The Do's and Don'ts of Canadian Private Practice | Ep 65

As a therapist – especially in private practice – there is much to know and to make sure to do in your everyday schedule, besides seeing clients. It can feel like a lot, so this is a quick, simple, and informative episode that you can keep on hand to make sure that you are staying within the guidelines while working towards your goals.

The don'ts

1. Avoid waitlists:

Once you get busy enough that you have the option of starting a waitlist, that's great! It shows that you are succeeding within your niche and that your ideal clients are glad to be working with you.

However, it's not the best practice for the sake of your clients to put them on a waitlist.

• What you can do instead: hire another counsellor into your private practice or clearly state on your website or any social media platform that you are currently not accepting clients and refer inquiring clients to another therapist in your area that you endorse.

1. Don't offer free consultations:

Most other medical and healthcare professionals don't offer free consultations. You could be exploiting yourself by always offering free consultations for your time, which is valuable.

• What to do instead: consider sending potential clients a list of links with valuable information when they enquire about a free consultation.

Additionally, if you feel that a potential client might not be a great fit for you, you can email them and refer them to another therapist that you think would be best.

1. Do not use testimonials:

Due to your therapeutic alliance with clients, you cannot ask them to do something for you that would help you with your business. If you are in a regulated province or you are part of the CCPA, it is simply not allowed or ethical to ask that of your clients.

1. Be wary of connecting your EMR with an external calendar:

Be careful of where and how you integrate your EMR with an external calendar.

With Jane App, you have access to an online booking page where no information is shared with a third party, but that link can be accessed through your website by potential clients.

1. Don't advertise in regulated provinces:

There's a more in-depth discussion about this topic in one of my recent podcast episodes, if you'd like a detailed explanation. Consider reading this PDF and article for more information about regulation as well!

1. Don't allow extra family member names on invoices:

Some clients might ask for additional family member names to be added to their invoices to expand their insurance claims and payments, but this is not allowed. It is insurance fraud, and it can get you in trouble.

1. Not showing your candidacy:

You have to put the fact that you are a candidate on your websites and business cards. Even if you practice psychotherapy or you are a Counselling Therapist, you are still a Counselling Therapist Candidate or a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).

The do's

1. Get a VPN:

Look into getting a virtual private network, especially if you are a virtual therapist, even though EMRs are totally secure. Follow this link for a VPN discount!

1. Set up an emergency fund:

When you are starting a Canadian private practice, definitely look into setting up an emergency fund that could last you three to six months.

1. Network!

Reach out to the other therapists in your town, city, or niche! Take them out for coffee, get to know them, and build those foundational professional relationships.

1. Get a clinical supervisor

You need a clinical supervisor to get your full license, but afterward, I still think it's important to keep working with a supervisor, especially when you are in solo practice.

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Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:

Ep 64: How to Enjoy Private Practice in the Winter

Article: How to Set Up a Canadian Private Practice Website

Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice

Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free)