Start Your Own Mental Health Practice

Starting your own mental health practice can feel overwhelming. This introduction walks you through what our free course covers and how each step helps you move from idea to launch.

Choosing a name is one of the first big steps in launching your practice. In this video, we’ll demonstrate how to search domain availability and share tips for picking a name that reflects your identity, is easy to use, and resonates with clients.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is essential for taxes, banking, and protecting your identity. We’ll guide you step-by-step through applying for an EIN with the IRS. No lawyer or accountant required!

A business address helps you look professional, stay organized, and protect your personal privacy. We’ll cover your options, from virtual addresses to office rentals, and help you choose what’s right for your situation.

In this video, we’ll walk step by step through creating a Google Workspace account, verifying your domain, and setting up your practice’s professional email. Google Workspace also includes secure, HIPAA-compliant tools you’ll use every day in your practice.

Your business phone is one of the first touchpoints clients will have with you. In this video, we’ll show how to sign a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement (BAA) in Google Workspace and set up a Google Voice number for calls and texts with patients.

Yes, faxing is still alive in healthcare! Learn why fax remains a standard for sharing records, and how to set up a HIPAA-compliant digital fax service for your private practice.

Your business structure impacts taxes, liability, and growth. In this video, we’ll cover why it’s important to know what’s allowed in your state, show examples of what’s permitted in California and Idaho, and explain why you’ll want to research the rules specific to the type of provider you are.

General liability insurance protects your business from unexpected accidents, like a client slipping in your office. We’ll cover what it is, why you need it, and how to get the right coverage.

Malpractice insurance protects you as a clinician, while state and city business licenses ensure you’re practicing legally. In this video, we’ll cover what to look for in a malpractice policy, what typical costs are by discipline, and how to navigate the process of getting your state and city licenses.

Sound finances keep your practice sustainable. We’ll cover how to budget realistically, separate business from personal expenses, and set up simple accounting systems that save you headaches later.

Your bank, credit card, and telehealth setup are the backbone of your operations. We’ll guide you through setting up financial accounts and choosing a secure telehealth platform that works for your clients.

Branding and planning go hand in hand. Your business plan sets the direction, while your logo and branding communicate that vision to clients. In this video, you’ll learn how to create a simple, professional logo and a business plan with clear goals for your practice.

Sliding scale fees can expand access to care while keeping your practice sustainable. In this video, we’ll cover how to design fair discount policies, use federal poverty guidelines, and create documentation so all patients are treated consistently and ethically.

Policies keep your practice running smoothly and protect your boundaries. In this video, we’ll explain which policies matter most, how to set office hours, and what to consider for after-hours contact rules. These expectations help safeguard both you and your clients.

Your EHR (electronic health record) system is the hub of your practice. Learn what to look for in an EHR, how it impacts your daily workflow, and how to choose one that fits your needs.