You became a therapist to help people, not be a business administrator. Launching a private practice means wearing multiple hats: marketer, biller, credentialer, and entrepreneur.

The good news? With the right information and support you can streamline this process and focus on what matters most—your clients.

The Essential Launch Checklist

When starting your private practice, prioritize these key steps:

1. Legal and Financial Foundation
   • Create your legal business entity
   • Obtain malpractice insurance
   • Open a dedicated business bank account
2. Technology and Operations
   • Select an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system
   • Choose a tool to help write compliant notes
   • Develop a professional website
   • Prepare intake and consent forms
   • Set up secure documentation practices
3. Insurance and Billing
   • Begin credentialing with insurance providers
   • Sign up for provider directories
   • Choose a reliable billing system 
   • Learn to track claims and manage reimbursements

Ongoing Practice Management

Your work doesn't stop after the initial setup. Continuous management includes:

• Marketing your practice
• Completing continuing education
• Maintaining accurate financial records
• Managing tax obligations
• Networking and generating referrals

The Billing and Credentialing Challenge

Many therapists find billing and insurance credentialing overwhelming. Common pain points include:

• Navigating complex insurance requirements
• Tracking and following up on claims
• Staying current with billing codes
• Managing time-consuming administrative tasks
• Ensuring that your notes and complete and compliantly written to meet insurance requirements

Finding the right tools and support

There are many options for billing, writing notes, marketing your practice, and compliantly storing patient data. Here are a few of our recommendations:  

• Upheal: Automatically write and store high quality notes for each therapy session
• Breksey: Credential with insurance companies and stay on top of insurance billing and bookkeeping
• Schedule your sessions and keep client data secure and organized in an electronic health record (EHR):
  • Healthie (great for group practices),
  • Simple Practice (for solo practitioners),
  • Therapy Notes (for very cost-conscious solo practitioners)
• RingRX: HIPAA compliant phone system

Your Practice, Your Focus

Remember, your primary mission is providing exceptional therapy. Administration doesn’t have to distract you from your passion for helping clients.

Ready to simplify your private practice journey? Start by creating systems, staying organized, and finding the right tools and partners.