01/15/2026
With several years of experience in private therapy practice, I have always offered mentoring and consultation services to emerging clinicians or those considering a transition into private therapy practice. I would like to share one such conversation to consider when thinking about private practice or working within a private practice model;
Establishing a private therapy practice requires careful and thoughtful planning. Practitioners must ensure they possess the necessary competence and specialized training to provide services within their chosen areas of practice—training that extends beyond foundational BSW, MSW, or RP education. It is essential to offer services only in areas where you have demonstrated expertise, adequate experience, or access to appropriate supervision. Maintaining an ethical practice is fundamental, which includes adhering to your regulatory college’s guidelines, thoroughly assessing treatment risks and requirements, and fulfilling all relevant legal obligations. For instance, the legal frameworks and clinical considerations differ when working with adult clients compared to children, and certain therapeutic modalities suitable for adults may not be appropriate for younger populations. Recognizing when to refer clients to other professionals or programs is also critical to ensure that services remain within your scope of practice and in the best interest of the client. The recent increase in private practices has helped address gaps in mental health care; however, there is growing concern about practitioners extending beyond their scope of competence, which can jeopardize client safety. Client well-being must always remain the foremost priority. If you determine you lack sufficient competence in a particular area, seek additional training or appropriate supervision. Working in private mental health practice is a highly sensitive and demanding field that should only be entered with full awareness of its ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities.
