online counseling business plan

How to Start an Online Counseling Business – What You Need to Know

Teletherapy isn’t new. But over the last two years, it’s become extremely popular. Many therapists have switched to online counseling. But for some, the main question is “how to start an online counseling business?”

The transition to online counseling doesn't have to be daunting. In fact, for many therapists and clients, teletherapy has become the preferred mode of engagement. The convenience it offers is unparalleled - therapists can conduct sessions from the comfort of their own homes or offices, while clients can participate in sessions without the hassle of commuting and waiting room discomfort.

So how do you start an online counseling business? Well, there are a few key things you need to know. When you go into private practice, you become a business owner. That’s still true if you’re practicing online or in person. We’re going to give you a few tips to learn how to start an online counseling business.

How to Start Your Own Online Counseling Business

When you decide to provide online counseling, you're not just a therapist; you're a business owner. This perspective is crucial, as it will shape how you approach every aspect of your practice. From branding to marketing and financial management, understanding the entrepreneurial side of your profession is essential. First, you’ll need to have a business plan . This is true for any private practice. When you start an online counseling business you become an entrepreneur. With that comes responsibilities. You work for yourself now, you call the shots, but there are some rules and regulations you need to follow. Just like a traditional practice, online counseling comes with legal and ethical considerations. Make sure you're well-versed in the laws and regulations governing online therapy in your jurisdiction. This includes understanding licensure requirements, privacy laws, and ensuring HIPAA compliance.

Part of having a business plan is thinking about who you’re doing business with. Have your ideal client avatar in mind. What do they do? How old are they? What’s their gender expression? What hobbies do they have? What are their values? All of these questions (and more) need to be part of what you think about when you start an online counseling business.

You also need to think about what your fees are going to be and how many clients you can realistically work with. Reverse engineer how many clients you want to see by how much money you want to make during a week. This will be based on how much you’re going to charge. If you want to see 3 clients a day, work 5 days a week, and you want to make $2250 per week, then you need to charge $150 per session. You can even work backward from how much you want to make in a year.

Unless you already have a space you prefer to work out of, one of the beautiful things about having an online counseling business is that you don’t have to pay rent on an office. However, creating a professional and comfortable environment for your online sessions is essential. Ensure good lighting, minimal distractions, and a clutter-free background. A well-designed virtual space enhances the therapeutic experience for both you and your clients. In addition, overhead costs will be less. You don’t need to pay an assistant or receptionist. All you have to worry about is taxes and whatever your extra expenses are, like webinars, courses, outsourcing your website design, writing, or joining the Therapist Network. You will need to look into the right technology. Selecting the right technology platform for online counseling is critical. There are several options available, ranging from video conferencing software to dedicated telehealth platforms. Choose a platform that's secure, user-friendly, and aligns with your therapeutic approach.

Another thing you’ll have to think about is what you’re going to call your practice. You’ll also need to think about your logo and design for your website. A strong online presence is a cornerstone of any successful online counseling business. Create a professional website that showcases your expertise, services, and approach. Your website is your digital storefront, so ensure it reflects your brand and resonates with potential clients. You can outsource the website if it’s too overwhelming for you, but you can design a logo in Canva for free.

How to Market an Online Therapy Practice

You didn’t learn how to market your online therapy practice in grad school. With the rise of social media comes a whole new world of marketing your online counseling business. Effective marketing is key to attracting clients to your online practice. Utilize social media, online directories, and content marketing to establish your expertise and reach your target audience. Consistent and authentic messaging will help build trust and credibility. So many therapists are on Instagram and TikTok creating videos, reels, stories, and posts relevant to the work they do. We highly recommend having your own social media accounts to keep up with the changing times and market your business.

Another way to market your business is through search engine optimization (SEO) . SEO-optimized websites and blogs are a great way to market your online counseling business without having to do much work. Once you’ve optimized your site, it does the work for you because Google is constantly crawling your site. If you don’t have time to write your website or your blogs, outsource them! 

Use LinkedIn as a way to connect with other therapists. You should have a network of therapists in your life who you can not only talk to about what you do but also get referrals from. 

There are also forums online where you can find other therapists. Again, The Therapist Network is a great resource for online counselors to connect. It may feel like it, but you’re not alone, even though you’re sitting in your office in front of a computer screen all day by yourself. Use networks to connect with other therapists who are doing the same thing you are – navigating new territory in the online space. 

