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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Ongoing Advertising for Small Practices

Marketing is an essential part of your practice. Consistently getting your business' name and expertise into the community increases the clients that "self refer" to you. Word of mouth advertising is an excellent way to begin. Contact your professional and personal contacts at let them know you are accepting referrals. Let current clients know of your appreciation for new referrals and possibly offer $10.00 off their bill for each new referral. Listed below are additional avenues to consider in marketing your private practice. Online Directory Listing Business Facebook Page Instagram Page Google AdWords Website (pay for SEO upgrade) Sponsor local events- bowling team, little league team Offer trainings to professional entities such as State workers Offer a free workshop once a month to the community

Billing Considerations

Cash flow can easily be the bane of private practice. Your accounts receivables can be thousands of dollars while you are struggling to pay rent because the cash has not came in yet. This is especially true with private insurance companies that can take several months to pay. Be sure that you understand billing criteria, forms and timelines clearly if you are doing your own billing. Various software programs can integrate your notes, treatment plans and billing. You can also employ a business platform service or private mental health billing company. Whichever you choose, cash will need to be flowing as freely as possible into the coffers. Here are some tips as you set out to collect money for services Carefully read the contracts offered by the insurance companies and EAPs before signing up. Counter with an offer addressing any concerns. You may be able to negotiate higher reimbursement rate. Understand the specific pros and cons about signing up as in network vs o...

Federal Tax Payments

Federal taxes as a self employed individual and for a business operate differently then other employment arrangements. You will pay your typical percentage of tax withholding plus an additional self employment tax. Self employment tax is currently about 15%. The rate consists of two parts: 12% for social security (old-age, survivors, and disability insurance) and 3% for Medicare (hospital insurance). Essentially self employment tax is the amount a company pays on your behalf when you work for them. Since you are now self employed, you are responsible for both chunks of the payment. Depending on how you established your practice as a legal entity alters how the business is taxed. Remember that the legislators of the country reform tax law often and your tax liability may change with new laws. Consider having an CPA in your community complete your taxes rather than an online service. This can maximize your deductions....

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