When I left employment to begin my own private practice in 1991,

"Question Marks on the Wall" by Lone Black Rider / Filip Bunkens

I started by identifying therapists that I believed to be highly successful.   Then, I picked up the phone, introduced myself, and asked if I could take them to lunch or coffee to pick their brains about being in private practice. Whether you are just starting out in private practice or are wanting to revitalize your practice, that’s a good place for you to start, too.

Most mental health professionals will be flattered if you call.  Let’s face it, it’s an ego boost when someone else thinks that you are successful.  And, many mental health professionals really enjoy mentoring others in the field.

Once you’ve made your phone calls and scheduled your lunches, here are 20 questions for you to ask:

1. How long have you been in private practice? This is really important.  you want to identify therapists who have longevity in the field.  They are who you can really learn from.
2. How did you learn what to do when you were ready to go into private practice? If it worked for him, there’s a good chance that at least part of his learning can work for you, too.
3. What do you know now that you didn’t know when you got started about being in private practice? You might as well learn it now rather than wait.
4. How did your clients initially learn about your services and how do your clients learn about your services now? You want to know about how it was in the beginning for them.  Back then, they were probably on a shoestring budget at best (perhaps like you are now) and still they survived.  In the process of learning what they did back then and what they do now to get clients, you’ll most likely hear how their income and their efforts have changed and refocused.  
5. What mistakes did you make in your early years of private practice? Find out now so that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
6. What critical decisions did you need to make about your private practice and why? You may choose to make different decisions but it is often helpful to understand why someone in private practice makes the decisions that they make . . . about policies, workload, billing and fees, etc.
7. Did you ever have a mentor?  Do you now? And, how did you find one? One of the fastest ways for you to jump start your practice is to have a personal mentor to shepherd you on your journey.  Hiring a business coach is one way to find a mentor but it is certainly not the only way.
8. How much time do you set aside to work on the business (not the clinical) of private practice? Successful therapists in private practice spend time visioning, developing, and implementing new ways to grow their businesses.
9. What is your biggest challenge now? Challenges continue throughout the life cycle of a private practice.  Challenges happen; they do not disappear.
10. How long did it take you to turn a profit? The Small Business Administration says that most small businesses fail within the first 5 years and that most successful small businesses take 3-5 years to turn a profit.  I’ve certainly taken it take less time to break even or fail.  However, be wary of those who promise that you’ll be earning big money fast.  Research clearly shows to slow and steady is the way to build a strong foundation for a long-term practice.
11. What do you believe causes a practice to succeed?
12. What do you believe causes a practice to fail?
13. What type of clients do you see? Remember this when you need to refer a client of your own to another therapist.
14. What type of clients do you refer out? If this is a population / issue that interests you, make sure this therapist knows that.  If it is not, then keep an ear open so that you can refer another professional to this therapist.  This is how you network.
15. What resources can you recommend to me as a new therapist that can help me get started on the right track? He may have a favorite website on developing a private practice or an online diagnostic code finder. He may know another therapist looking to share an office or a CPA who can help you set up your quarterly tax payment.  Or, he may have a favorite book or magazine or office supply store to send you to.
16. What do you do to take care of you? Balancing work and home (much less children and additional schooling) is one of those topics that is hardly addressed while you are in school.  Take time to identify now how you will put systems of self care in place.
17. How has your practice changed over the last X (number) of years? It’s important to understand about the life cycle of a practice.  Once it’s up and running, it doesn’t necessarily stay up and running at that level.  Change happens . . . a group practice moves in next door, the local school system has an unexpected need for counselors, an army base closes, you get new clinical training, etc.  Your practice’ life cycle will be different than the therapists’ that you are interview but it is helpful to be reminded that change happens and what you need to do to recognize it as another opportunity for growth.
18. What is the hardest thing about being in private practice? Again, what is hard for him may not be hard for you but knowing about the challenges helps you prepare for them from the beginning.
19. How is your personal life affected by being in private practice? Your professional life and your family’s lives will be impacted by your decision to practice mental health.  When you are in private practice, that impact is even greater.
20. What precautions do you take to keep you and your clients safe in your office? This is another area that is not adequately addressed in graduate school.  There are many things you can do to increase your safety.  Learn about them now.

Remember to take pen and paper with you so that you can take notes.  I’m sure you’ll think of more questions along the way!

If you use this list, I hope you’ll drop back in and let me know how the questions worked for you.  Are there other questions that would be helpful to ask other therapists?

And, if you are a therapist who has been in private practice for a while, why don’t you drop in here  and answer all 20 of these for us.  It’s a good way to introduce yourself and your practice to our community!