5 Signs You’re Ready to Start Your Private Practice

At Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, we know that the path from graduate school to licensed clinician to private practitioner is both thrilling and intimidating. Many therapists feel a quiet pull toward greater autonomy, more control over their schedule, their clinical focus, and the environment in which they do their best work.

But how do you know when you’re truly ready to take that leap?

If you’re considering joining a private practice, here are five signs you may be more prepared than you realize.

1. You’re (Somewhat) Confident in Your Clinical Skills

Private practice doesn’t require clinical perfection; no therapist has that. What matters is a solid clinical foundation and a readiness to continue growing. If you can hold therapeutic space with competence, navigate complex client dynamics, and maintain curiosity and humility, you may be far more prepared for private practice than you may think.

Clinical confidence includes trusting your training, being attuned to your limitations, and being open to consultation and supervision. If you’re at the point where you can reliably support clients and you want the space to deepen your craft, that’s a strong sign you’re ready for this next step.

2. You Have a Clear Vision for Your Practice

Starting your private practice is much easier when you have a sense of what you want your professional life to embody.

You may ask yourself:

• What type of clients energize me?
• What therapeutic modalities feel most aligned with my strengths?
• What work-life balance am I trying to create?
• Do I imagine a long-term future in private practice?

If you have a sense of who you are as a clinician and the direction you’re heading, private practice can be a deeply supportive container for that growth.

3. You’re Financially Prepared (or Willing to Become Prepared)

Private practice is both a clinical endeavor and a financial one. While you don’t need a business degree, you do need a basic understanding of financial sustainability:

• How many clients you need per week to meet your income goals
• How to plan for taxes and business expenses
• What your financial comfort level is during ramp-up periods
• How to prepare for the natural ebbs and flows of client demand

 If you’ve spent time thinking about these considerations or you’re committed to learning this is a strong indicator that you’re ready for the transition.

4. You Have Solid Scaffolding & a Strong Professional Network

No therapist truly thrives in isolation. A successful private practice is supported by:

• Mentors and supervisors
• Clinical consultation groups
• Peer relationships
• Referral networks/business consulting
•  Professional communities that offer both guidance and accountability

 The stronger your network, the greater your efficacy. If you have a network you can lean on or you’re excited to build one you’re already well on your way. Joining an established practice like ours can also provide the structure, community, and mentorship that many early-career clinicians need.

5. You’re At Least “Somewhat” Business Savvy

You don’t have to be an entrepreneur at your core but curiosity about the business side of founding your practice, cultivating your acumen, and insatiable creativity goes a long way.

This might include:

• Understanding the basics of marketing and growing in this regard
• Recognizing the importance of a professional online presence
• Seeing value in systems, scheduling, notes, and workflow
• Feeling comfortable with the idea of being your own brand
• Being organized and proactive in how you manage your caseload

Being “somewhat business savvy” really means you value both clinical integrity and the sustainability of your practice. With support and guidance, this mindset can help you thrive.

If These Signs Resonate, You Might Be Ready to Join Our Team

At Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, we’re looking for thoughtful, motivated associate therapists who are ready to grow clinically, professionally, and personally.

 We offer:

• Referrals and a steady marketing flow
• In-depth professional support
• A collaborative, relationally grounded environment
• Mentorship that respects your autonomy and nurtures your development
• Administrative systems that allow you to focus on what you do best: therapy

If you’re feeling the pull toward private practice and these five signs sound like you, we’d love to talk.

Reach out to explore joining our practice and taking your next professional step with support, guidance, and community.