Pros and Cons of Online Therapy

There are a lot of benefits to having an online counseling business. But there are also some downsides. It’s important to consider what makes the most sense for you. But it’s also important to consider today’s climate. Now that so many people are working from home, many people have discovered that they love attending online therapy as well. Let's delve further into the benefits and considerations of running an online counseling business:

Convenience: Online counseling offers unparalleled convenience for both therapists and clients. Clients can access therapy from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for commuting and minimizing disruptions to their daily routines.

Comfort and Accessibility: The familiarity of one's own environment can make clients feel more at ease and willing to open up during sessions. Online therapy also increases accessibility for those with physical disabilities or mobility constraints.

Elimination of Commute: The elimination of commuting not only saves time but also reduces stress and expenses related to travel. Clients can use the time they would have spent commuting on self-care or other productive activities.

Privacy and Discretion: Online therapy provides clients with a discreet option for seeking help. There are no uncomfortable waiting rooms, and clients can choose a private and comfortable space for their sessions.

Insight into Clients' Lives: Therapists gain a unique perspective into clients' lives by observing the environment they inhabit. This can provide valuable insights and help therapists tailor their approaches accordingly.

Technological Challenges: Technology glitches, such as poor internet connections or software issues, can disrupt or prematurely end sessions. It's essential to have contingency plans in place and be adept at handling such situations.

Limited Nonverbal Cues: Reading body language and facial expressions can be more challenging through a screen, potentially affecting the depth of understanding during sessions. Therapists must adapt their strategies to ensure effective communication.

Reduced Eye Contact: While it may seem like you're making eye contact on-screen, it's not the same as in-person interaction. This can impact the connection between therapist and client, necessitating innovative ways to establish rapport.

Digital Literacy: Clients and therapists both need to be comfortable with technology and have access to reliable devices. Technical difficulties can create frustration and hinder the therapeutic process.

Licensing and Regulation: Navigating the legal and ethical landscape of providing online therapy across different jurisdictions can be complex. Therapists must ensure they are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Loss of Tangibility: The absence of physical presence can make interventions involving touch or physical materials challenging to implement effectively.

In the current era where remote work and virtual interactions have become the norm, online therapy has gained significant traction. Its inherent convenience, comfort, and accessibility have led many individuals to embrace this mode of counseling. For therapists, the ability to provide effective support while accommodating clients' lifestyles and preferences is a major advantage. While some challenges exist, the ever-evolving landscape of technology and the growing acceptance of online services suggest that online counseling is indeed a viable and enduring model for the future.

Best Practices for Telehealth Counseling

One of the major components to having a successful online counseling business is being familiar with the technology. Make sure you’re familiar with the platform you choose. A lot of therapists use doxy.me, but there are other platforms out there. It’s also important to be informed about HIPAA compliance when it comes to practicing therapy online. 

Some other best practices include:

Connection and Engagement: Establishing a strong connection with your clients is key in an online setting. Maintain eye contact by looking directly into the camera, simulating face-to-face interaction. Modulate your voice and incorporate hand gestures to keep your communication engaging and relatable.

Tech Literacy: Make sure both you and your clients are comfortable using the chosen technology. Offer guidance if needed and address any technical issues promptly to ensure sessions run smoothly.

Comfort and Environment: Create a comfortable and private space for your online sessions. Encourage your clients to do the same. An environment free from distractions enhances the therapeutic experience.

Interactive Tools: Utilize digital tools, worksheets, handouts, and interactive games to facilitate engagement and learning during sessions. These resources can enhance your clients' experience and offer them tangible takeaways.

Embrace the Change: Recognize that online therapy is a new frontier and be open to adapting your approach. Acknowledge the differences from in-person sessions and be ready to embrace the unique benefits that virtual therapy can offer.

Resource Sharing: Provide your clients with a curated list of resources that align with their therapeutic goals. These resources can include self-help books, articles, podcasts, and relevant community support groups.

