Incorporating Animal Assisted Services

Animal assisted therapy is gaining in popularity due to its effectiveness with clients. Having an animal at the office increases calm for the staff and clients. Be sure that you have a clear plan for how the animal will be incorporated into your practice. Always provide a quiet, safe and private space for the animal to go while he/she is finished working or needs a break. Important details before bringing an animal onsite include

Screening for appropriate temperament
Writing policies about animals at work
Professional training for obedience
Posting certifications
Having evidence of current vaccines onsite
Creating a tolieting routine
Discussing a supervision protocol (animal should be supervised at all times)
If additional animals are onsite, plan for them to meet and greet each other safely
Outline times when the animal will be removed from a situation for his/her safety or that of the client/staff.

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Keys to Starting your Private Practice

If you have ever dreamed of starting your own successful mental health practice, you are not alone. Many clinicians have taken the leap and started seeing private clients with varying degrees of success. This begs the question:

How can I succeed in a new private practice?
Equality Connections in Cheyenne, Wyoming helps clinicians of many experience levels realize this dream and we have found some key areas that clinicians need to consider when they start a new practice.
Survive the cash flow challengeAccountants, lawyers and financial advisors, Oh My!Business licensesState rules and regulationsObtaining certification Choosing office spaceBusiness insurance Getting your name into the communityLetting people know you are taking new referralsScheduling clientsBilling considerationsOngoing advertising for small practicesState tax paymentsFederal tax paymentRetaining clients Over the next several blog entries, I will be giving you valuable information about the above categories as you star…

Surviving the cash flow challenge

As you begin setting up your private practice, it is important to remain realistic about the time it takes to become fully operational. Typically new practitioners will need 6 months to 2 years to establish their own practice. The difference in set up time will vary with how many referral sources you acquire and how much marketing is completed. Here are three basic rules to help you get started.

Rule #1: Don't quit your day job
Start seeing private clients after hours from your current job. If there is a non-compete contract in place at your agency, try to negotiate different terms possibly by seeing clientele that varies in diagnosis from clients served in your current agency. You may need to consult an attorney if you cannot negotiate new terms to the non-compete agreement. Many states will only enforce trademark or proprietary information sharing and not actual work restrictions. Meeting with a few clients a week in the beginning will allow you to sample private practice and …

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)

Continuing education credits are required to maintain your mental health license (LCSW, LPC, and LMFT). Consider using your mandated CEUs to specialize in the populations you want to serve. This approach will speed you along your path of specialization and allows you to complete your renewal requirements. In Wyoming, clinicians currently need 45 continuing education hours for every two years this typically renews on their birthday. There are many ways to earn the credits you need without breaking the bank.

Local trainings offered by companies such as PESIOnline training many offer unlimited CEUs for a fixed priceWebinarsNational conferences Travel to trainings offered in other cities (tax deduction for private practices)

Mental Health Practice Support

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