etc. Each insurance panel has its own rules and regulations. It can be confusing to know where to start.
Contracting with an established, knowledgeable practice can allow you access to experts who know what insurances are looking for. They can answer your questions and help you navigate through the ins and outs of each panel’s expectations. You don’t have to figure this out all on your own when you contract with a responsible group practice.
- Billing can be overwhelming.
Once you learn about the rules and regulations of each insurance, you can begin to offer services to their beneficiaries. Providing therapy is likely where you feel most skilled, and billing may not be your strong suit. You aren’t alone if this is the case.
My graduate program was wonderful and I have taken A LOT of amazing continuing education courses. However, none of those taught me how to bill insurances. Perhaps newer graduate programs explore this, though the fact remains that many therapists struggle to understand how to bill for the services they provide.
When you contract with a group practice you will likely have access to a skilled billing team that can take care of your billing for you. This is far more effective and less confusing than trying to bill for yourself. Allowing billing specialists to do what they do best allows you to also do what you do best.
- Keeping up with rules and regulations can feel like a full-time job.
You feel like the second you understand the rules and regulations, they change. We are in a field that is constantly changing and evolving. While this can be exciting, it can also be confusing. You may begin to feel as if you are spending more and more time trying to understand the regulations that govern our practice.
Many group practices stay on top of these changes and keep everyone informed as things evolve. This does not mean that you shouldn’t stay on top of changes, it simply allows you another ally. It can be remarkably helpful to have a group of professionals you can turn to for support and clarification.
- Time is limited!
We all have A LOT on our plate and your time is limited. While you likely love what you do, I’m certain you don’t want to spend all of your time working. When you are running a private practice on your own it can feel like you spend all your time working. You may even feel like you spend less time with clients than doing everything else.
As a clinician, I find my joy from working with clients. While there are aspects of running a practice I love, true fulfillment comes from my work with clients. If you are the same way, you may begin to feel burned out keeping up with credentialing, marketing, scheduling, billing etc.
When you contract with a group practice they are able to manage the more tedious aspects of the process so that you have more time with your clients. You are able to spend your time doing what you love, effecting change and encouraging personal growth.
Finding the Practice That Is Right For You
After reading the above you may be sold on finding a practice to contract with. The truth is that not all group practices are created equal. It is important that you find a practice that is a good fit for you and your practice.
Do your research and ask questions. If you interview with a group practice have some questions that you would like answered. You can begin with some of the points mentioned above, exploring how the practice can help you with these stressors and any other worries that have become a barrier to you being successful as a private practice provider.
Carolina Counseling Services has been in the business of providing effective counseling since 1994. We have skilled professionals on our Marketing, Scheduling, Billing and Operations Teams that can help you succeed in your private practice. CCS can help you with credentialing, marketing, scheduling, billing and more. You don’t have to go it alone, we are here for you.
To Sum It Up
Private practice can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. You deserve support in building and maintaining your practice. Finding the right practice for you to contract with can make a world of difference.
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