At the end of the day, having an online counseling business is as good as you make it. Make sure your clients’ experience is a positive one. But also don’t forget your experience as a therapist, Make sure that online counseling is the right avenue for you. Only you know what’s a good fit. Practicing therapy online can be lonely. If it’s something you’re thinking about, we’re here to help. If you’re interested in learning how to start an online counseling business but don’t know where to begin, we’re here to support you in whatever way we can. The Therapist Network provides an opportunity to make connections with other therapists who have made the leap into teletherapy. Join the network to build relationships with other therapists. You don’t have to go it alone!

Are You Taking Care Of Yourself? Understanding the Signs of Therapist Burnout

How to make the most of your private practice blog.

How to Start a Virtual Counseling Business

Counselors can work remotely via phone, instant messaging, or video conferencing. These methods provide greater flexibility for both the client and therapist. They also allow people to seek help discreetly. 

Among other things, virtual counselors specialize in assisting clients with grief, relationship struggles, addictions, or depression. Online physical therapy is possible as well. Some of the people who most need these services don't feel comfortable visiting a traditional office. By becoming a virtual counselor, you can ensure that individuals with severe anxiety or limited mobility can access beneficial therapy.

Learn how to start your own Virtual Counseling Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a Virtual Counseling Business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Virtual Counseling Business
• Form your Virtual Counseling Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Virtual Counseling Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Virtual Counseling Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Virtual Counseling Business
• Get Virtual Counseling Business Insurance
• Define your Virtual Counseling Business Brand
• Create your Virtual Counseling Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your Virtual Counseling Business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is very important. Read our detailed guide on how to name your business . We recommend checking if the business name you choose is available as a web domain and securing it early so no one else can take it.

Want some help naming your Virtual Counseling Business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a virtual counseling business.

You may need to upgrade equipment or make other changes to your home office. Privacy is crucial; you ought to have a keyed door lock and locking file cabinet. Suitable two-drawer cabinets start at under $80. New office equipment can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the features, capacity, quality, and materials. If you subscribe to an office supply store's email list, you'll probably receive valuable coupon codes. These retailers also have free reward programs, but they're really only worthwhile when you plan to spend at least $250 in one store.

Ensure that no one can easily hear through your room's windows or walls. You might have to replace a drafty single-pane window. Soundproofing or insulation could also prove necessary. Fortunately, some of these enhancements reduce heating and cooling costs. You may need financing to afford a major project. Home improvement loans have interest rates ranging from 4.5% to 36%, according to NerdWallet . You'll pay a lower rate if you have a high credit score.

What are the ongoing expenses for a Virtual Counseling Business?

You will need to pay for malpractice insurance, marketing, and internet access. Anti-virus software helps maintain confidentiality; it only costs small businesses around $35 to $85 per year. Services like Hushmail provide encrypted email and online forms at an annual cost of about $70. If you don't have a suitable office, you'll need to rent commercial space or a larger home.

Who is the target market?

Virtual counseling has become popular among military personnel, young people, and disabled individuals. Women undergo therapy more frequently than men, according to the American Psychological Association. While many men suffer from serious problems like addiction, anxiety, and depression, they find it harder to discuss emotions or reveal a need for help.

How does a Virtual Counseling Business make money?

Some clients directly pay for each session. Others purchase weekly or monthly memberships. Insurance companies and employee assistance programs frequently cover online counseling; you'll need to submit claims to them. Demand for this service may rise when inclement weather discourages outdoor activities and makes travel more difficult.

Some well-known services charge around $150 to $450 per month. People pay the highest rates for live interactions. A single session costs $75 to $180 for therapy and closer to $300 for psychiatry.

How much profit can a Virtual Counseling Business make?

This occupation has the potential to achieve a rather high profit margin. Unlike most businesses, it won't require you to travel, rent a building, or purchase many supplies. You can live in a rural or small-town location with low housing costs. Profits will differ depending on your specialty. Estimates vary widely; some sources indicate that you could earn a net income as high as $100,000 per year. This becomes easier to accomplish when you have mental health expertise.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Additional education could give you the credentials needed to serve higher-paying clients. However, this takes time and would probably result in substantial student loans. An alternative is to find ways to minimize expenses. For example, you can shop around for better deals on internet access. Customers who use the same company for a long period of time tend to pay higher rates. Your current provider might offer a discount if you inform them of a lower price you found elsewhere. The same strategy can help you save money on insurance, billing services, and advertising.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your Virtual Counseling Business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a Virtual Counseling Business

Despite the obstacles mentioned above, you can successfully advertise your service to clients of both genders. Some men have a greater openness to counseling if it's completely private. Your service may appeal to them when you use different promotional language that emphasizes confidentiality and leaves out the word "therapy."

