For Therapists: Build a Relationship With Your Private Practice Business

I stepped out of survival mode, built systems that protected my mental wellness.

Dr. Dominique Pritchett smiling with her hand near her face.

Everything changed when I started taking my private practice seriously versus a passion project. I stepped out of survival mode, built systems that protected my mental wellness and created a structure that allowed my practice to thrive.

Overcoming the Challenges of Solo Private Practice

Running a private practice as a solo therapist can feel overwhelming. From networking, getting clients, billing, paperwork, raising prices, time management, and self-care—to name a few.

When I started being more consistent, my confidence skyrocketed. I realized many of these challenges could be avoided.

Here’s how I’ve approached common challenges in solo private practice:

Networking That Works

Networking doesn’t have to feel forced when it becomes a natural part of your social life. For me, it looks like attending industry and non-industry events, becoming an international speaker and consultant for organizations and actively participating in my community.

Serving on boards and committees as well as pitching for media appearances ensures my name is spoken in rooms when I'm not there. Yes, I'm an ambivert and take time to recharge my social battery. Leveraging International Speaking and Consulting to Build Relationships and Referrals

One of the most impactful ways I’ve grown my private practice—and diversified my professional reach—is through international speaking, consulting, and strategizing with organizations. These opportunities allow me to share my expertise on mental health, emotional intelligence and burnout prevention on a global stage.

Here’s how this approach works for me:

• Building Credibility: Speaking internationally positions me as a thought leader in my field. Organizations and audiences see me as a trusted professional, which naturally leads to referrals and inquiries about my services.

• Creating Strategic Partnerships: Consulting and strategizing with organizations helps me form deeper relationships with key decision-makers. These partnerships often lead to long-term collaborations, where my services are referred internally or recommended to other professionals.

• Expanding My Audience: International platforms expose me to diverse audiences. This visibility enhances my credibility and connects me with clients, companies, and communities I wouldn’t reach otherwise.

• Seamless Cross-Promotion: My speaking and consulting engagements often funnel back into my private practice or other ventures. Whether through direct referrals or by sharing my insights with a new audience, each piece of my work supports the others.

By approaching international opportunities with intention, I’ve created a system where every speaking or consulting engagement expands my professional network, attracts ideal clients, and amplifies my impact. These relationships have become a key part of my referral pipeline and professional growth.

Getting Clients Without Stress

I focus on an audience that brings me joy to work with—Black women, Black teen girls and active allies. I don’t rely on referrals; instead, I create opportunities. If my numbers dip, I proactively pitch myself for podcasts, news segments, and events. Being intentional and visible means my calendar stays appropriately full.

Streamlining Billing & Payments

I’ve simplified billing by working 95% self-pay, one insurance and EAP involvement. Payments are processed 24 to 72 hours before the session for ongoing clients. For new clients, it's processed when all paperwork is returned and before the appointment is approved. They must cancel 48 hours before the appointments for a refund. No-shows are rare. This system not only saves time but ensures accountability and consistency.

No One Can Charge You Your Worth, Make it Make Sense

I've been told that my rates are on the higher end for my area—$200 intakes, family sessions and up to 60-minute sessions) and $175 for follow-ups which are u to 50 minutes. Confidence in your rates starts with confidence in your value. I haven’t raised prices recently because my rates work for me and my aligned clients.

No Show Dilemma

Often, I see therapists freaking out and asking what should they do with clients who constantly no show for appointments. My response—do what you said you would do within your agreement and policies.

Yes, flexibility is needed but at what cost do you keep doing the same behaviors that cause financial and mental strain?

For me, I implemented firm policies around no-shows and cancellations, creating clear expectations that protect my time and ensure consistency in my schedule.

Cross Marketing

By strategically cross-marketing through my other businesses, I expanded my reach, diversified my income, and ensured every part of my work supported the others seamlessly.

Prioritizing Time Management & Self-Care

I don’t overwork myself. My schedule is built around my life. I work 12–15 hours a week depending on the season, with no evenings or weekends and my last client session wraps up by 5 PM or 6 PM. As an international speaker, I often extend trips for vacations, ensuring I have harmony and proactively coping. Fitness, socializing, rest, eating well and boundaries are pillars of my self-care.

Simplifying Paperwork

New clients can’t schedule until all paperwork is complete. This upfront structure saves time and ensures clarity from the beginning. Also, in the new year, all clients must review and resign the HIPAA Notice and Consent Agreement regardless of when they are established. They will have 10 days from the time the paperwork was sent of their appointments will be cancelled.

Financial Peace of Mind

With multiple income streams, I’ve built a practice that pays me adequately without solely relying on one source. This has created flexibility and financial stability. Now, don't get me wrong, there are moments when it gets tight. Also, it costs under $500 monthly to run my practice and $3500 yearly and $1500 every two year.

The Takeaway

Building a private practice doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By creating systems that serve you—not the other way around—you can avoid many common struggles.

It’s about aligning your practice with your values, goals and non-negotiables.

If you’re struggling, ask yourself: Are you working smarter, or harder? Are you serving your practice or is it serving you?