Do you want to start your own therapy practice, but you don’t have a lot of money to invest in the startup costs? The good news is that you don’t need to take out a business loan or save up a ton of money in order to start your practice now.
1. Start With a Virtual Private Practice
The most cost-efficient way of starting a private practice is to do it virtually. By focusing on virtual clients, you minimize the startup costs associated with a new business. You can see virtual clients from home (as long as you have a quiet, private place to work) rather than paying for rent, office insurance, and furnishings for an office space. Many commercial leases require at least a 3-year commitment, so this is definitely not something you want to sign up for until you know your practice has a chance of being successful. However, it is possible that you could find a single office space within a larger building that offers month-to-month leasing.
With a virtual practice, you can offer services to clients throughout the entire state where you are licensed. This greatly widens the pool of potential clients and increases your chances of filling your schedule. Just be careful not to work with clients who are not physically located within the state where you are licensed unless you have some sort of reciprocity agreement or temporary license with that state.
2. Skip the Business Cards
Starting a new business is exciting, and you will face the temptation to go all out – business cards, custom logos, fancy signage. But you don’t need these things in order to successfully market your practice. Use a digital business card that you can text, email or share via a QR code to referral sources or potential clients. Skip the logo altogether. If you really want one, you can hire a freelancer to create one for you at a later date using a site like 99designs.com. If you need a sign, make it yourself with a simple design and have it printed at an affordable location such as Walgreens.
3. DIY Your Website
Making your own website is easier and cheaper than ever. Instead of hiring someone to create and design your site for you, I recommend using WordPress and one of the many free WordPress themes. Companies like Bluehost (this is an affiliate link) can help you get set up with a domain name, website and email for a low price. They also have tutorials for walking you through the creation of your website. Or you can watch one of the many YouTube tutorials.
You might even choose to start your practice without a website and add that in later if necessary. If you focus on putting your profile up on therapist finder sites such as PsychologyToday.com, you might get plenty of clients without a personalized website. I do still recommend that you eventually create your own website – this gives your practice legitimacy and provides clients with a place to find you if they need to get in touch with you.
These are just a few tips for getting your practice started without spending a lot of money. For more help with starting your own therapy practice, sign up to be notified of the release of my Step-by-Step Program for Starting Your Own Therapy Practice (Coming Soon!). I am also available for consulting services – Contact me for a free 30-minute consultation.