Consider paying for a listing in a respected database of online counselors, such as GoodTherapy.org . Try to exchange referrals with fellow professionals who have related but different specialties. For instance, some people with addictions might benefit from marriage counseling (and vice versa). You can also attract customers by writing a newspaper column about your topic of expertise.

How to keep customers coming back

To gain new clients, emphasize your credentials as well as approachability. You should appear qualified but not intimidating. Think about offering a discounted or complimentary first session . This will give the customer a risk-free opportunity to evaluate your service.

You can retain clients by maintaining a high level of quality. Don't overwork yourself; people will notice the difference if you're exhausted, sick, or distracted. It's better to put off working until you have enough energy to concentrate and provide helpful responses. If customers stop scheduling appointments, give them some time before asking why. Try using a different contact method.

Privacy holds great importance for many clients; always treat it as a high priority. Send mail in security envelopes with a return address that doesn't reveal the nature of your business. Ask to speak with the client when you initiate a phone call and use a corded telephone. Don't rely on standard unencrypted email or insecure public WiFi connections.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

If you'd like to help other people improve their lives, this line of work may appeal to you. Virtual counseling proves desirable for busy parents and therapists who prefer living in rural areas. You need to communicate well, listen patiently, and have a willingness to discuss personal matters.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a Virtual Counseling Business?

Counselors either participate in live discussions or respond to messages left by clients. They primarily have one-on-one meetings, but certain specialties like marital counseling involve multiple people. This profession also necessitates extensive paperwork. Billing tasks can become time-consuming and complicated.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful Virtual Counseling Business?

The necessary qualifications differ depending on your area of expertise. You'll probably need a bachelor's or master's degree. The Distance Credentialed Counselor certification isn't required but may prove beneficial. One way to get started is to read a book that introduces readers to this field, such as "Online Therapy: A Therapist's Guide to Expanding Your Practice."

What is the growth potential for a Virtual Counseling Business?

Online counseling had already begun to experience moderate growth when the COVID-19 pandemic triggered rapid expansion. Certain virtual therapy companies saw 30% to 80% growth in recent times. If you want to go beyond serving clients on your own, you could start a group practice or agency. California-based BetterHelp provides an example of large-scale expansion. It has more than 3,000 counselors who have assisted over 600,000 clients.

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a Virtual Counseling Business?

Thoroughly screen new clients before sending any bills or arranging long sessions. Make sure you truly have the ability to help them and meet their specific needs. If you don't, refer the customer to a better-qualified specialist.

Carefully review each insurance company's rules prior to submitting a claim. Do this as soon as possible; it can take time to get paid, and the insurer may request further details. Try to verify that you'll receive payment before completing multiple sessions.

It often becomes harder to follow laws and insurance rules when serving out-of-state clients. Focus on attracting customers who live in your region. If a nearby state has a much larger population, consider moving there before starting a practice.

How and when to build a team

It's not essential to hire employees. You'll probably find it easier to maintain confidentiality without a staff. Nevertheless, a billing specialist could prevent payment delays and help you focus on the things you do best. These advantages become especially significant when you need to collect money from multiple insurers. Billing experts often request a fraction of your income rather than a wage or salary. If you attract more customers than you can serve, you could also hire counselors as contractors. These professionals receive around 60% to 70% of the fees paid by clients.

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Setting up a Counseling Business From Home

Angela Doel

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Starting a counseling business from home allows you to provide virtual or in-person therapy to clients while maintaining a flexible work-life balance. In recent years, telehealth has gained popularity, enabling psychotherapists to provide remote counseling services. You may choose to offer in-person appointments as well, depending on your preferences and the needs of your clients.

There are many advantages to running a counseling practice from home, including:

• eliminating the need for a separate office space.
• reduced overhead costs.
• flexibility to set your own schedule.
• reduced expenses related to commuting, parking fees, and so on.

Whether you are a seasoned therapist or just starting your career, establishing a successful counseling business from home requires careful planning and preparation. This article outlines some essential steps to help you set up a thriving home-based counseling business.

