How to Start a Private Therapy Practice: The Ultimate 10-Step Checklist
- Halie Gibbs
- May 29
- 4 min read
Starting your own private therapy practice is one of the most empowering steps you can take as a clinician. If you’ve been wondering how to start a private therapy practice, this guide walks you through 10 essential steps—from legal setup to branding, marketing, and self-care.
Private practice can offer you the autonomy, flexibility, and alignment you’ve been craving in your work. But getting started can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what comes first—or what you might be missing. This checklist is designed to help you launch confidently, with a foundation that supports both your clients and your long-term well-being.

1. Establish Your Legal & Financial Foundation
Strong practices are built on solid foundations. Before anything else, ensure your business structure and financial setup are in place.
Choose your business structure (LLC or sole proprietorship are most common)
Apply for an EIN through the IRS
Open a business bank account to separate personal and professional finances
Get liability insurance (both professional and general)
Hire a CPA or bookkeeper to keep your taxes and deductions organized
Having this foundation early will save you hours of confusion and protect your practice long-term.
2. Get Clear on Your Ideal Client
Having clarity on who you want to serve helps guide all your business decisions.
Identify the population you feel most aligned with
Understand their core challenges and goals
Think about the language they use when searching for support
Knowing your ideal client will influence your website content, offerings, social media tone, and referral network. The clearer you are, the more easily your ideal clients can find and choose you.
3. Design Your Practice Space (In-Person or Online)
Whether you see clients in person or virtually, your environment is part of the healing experience.
For in-person: Choose a quiet, private space with comfortable seating and soft lighting
For virtual: Use neutral backgrounds, quality lighting, and noise-canceling headphones
Choose HIPAA-compliant platforms like SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, or Jane
Create a smooth intake and onboarding process for new clients
Your space should reflect the kind of experience you want clients to have—safe, calm, and welcoming.
4. Create a Soul-Aligned Brand Kit
Branding isn’t about logos—it’s about alignment, clarity, and connection.
Choose 2–3 calming brand colors and a clean, professional font pairing
Create a logo or text-based design that reflects your style
Define your voice and tone: warm, direct, compassionate, empowering?
Use consistent visuals and language across your website, social media, and emails
A brand kit brings visual consistency, professionalism, and recognition across platforms.
5. Set Your Rates and Define Clear Policies
Transparent pricing and boundaries make for healthier client relationships—and a more sustainable business.
Determine your session rate based on expenses, time, and energy
Decide whether to offer a sliding scale or take insurance
Write out clear cancellation, no-show, and communication policies
Use digital forms or EHR systems to streamline the intake process
Don’t be afraid to adjust your rates or policies as your business grows. What works today may evolve with experience.
6. Build a Professional Website with SEO in Mind
Your website should help clients find you—and feel confident reaching out.
Include key pages: Home, About, Services, FAQ, Contact
Use keywords like “anxiety therapist in [city]” or “online therapy for grief” in headers and text
Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and loads quickly
Add a blog or resources page if you want to improve your SEO over time
Add a scheduling system or contact form for client inquiries
Make sure your tone and imagery match your brand—clients should feel like they’ve already met you by the time they book.
7. Develop Your Marketing Strategy
You don’t need to be everywhere—you just need to be consistent and genuine.
Choose 1–2 platforms you enjoy (Instagram, email newsletter, podcast, blog)
Educate, encourage, and speak directly to your ideal client
Batch your content ahead of time if possible
Engage with your community through comments, shares, and events
Evaluate what's working every quarter and refine accordingly
You might start by writing 3–5 blog posts on common client struggles or set up a simple Instagram page with helpful tips and insights. Focus on service, not perfection.
8. Build a Referral Network for Your Private Therapy Practice
Word-of-mouth and professional connections are powerful growth tools.
Reach out to other therapists, coaches, doctors, and wellness providers
Join therapist directories like Psychology Today or TherapyDen
Collaborate on community events, talks, or podcasts
Refer out clients that aren’t a fit to build reciprocal trust
Your network doesn’t have to be huge—just authentic and reciprocal.
9. How to Start a Private Therapy Practice: Prioritize Self-Care and Boundaries
You are your business’s greatest asset—protect your time and energy.
Block out admin hours and breaks between sessions
Maintain a manageable caseload that allows for quality care
Schedule days off, vacations, and continuing education well in advance
Build systems and automations to reduce manual tasks
Don’t forget that rest is productive. A nourished clinician provides better care—and is more resilient in the face of inevitable business challenges.
10. Use Systems to Stay Organized (and Sane)
Behind every calm, present therapist is a solid system.
Use practice management software to manage scheduling, billing, and client notes
Track income, expenses, and taxes
Automate appointment reminders, intake paperwork, and follow-ups
Create templates for email replies, onboarding messages, and documentation
You don’t need to do it all manually. Automations aren’t impersonal—they’re how you protect your presence for what matters most.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Go It Alone
Building a practice is deeply personal, but it doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out on your own. Surround yourself with the support you need—mentors, community, coaches, peers, or even a simple checklist that reminds you: you’re on track.
You’re not behind. You’re building something meaningful, step by step. And that matters.
✅ Ready to Launch with Confidence?
If you’re still asking yourself, “What do I need to start a private therapy practice?”—this guide is your first step.
Download the FREE Private Practice Launch Checklist
It includes everything from this post (and more) in a simple, step-by-step format to help you stay organized and move forward.
Your future clients are looking for someone like you.
Not quite ready to start your own practice and want to learn more about joining a group practice? Check out current openings at www.CFNDbehavioralhealth.com/careers
You’ve got this and we are here for you every step of the way!
With love,
Halie Auerbach, MHA
Founder of Mental Health Therapist Coaching
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