How to Start a Business As A Therapist: 3 Things You Can Do Today That Cost You Nothing

As a business coach, the most common question I hear from mental health professionals is “How to Start a Business? More specifically, how to start their private practice with a little overhead as possible.

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the demand for virtual therapy services has skyrocketed. As more people seek mental health support from the comforts of their own home, the opportunity to start a virtual therapy business has never been more promising. Imagine being able to reach clients across the globe, provide meaningful support, and build a thriving practice that prioritizes a work/life balance—all from the convenience of your laptop.

Sounds like a dream right? Well, this dream is my reality.

In 2020 I took the leap into building my own practice, and then ran it full time in 2021 after leaving my salaried hospital job. It was, and still remains to be the best decision I have ever made (outside of marring my husband and having my daughter), and I want to help this become a possibility for you too if you feel private practice ownership is in your blood.

In this article, I’ll explore three actionable strategies that will set you on the path to building a virtual therapy business (steps that I have done myself, so no worries I know they work). Best of all, these strategies require no upfront financial investment, making them accessible to anyone with a drive to make a difference and an ambition to start their own business. So if you’re ready to learn how to harness the power of technology and launch your virtual therapy venture with minimal start up cost and maximum impact, keep reading!

Set Up Your Space

At first glance, you might not think that having a office for your virtual therapy practice would be a big deal– I mean it’s VIRTUAL — but the reality is virtual or not, you are still conducting a professional service. Having a professional office space is going to be essential, not just for your mindset, but for the practical stuff like HIPAA compliance, documentation storage, and having a visually appealing (non cluttered) space to “see” your clients in.

“But Alex, can’t I just use a victual background?”

I wouldn’t…. and here is why:

Creating a comfortable and secure environment for your clients is crucial in any professional setting, especially in therapy where trust is paramount. The last thing you want is your client wondering if you are really in a private place or if you are taking a meeting at the local coffee shop. By ensuring your space is private and appropriate for therapy sessions, you are not only being hospitable but also showing your clients that you respect their confidentiality and well-being. This simple act of setting the right atmosphere can go a long way in building trust and making your clients feel at ease during their sessions.

Additionally, you are setting expectations for the client. As a therapist, I personally prefer clients not to use virtual backgrounds during therapy sessions. This policy is in place to uphold confidentiality, particularly in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Knowing the client’s location ensures a private and secure environment for therapy sessions.

[Steps off HIPAA soapbox. Back to the fun stuff…setting up your space]

When inviting clients into your virtual space, it’s essential to consider their comfort and privacy. Make sure your therapy room is private, quiet, and free from distractions to provide a safe and confidential environment for your clients. As alluded to before, avoid conducting sessions in public places like coffee shops or other shared spaces to maintain the sanctity and professionalism of your therapeutic relationship. By prioritizing your client’s comfort and security, you are demonstrating your commitment to their well-being and fostering a positive therapeutic experience.

Remember, the decision to seek therapy is a brave and vulnerable step for many individuals. By creating a private and welcoming space for your clients, you are not only showing your professionalism but also your dedication to their emotional and mental health. Building a foundation of trust and security from the moment they walk into your therapy room can set the tone for a successful and rewarding therapeutic journey for both you and your clients.

What can you do to set up your office for success:

• Create an inviting and professional space for your virtual therapy sessions. This can include a neutral background, and good lighting and sound quality.
• Consider adding some personal touches to your space, such as plants or artwork, to create a welcoming atmosphere (remember it is your space too, make it some place you WANT to be).
• Make sure your chair is comfortable and supportive, as you will be sitting for prolonged periods.
• Choose a quiet and private room where you can avoid interruptions or distractions.
• Make sure your internet connection is reliable and strong enough to support video calls.
• Test your equipment before the session to ensure that the camera, microphone and speakers are working properly. Want to know what equipment I use? Check out my blog post: Products I Swear By for a Successful Private Practice
• Play with your camera angles so that you are visible and the background is not too distracting.
• Use headphones to improve sound quality and reduce background noise.
• If possible, use a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi to avoid connectivity issues.
• Avoid wearing clothing that is too distracting or revealing, as this can be uncomfortable for both you and your therapist.
• Research secure video conferencing platform: It is important to choose a reliable and secure video conferencing platform to ensure client confidentiality and privacy. Make sure to test the platform beforehand to ensure it is user-friendly and easy to use for both you and your clients.

Develop A Marketing Plan

Once you have your office space picked out and set up, it’s important to start attract clients…. ASAP. You can never start this part too early because it may take some time to get the word out. Don’t hold yourself back waiting for everything to be in place first— take imperfect action and start getting your name out there! Here is how I would recommend starting:

Pick an Ideal Client Population

Before I do anything else, I would identify my target audience. Determining the specific demographic you want to reach with your marketing efforts will help you tremendously down the road as it will give you a touch point to always go back to.

Seriously, all your marketing efforts are going to point towards this audience so make sure you pick on you not only are skilled at helping, but ENJOY working with.

Are you looking to work with children, teenagers, adults, or seniors? Do you specialize in a particular area of mental health, such as anxiety or depression? Knowing your target audience will help you tailor your messaging and outreach efforts.

Need help getting to know your target audience? Download my free 50 Question Workbook designed to help you really get to know your ideal client.

Offer Free Consultations

Something you might want to consider— offer free consultations. Yes I said it. Offering some of your time away for free. Let me explain…

Attention Out of Network Providers, this one is especially important for you since so many clients are looking to utilize their insurance benefits, you might need to up your marketing to entice someone to go out of network.