Define Your Counseling Niche

Defining the population you wish to serve allows you to focus your efforts, tailor your services, attract the right clients, and effectively market your practice. Consider the following:

Personal Interests and Expertise

Reflect on your personal interests and the areas of counseling you are passionate about. Assess your experiences, training, expertise, strengths, and skills. By leveraging your existing knowledge and experience, you can establish yourself as an expert in your chosen niche.

Research the Market

Understand the demand and competition in different counseling niches, while exploring gaps in services, underserved populations, emerging trends, and specific needs.

Target Clients

Determine the specific population or demographic you want to serve and their unique challenges, issues, and preferences. Tailoring your services to meet your targets’ needs will help you attract and retain clients.

Specialized Training and Certifications

Evaluate the qualifications, training, or certifications required to specialize in your chosen niche. Explore opportunities for continuing education and workshops to enhance your knowledge and skills. Specialized training not only boosts your credibility but also equips you with the tools necessary to address the unique needs of your clients.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Remain flexible and open to adjusting your niche as your home-based practice evolves. As you gain experience and receive client feedback, you may discover new interests or areas of expertise.

Since you will be working from home, it’s natural to experience a sense of isolation and even loneliness. When you prioritize networking efforts, you may experience professional growth and reduced isolation.

Here are some key reasons why networking is important:

Peer Support and Collaboration

Networking allows you to connect with colleagues who understand the challenges and joys of the profession. Sharing experiences, sorting out professional dilemmas, discussing best practices, and seeking advice from like-minded professionals provides valuable insights and support.

Referral Partnerships and Collaborative Opportunities

You’ll receive referrals from your network, and you can refer clients to trusted colleagues whose specialties align with their needs. Collaborating on joint projects or research endeavors can expand your professional reach and enhance the quality of your services.

Mentorship and Guidance

Establishing mentorship relationships can provide professional guidance, support, and career advice.

Professional Visibility and Reputation

Active participation in networking events, online forums, and professional associations establishes you as a knowledgeable and engaged professional. Sharing your expertise, insights, and research findings enhances your credibility and attracts potential clients or professional opportunities.

Emotional Well-Being

Having a strong network of colleagues alleviates isolation. Engaging in professional discussions can provide a sense of camaraderie and connection. Sharing challenges, successes, and self-care strategies can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Remember, networking is a two-way street, so be willing to offer support and guidance to others as well. By fostering genuine relationships and a spirit of collaboration, you can create a robust professional network that ultimately benefits your home-based practice.

Create a Business Plan

Your business plan is essentially an outline for your counseling practice. It should include all the details of your business, such as:

• your mission statement.
• your ideal client.
• a summary of the services you offer.
• your marketing plan.
• financial, legal, and other logistical practice concerns.

To understand the regulations within your state, meet with an attorney to discuss the regulatory requirements that may affect your home-based counseling practice.

Legally Set Up Your Business

Registering your business is an important step in establishing your practice and ensuring its legal and professional status. Consult with an attorney or seek guidance from professional counseling associations or regulatory bodies to ensure you fulfill all the necessary legal obligations specific to your business.

Consider the following:

Business Structure and Registration

Determine the appropriate legal structure for your counseling business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC) , or corporation. Each structure has its own legal and tax implications, so consult with an attorney or a tax professional to understand the best option. Registering your business may involve filing registration documents, paying fees, and obtaining permits or licenses.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

If you plan to have employees or operate your counseling practice as anything other than a sole proprietorship, request an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) .

Register Your Business Name

Choose a distinctive name for your practice, and check whether the name is available in your state by reviewing your state's business directory or conducting a name search through the Secretary of State's office.

Insurance Provider Considerations

If you plan to accept insurance, request a National Provider Identifier (NPI) from the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). This unique identification number is used for billing and claims purposes, and it allows your clients to submit insurance claims for reimbursement.

Additionally, decide whether you want to become an in-network provider with specific insurance companies or operate as an out-of-network provider. Paneling with insurance companies involves additional paperwork and contracts, while being an out-of-network provider allows you to set your own fees.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Understand and adhere to the ethical guidelines and standards of your profession, maintain client confidentiality, and keep accurate and secure records.

