Bob Walsh and Norm Dasenbrook

Most graduate students consider or aspire to private practice as a possible career path. Be your own boss, treat the type of client that suits your skills and area of expertise, earn more income, etc. Many new graduates believe they can just “hang out a shingle” and open a practice or can just be supervised by a licensed clinician. Not so fast!

Risk taking…we encourage our clients to consider taking a risk, pushing the envelope, being assertive, to think creatively and sometimes to risk failing. Ever said, “When one door closes another one opens”? Wonderful suggestions, but do we take our own advice? How comfortable are we in trying something new, getting outside our comfort zone or seeing failure as acceptable? Sometimes, not so much.

We have had hundreds of requests by ACA members for a fairly simple form that we have shared with counselors and we think it may be a good idea to share with our blog readers. We recomment the Superbill. “Superbill” is a term for a billing format for the counselor who wants to handle billing in a simplified manner. Using this strategy allows the client to submit the bill directly to the insurance company.

Sometimes we just can't take "no" for an answer. I've been told too many times, "You can't do that!" Whenever I hear those words my oppositional-defiance surfaces.... in a positive way, of course. There have been times I have been told that a managed care or insurance panel is closed to counseling providers in my location. I stubbornly refuse to take no for an answer.

Networking is an excellent addition to a marketing plan. Successful counselors in private practice are very connected and involved with others in business, other helping professionals, clubs, organizations and societies.  This can be accomplished by joining local, state and national organizations like the local chamber of commerce, Kiwanis, toastmasters/toastmistresses, etc.  Start or join a practice group of mental health providers. Volunteer to work on a political campaign or to serve on the Board of Directors of a united way agency, etc. Join your state professional organization and its appropriate division or professional society and get involved. Contribute to political action committees like the Professional Counseling Fund (counselingfund.org).  Meet and support local politicians who are favorable to your client population or causes for which you are passionate. While the cost of memberships and donations may seem expensive, think of it as marketing expense that may get you business.