Offering free consultations can provide prospective clients with a glimpse into the experience of working with you, which is crucial in therapy due to its deeply personal nature. Clients must feel at ease sharing with you and have faith in your ability to assist them. These consultations serve as an excellent method to foster trust and initiate a connection with potential clients.

At minimum, I would offer a 15-20 minute discover call, but I even know therapists who offer a free first session to help clients get in the door and that can work wonders when growing your business (just be sure to have all your intake paperwork signed and completed first).

Social Media

Social media can be a powerful FREE marketing tool, allowing you to connect with potential clients and share updates about your practice. Consider creating profiles on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share helpful tips and resources related to mental health, as well as updates about your practice. Programs like Canva make content creation super easy these days with their templates, AI, and content planners. [I personally use Canva Pro, but the free version works well too. Click here to check out Canva for yourself.]

Expanding your social media presence can significantly benefit your mental health practice. Here are some strategies to maximize the impact of your social media marketing efforts:

• Consistent Posting: Regularly post engaging content to keep your audience interested and informed. Consider creating a content calendar to plan out your posts in advance.
• Visual Content: Use eye-catching visuals such as infographics, videos, and images to make your posts more appealing and shareable.
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages promptly to build relationships with your followers. Encourage discussions and feedback to create a sense of community.
• Utilize Hashtags: Research and use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts and reach a wider audience interested in mental health topics.
• Collaborate with Peers: Partnering with other professionals in the mental health field can help you reach new audiences and establish credibility.
• Promote Your Services: Don’t shy away from promoting your services on social media. Share success stories (be mindful of privacy of course), and information about the therapies you offer.

Network with other mental health professionals:

Building relationships with other mental health professionals can help you grow your practice and attract new clients. Consider reaching out to therapists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals in your area. Attend conferences and events to connect with others in the field.

Still not sure where to start? Here are some other ideas to get you started.

• Join professional organizations: Being a part of organizations such as the American Psychological Association or the National Association of Social Workers can provide networking opportunities and resources to help you stay current in the field.
• Utilize social media: Platforms like LinkedIn can be valuable for networking with other mental health professionals.
• Offer workshops and training: Hosting workshops or training sessions can help you connect with other professionals in the mental health field and showcase your expertise. This can also attract new clients who are interested in the topics you cover. Bonus– You can turn these workshops into paid products via recordings. Click here to learn more about how to create digital products for passive income as a therapist.
• Collaborate on research or projects: Partnering with other mental health professionals on research studies or projects can not only expand your professional network but also enhance your credibility and expertise in the field.
• Volunteer for community events: Volunteering for mental health-related community events or organizations can help you meet other professionals with similar interests and values. It also allows you to give back to the community while expanding your network.

Advanced Paid Strategy– Create a website: Your website is often the first impression potential clients will have of your practice. Make sure it’s professional, easy to navigate, and provides all the necessary information clients need to know, such as your services, rates, and contact information. Consider including a blog where you can share informative articles about mental health. If you are interested in learning more about blogging, check out my course Build Your Therapy Practice With Blogging.

Create A Clear Onboarding Process

Before you officially open your doors, you will want to make sure your clients know exactly what to expect from virtual therapy and have a clear process for intake and scheduling sessions. This can include a client portal for paperwork and appointment scheduling, as well as clear communication about fees and cancellation policies. If you haven’t done so already, it is in your best interests to take some time and brainstorm how you want your practice to run before you open your doors to start your business. This brainstorm outline will ultimately turn into a section of your discovery call script as well as your client contract so you want to take it seriously.

If you need assistance with writing your own therapy contract, check out my blog post: Therapy Contracts 101: The 8 Non-Negotiables You Need to Know.

One of the key things you can do right away is to map out a clear intake process for your clients. By outlining the steps they need to take to start therapy with you, you can help them feel more at ease and confident in their decision to seek help. Clearly communicate how they can schedule an appointment, what forms they need to fill out, and any other important information they should know before their session. This not only helps streamline the intake process but also sets a professional tone for your virtual therapy business.

Once you have outlined how a client can make an initial appointment with your, then think about how you can stablish clear guidelines for virtual sessions to ensure that both you and your clients have a successful and productive session. This can include guidelines for minimizing distractions, ensuring a comfortable and private environment, and setting expectations for participation and engagement.

By taking the time to set up a clear intake process and therapy expectations, you can demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to providing a positive experience for your clients. Remember, creating a seamless intake process doesn’t have to cost you anything but can make a world of difference in how your clients perceive your virtual therapy business.

Summary

In conclusion, starting a virtual therapy business doesn’t have to be an expensive or daunting endeavor. By leveraging free resources and taking proactive steps, you can begin laying the foundation for a successful practice today. Embrace digital marketing strategies, and expanding your professional network as key free ways to build a name for yourself.

With perseverance and a willingness to adapt to the evolving landscape of telehealth, you can position yourself for long-term success in the virtual therapy space. So, take advantage of these cost-free opportunities and embark on your journey towards establishing a thriving virtual therapy business.

Ways You Can Work with Me Further:

If you are interested in receiving personalized help in getting your private practice off the ground feel free to book a complimentary discovery call with me to learn how coaching can help. Click here to see current availability.

More of a DIY kind of person but just want a smidge of assistance? Learn more about my masterclass: Stress Less About Starting A Private Practice.