State Rules and Regulations

The mental health licensing board in each state not only oversees the professional and ethical expectations of counselors but it typically outlines which professional licenses can and cannot own own private practices. For instance in the State of Wyoming, mental health licenses that require temporary or ongoing supervision are not allowed to own a private practice. This includes

Certified Social Workers
Provisionally Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists
Certified Mental Health Worker

Clinicians that have full licenses (LCSW, LMFT or LPC) typically have fewer restrictions in owning a private practice. If you are uncertain if you can own a private practice, review the rules and statutes posted by the mental health licensing board in your state. Call or email the board directly with any questions not outlined within the state statutes.

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Getting Your Name into the Community

It is never to soon to begin getting your name into the community as private practice practitioner. Think about who your ideal clients are and where they gather to shop, go for medial care, take their children for education, go for entertainment, etc. Think about professional offices that treat clients with unmet mental health care needs: doctors offices, laboratories, occupational therapists, counselors at schools and colleges etc. Then start calling and setting up short meetings with the staff to "pitch" your practice. Remember to illustrate what sets your practice apart from others. If a meeting with the staff is not possible, ask to leave information about your business at the front or hang a flyer on the wall. Follow up with the businesses several weeks later to check in. Also discuss the possibility about cross referrals with the businesses you visit. Be sure to take these items with you to the "pitch" meeting Business Cards Brochures Flyers Snacks ...

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 PESI Online training many offer unlimited CEUs for a fixed price Webinars National conferences Travel to trainings offered in other cities (tax deduction for private practices)

Offering Telehealth Services

Many private practitioners offer telehealth services to their clients. There are many benefits to offering this service including flexibility of scheduling, availability of therapist and client and portability. There are few things to remember when offering telehealth services: Be sure that the insurance policy will pay for telehealth sessions (as needed) Be sure that the carrier you chose for telehealth is encrypted and will offer a BAA (good options include VSee, and Zoom) Speak in a private area to assist with confidentialty Have clients sign a specific telehealth release

Mental Health Practice Support

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