Open a Business Bank Account

When choosing a bank for your practice, consider fees, accessibility, online banking capabilities, and the availability of additional financial services, such as lines of credit. A business bank account is beneficial for the following reasons:

Financial Separation

By opening a dedicated business bank account, you create a clear separation between your personal and business finances – essential for accurate record-keeping and financial management.

Professional Image

Maintaining a separate business bank account adds credibility and professionalism to your practice. It reinforces the legitimacy and integrity of your services.

Tax Compliance

Your tax obligations are streamlined when you have a clear record of your business income and expenses.

Update Your Insurance Coverage

It’s essential to protect yourself and your home-based practice from potential risks and liabilities. Obtaining the appropriate insurance coverage helps safeguard your practice and provides peace of mind. Here are the different types of insurance you may consider:

Professional Liability Insurance (Malpractice Insurance)

Professional Liability Insurance (Malpractice Insurance) protects you if a client claims they suffered harm or damage related to your professional services. This insurance provides coverage for legal defense costs, settlements, or judgments related to claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in your practice.

General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance provides coverage for accidents, injuries, or property damage that may occur at your office location. This insurance protects you from liability if a client, visitor, or vendor sustains bodily injury or property damage while on your premises. It can cover medical expenses, legal defense costs, and potential settlements or judgments resulting from such incidents.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Professional Indemnity Insurance provides coverage for claims arising from professional errors, negligence, or breaches of duty. It extends beyond malpractice claims and can protect you in situations where a client alleges financial loss or harm due to your professional advice, actions, or recommendations. It’s particularly important if you offer consulting services or provide expertise beyond traditional counseling sessions.

Public Liability Insurance

Public Liability Insurance provides coverage for claims that arise from third-party injuries or property damage that occur outside of your office location. For example, if you conduct counseling sessions in clients' homes or at other locations, it protects you from potential liabilities that may arise during those sessions.

Home Insurance Amendments

Home Insurance Amendments are necessary since you will be operating your counseling practice from your home. You may need to amend your policy or obtain additional coverage. This coverage ensures your home and its contents are adequately protected.

Income Protection Insurance

Income Protection Insurance , also known as disability insurance or income replacement insurance, provides coverage if you are unable to work due to illness, injury, or disability.

When selecting insurance policies, carefully review the coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles. Consider consulting with an insurance professional that specializes in professional liability insurance for counselors, as they can help you assess your specific risks and tailor an insurance plan that meets your needs.

Set Up Your Home Office

Creating a dedicated and comfortable workspace within your home is crucial for a successful home-based counseling business. Here are some important aspects to consider:

Choose the Appropriate Space

Ideally, your home office space is a quiet area that provides privacy and minimal distractions. Consider dedicating a specific room solely for your practice. Choose a room with a door that can be closed during sessions.

Create a Calming Atmosphere

Choose soft, neutral colors to create a calming environment. Incorporate artwork, plants, or soothing lighting to enhance the atmosphere. Additionally, ensure that the room is well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature.

a ) Invest in Quality Furniture. Invest in comfortable and ergonomic furniture. Start with a desk and chair that promote good posture and provide adequate support. Look for adjustable options that can accommodate clients of different heights and body types.

b ) Ensure Adequate Lighting. Proper lighting creates a welcoming and uplifting environment. Natural light is ideal, so, if possible, choose a room in your home that allows ample sunlight. If natural light is limited, supplement it with soft, warm-toned artificial lighting. Avoid harsh fluorescent lights, as they create a clinical and unwelcoming atmosphere.

c ) Acoustics and Soundproofing. Ensure your office has minimal noise interference. Thick curtains, carpets, or soundproofing materials can help absorb excess noise and create a more serene environment.

d ) Privacy and Confidentiality. Ensure that your home office provides a secure space for your sessions. Install a lock on your office door to prevent unwanted interruptions. Use a white noise machine or play soft background music so conversations cannot be overheard. Make sure shared living spaces, such as kitchen or bathroom areas, are located away from your office.

f ) Ensure Accessibility: To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), remove barriers that would prevent clients with disabilities from accessing your home office. Private counseling practices, including telemental health businesses, must apply ADA compliance to websites, making them accessible to clients with visual and hearing impairments.

g ) Acquire Necessary Software and Equipment: Invest in a reliable computer or laptop, a high-quality webcam, a headset with a microphone, and a stable internet connection. Consider using secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platforms that prioritize client privacy and confidentiality. Explore electronic record-keeping systems to efficiently manage client files and maintain confidentiality.

h ) Consider using generative AI tools such as Mentalyc : This platform will save you a great deal of time with the documentation process. Mentalyc allows you to record sessions and transcribe the progress notes in less than two minutes – increasing accuracy and efficiency, providing details you might otherwise miss. Try this tool by signing up for Mentalyc here .

