Building a Private Counseling Practice: Nuts and Bolts of Running an Ethical and Profitable Business

Building a Private Counseling Practice: Nuts and Bolts of Running an Ethical and Profitable Business helps readers better understand and well prepare for the transition from conceptualizing to actualizing a private practice. The book fills a gap in the literature and addresses concerns from counseling students regarding the lack of business-oriented coursework in their studies. It offers a comprehensive roadmap from the initial idea for private practice to retirement considerations within the counseling profession.

The book explores highly practical topics such as business models, referral source management, telehealth options, team structuring, ethics, and self-care. It thoroughly examines various degree programs, licensure requirements, advertising strategies, billing and accounting specifics, and the use of support staff. By integrating real-world case studies and expert insights, it provides actionable knowledge for establishing and managing a private practice effectively.

Designed to help readers balance the dual roles of therapist and entrepreneur, Building a Private Counseling Practice is an ideal strategic guide for courses in counseling and psychology entrepreneurship, as well as business management in healthcare. It assists students and practitioners in navigating the journey with ethical and profitable practice as their cornerstones.

Stephen Jennings, Ph.D. is a licensed professional counselor supervisor and licensed sex offender treatment provider in Texas, as well as an assistant professor at West Texas A&M University.

S. Lynn Jennings, Ph.D. is a licensed professional counselor supervisor and licensed sex offender treatment provider supervisor in Texas, as well as the assistant program director and instructor for the clinical mental health counseling program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Janet Hicks, Ph.D. is a licensed professional counselor and certified school counselor who serves as the chair and professor in the School of Mental Health Counseling at Belmont University.