Starting a Private Therapy Practice in Canada in 2023
You’ve dreamed of owning a private practice, having the freedom to be your own boss, and the sense of purpose that comes from helping clients and making a difference in their lives.
You’ve imagined what it feels like to have the flexibility to set your own schedule and run a practice that feels aligned with who you are.
Maybe you’ve even pictured what your office will look like, where you’ll work, and what it’ll feel like to witness transformational moments with clients.
You Became a Licensed Therapist in Canada
So, you set out to fulfill that dream, did your homework, and decided to become a therapist in Canada. You chose your specialization, went to graduate school, and put in the hard work to complete your hours and exam requirements. Congratulations! Whether you became a Licensed Mental Health Counsellor, a registered psychologist, or received another type of license, you did it! So, what’s next? It’s time to start your private therapy practice in Canada!
How to Start a Private Therapy Practice in Canada
Is there an ideal time to start a private therapy practice in Canada? A part of you might be considering whether you’re ready to do so. You might not know which steps to take to get started or how to set your business up for success. You could also be worried about an economic event or inflation. Remember: We need MORE therapists in private practice, not less.
Today, we’re going to support you by providing you with the specific steps, advice, and encouragement you need to start the private practice of your dreams. You CAN start your private practice today, and we’re going to share the steps to get started!
Starting a Private Practice in Canada Checklist
While you received the training to be a therapist, psychologist, or counselor, you may not have received the business knowledge and guidance to launch and scale your own private practice. And, even if you did, not everything you learned may translate over to how to run a therapy practice today.
With what sometimes feels like an endless amount of online blog content and podcasts out there on this topic, it can feel overwhelming at times. So, we broke it down by creating a checklist for starting a private therapy practice in Canada:
Do the math. Run some numbers and figure out how to set your fees. You can check out our free training on setting your fees, eligible for 1 continuing education (CE) credit!
Niche. Get clear on what clients you want to work with. Check out this free training to clarify your niche (this is a must-have to successfully market yourself and stand out online).
Create a marketing hub. Launch your website as the center of your marketing. Check out this free Website Checklist for Therapists.
Get visible. Design a marketing plan that suits you with our free Marketing Plan 101 training!
While there are additional steps to starting a private practice in Canada in terms of processes, forms, consultations, understanding your province regulations, etc., these are your first 4 to-do items. Once you have an understanding of these steps and implement them, you’ll have a way for the right clients to get in touch with you and start filling up your caseload!
Sometimes we just want to know that our dreams are possible and that we aren’t alone. Many of our Canadian private practice owners have been where you are right now. Check out this private practice success story from a Canadian therapist: Navigating Neurodivergent Entrepreneurship with Caroline
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Counseling Practice in Canada
What are the costs of starting a counselling practice?
How do you create a business plan for therapists?
How do you start a website for therapists?
Of course, there’s a lot to learn when you start your private practice, but we’re here to help.
Any questions about starting a practice in Canada? Post them in the comments below!
