Getting Started: Key Considerations for Starting a Private Practice

Graduate training prepares students for clinical practice, but it does not prepare them for developing the infrastructure to support their work. That is, it does not teach students how to create the environment in which they can best deploy their clinical skills. This is further complicated by the impact of the pandemic where Early Career Professionals (ECPs) may have reduced access to mentors and have reduced opportunities to work in a practice.

This presentation will provide participants with foundational principles and concepts so that they can take steps to envision their practice and build a plan to start or grow a clinical service delivery organization in an ethically responsible manner that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the community.

Using an interview format, supported by slides, two experts will be interviewed. One presenter will focus on building a solo practice, while the other will focus on building a group practice. Concepts related to creating a practice vision, building the administrative infrastructure, avoiding pitfalls, developing key relationships, and the importance of mentors will be among the many discussion points. Recommendations for making key practice and financial decisions will also be addressed.

Webinars are converted to video on-demand programs with closed captioning after the live air date

• Identify at least three fundamental considerations when starting a practice to address the needs of the community in an ethically responsible manner.
• List pitfalls to avoid when starting a practice.

Host: Jeffrey Zimmerman, PhD, ABPP

Presenters: Mary Alvord, PhD, and Charmain F. Jackman, PhD