Following these suggestions as you set up your home-based counseling business allows you to create an environment that promotes trust, relaxation, and confidentiality for your clients. By following these suggestions, you can establish a successful and thriving counseling practice that meets the needs of your clients while maintaining a flexible work environment.

The Bottom Line

Starting a counseling business from home offers the flexibility to provide virtual or in-person support while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. This can be achieved through telehealth services and, if desired, in-person appointments. Advantages include cost savings by eliminating the need for separate office space and the ability to set your own schedule.

To establish a successful home-based counseling practice, defining a niche is crucial. Consider personal interests, research the market, identify target clients, and acquire specialized training and certifications.

Networking is vital for professional growth, collaboration, and referral opportunities. Creating a business plan, ensuring legal compliance, opening a business bank account, updating insurance coverage, and setting up a dedicated home office are essential steps.

Using tools like Mentalyc can also streamline documentation and transcription processes, saving time and improving accuracy. With careful planning and implementation, a thriving counseling business can be established from the comfort of your home!

All examples of mental health documentation are fictional and for informational purposes only.

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How to Start an Online Counseling Business: Steps, Benefits and Tips

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

As technology advances, more and more mental health professionals are turning to online counseling services as a way to reach their clients. Offering counseling services online can provide greater flexibility and cost savings, as well as increased access to clients from all over the world. This article will explore the steps, benefits, licenses, certifications, and credentials necessary for starting an online counseling business, as well as tips for developing a successful business plan.

Steps Needed to Start an Online Counseling Business

Before you can begin offering online counseling services, there are several steps you must take. These include understanding the regulations and requirements for offering online counseling services, developing a business plan, obtaining necessary licenses, certifications, and credentials, setting up a business website, and marketing and advertising your services.

Understand the Regulations and Requirements for Offering Online Counseling Services

The laws and regulations governing online counseling vary from state to state, so it’s important to research the requirements in the state in which you plan to offer your services. In addition, many professional organizations have specific guidelines for providing online counseling services, so make sure to check with any relevant organizations for additional information.

Develop a Business Plan

Creating a detailed business plan is essential for any business, and this includes online counseling businesses. A good business plan should include information on your target market, pricing structure, marketing strategy, and more. It’s also important to create a budget and financial plan that takes into account any startup costs and ongoing expenses.

Obtain Necessary Licenses, Certifications, and Credentials

In order to operate an online counseling business, you must meet certain licensing, certification, and credentialing requirements. Depending on the state in which you are operating, you may need to obtain a state license, professional certifications, and malpractice insurance. Make sure to research the requirements in your state before offering online counseling services.

Set Up a Business Website

Having an online presence is essential for any business, and this includes online counseling businesses. You will need to set up a website that details your services, rates, contact information, and other relevant information. You may also want to include a blog or other content to help boost your search engine rankings and attract new clients.

Market and Advertise Your Services

Once you have your business set up, you will need to market and advertise your services. This can include creating social media accounts, optimizing your website for search engines, creating content such as blog posts or videos, and utilizing paid advertising methods. Researching the best methods for marketing and advertising your services is essential for success.

Benefits of Offering Online Counseling Services

Offering online counseling services can provide numerous benefits. These include increased flexibility, cost savings, and greater access to clients from all over the world. Additionally, online counseling services can be more comfortable and convenient for clients who may not feel comfortable visiting a traditional office setting.

Necessary Licenses, Certifications, and Credentials for Operating an Online Counseling Business

In order to legally operate an online counseling business, you will need to obtain certain licenses, certifications, and credentials. Depending on the state in which you are operating, you may need to obtain a state license, professional certifications, and malpractice insurance. Make sure to research the requirements in your state before offering online counseling services.

