Essentials of Private Practice: Streamlining Costs, Procedures, and Policies for Less Stress

I have been wanting to take the leap to private practice for sometime now and just haven't had the courage... a little scarey to be off on my own. I have friends who have encouraged me so I needed a little more guidance. This book really helped me with seeing that YES it is doable and I can do it. It is an easy read with lots of basic, common sense info plus stuff I didn't really think about. Knowing the basics about business and then that being confirmed really helps with the confidence aspect. This book has lots of great stuff you need, precautions to take and how to plan your approach.

Great Information.

I was able to cull some helpful information as I set out to start my own practice, but felt that there was much redundancy.

Very helpful!

I purchased this book as I was looking for ways to introduce my private practice to the community I live in and how to ethically market counseling services. I found nothing of help in the book regarding those topics. I also found that the book contained information that seemed redundant if you already have your practice started. I did think the forms were helpful, but find the ones in The Paper Office much more despcriptive and professional. The book was easy to read and contained basic start up information, such as picking a location for your office that is safe. There are also sections on how to select a cell phone or land line, how to join a group if you chose to, and resolving issues with billing.The insurance section was helpful.The contents of the book include: Arranging your practice right from the start, choosing an office that fits your practice, selecting cost-effective communication systems. Steamlining the first appointment (basically, how to best leave a confidential message with a client), verifying insurance, billing insurance and getting paid quickly. Managing finances wisely and collecting the fees you've earned, implementing a successful cancellation policy and establishing phone practices and policies.If you are already sure of how to begin your practice and have the paperwork in place, but are unsure on how to market or find more clients, I would suggest not purchasing this book as it is more important in earlier phases of basic decision making with your practice.

Forget the fact that the author is a psychologist. Do not let that dissuade you from purchasing this book if you are not in the mental health care field. Perhaps 98% of the information is applicable to any health care provider wanting to establish a private practice.The book is filled with treasure. The first sections elaborate on where to look for a potential office/clinic, what questions to ask the prospective building manager (and when to ask them), and how to get an effective phone/voicemail system established. The section on cancellation policies alone is worth the price of the book, as are Dr. Hunt's examples of how to diplomatically pursue outstanding payments. She also devotes a sizable portion of the book to navigating the difficult realm of insurance. To put a human face to the book, Dr. Hunt showcases her past successes and failures (and those of her colleagues) in her first attempts at establishing a private practice.This book is excellent -- very engaging and seldom boring, concise and pithy. It provokes a proactive spirit. It should be required reading for any health care worker fresh out of school, about to begin a private practice, and with little to no business experience.

Much of the advice in the book is applicable to any professional who wants to start her own practice. Not necessarily restricted to mental health workers. She offers useful tips in many mundane details of getting started and also in minimising your costs. The latter is vital, especially if you are starting a new practice of your own, and probably will have to carefully watch expenditure.The extended discussion about dealing with insurance companies probably understates the amount of effort [paperwork] required in actually getting reimbursed.

Reading this book is almost like having a supervisor or elder colleague share advice and guidance as you venture to start or improve your practice. The flow is easy, practical, and provides examples of how details can affect you and your clients. The layout is bland and summary boxes seem incomplete or cramped for space, but over all a helpful and easy read.