Legal, Financial, and Insurance Requirements for Starting an Online Counseling Business

In addition to the licenses, certifications, and credentials needed to operate an online counseling business, there are also legal, financial, and insurance requirements that must be met. This includes researching federal, state, and local laws, financial planning and budgeting, and obtaining necessary insurance coverage.

Tips for Developing a Successful Online Counseling Business Plan

When developing a business plan for an online counseling business, there are several key points to keep in mind. This includes identifying your target market, establishing a pricing structure, and creating a marketing strategy that will help you reach your target audience. Additionally, it’s important to create a budget and financial plan that takes into account any startup costs and ongoing expenses.

Starting an online counseling business can be a great way to provide mental health services to clients. This article has outlined the steps, benefits, licenses, certifications, and credentials needed to start an online counseling business, as well as tips for developing a successful business plan. With the right planning, research, and dedication, you can create a successful online counseling business.

(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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How To Create an Online Mental Health Counseling Business Plan

By alex ryzhkov, resources on online mental health counseling.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan
• SWOT Analysis
• Business Model
• Marketing Plan

Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for online mental health counseling! In today's fast-paced and digital world, the demand for accessible and convenient mental health support is growing rapidly. According to the latest statistics , the online counseling industry is projected to reach a market value of $1.9 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.6%. This demonstrates the immense potential and untapped opportunities within this sector.

Now, let's dive into the 9 essential steps to create a comprehensive business plan for your online mental health counseling venture!

• Research the market and identify the target audience: Gain insights into the current demand for online counseling services and identify your ideal client base.
• Determine the legal and regulatory requirements: Understand the licensing, privacy, and compliance obligations associated with operating an online counseling business.
• Analyze the competitive landscape: Identify the key players in the market and assess their strengths, weaknesses, and strategies.
• Conduct a SWOT analysis: Understand your business's internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats.
• Define the unique value proposition: Clearly articulate what sets your online counseling services apart from others and how it addresses the needs of your target audience.
• Determine the pricing strategy: Set competitive and sustainable pricing for your services, taking into account factors such as market demand and operational costs.
• Identify the necessary technology infrastructure: Explore the platforms, software, and security measures required to deliver reliable and confidential counseling sessions online.
• Develop a marketing and branding strategy: Create a comprehensive plan to attract and retain clients, utilizing various channels such as social media, search engine optimization, and content marketing.
• Assess the operational requirements: Determine the staffing needs, security measures, and data protection protocols necessary to ensure smooth operations and client confidentiality.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a solid business plan for your online mental health counseling service. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts where we'll delve into each step in more detail.

Research The Market And Identify The Target Audience

Before launching an online mental health counseling business, it is crucial to thoroughly research the market and identify the target audience. This step will help you understand the demand for your services, identify any gaps in the market, and tailor your offerings to meet the specific needs of your target audience.

Here are some key steps to consider when conducting market research and identifying your target audience:

• Define your niche: Determine the specific area within mental health counseling that your business will focus on. For example, you may specialize in counseling for adolescents, couples, or individuals with specific mental health conditions.
• Identify the target market: Research and gather data on the demographics, psychographics, and behavior patterns of your potential clients. This information will help you tailor your services and marketing efforts to effectively reach and engage your target audience.
• Conduct competitor analysis: Analyze the existing online mental health counseling providers in the market. Understand their strengths, weaknesses, pricing strategies, and unique value propositions. This will help you position your business in a way that stands out and offers something different.

Tips for identifying your target audience:

• Utilize market research tools and resources to gather data on consumer preferences, trends, and demand for mental health counseling services.
• Engage in surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gain insights directly from your potential clients.
• Consider collaborating with mental health professionals or organizations to gain access to their networks and potential client base.

By conducting thorough market research and identifying your target audience, you will be able to develop a business strategy that effectively caters to the needs of your clients, positioning your online mental health counseling business for success.

Determine The Legal And Regulatory Requirements For Operating An Online Counseling Business

Operating an online counseling business requires adherence to various legal and regulatory requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of both clients and counselors. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with these requirements and take the necessary steps to comply with them.

• Licensing and Certification: Research the licensing and certification requirements for mental health professionals in your jurisdiction. Determine if there are any specific qualifications or credentials needed to provide online counseling services.
• Privacy and Confidentiality: Protecting client privacy and confidentiality is of utmost importance. Familiarize yourself with data protection laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, and ensure that your platform and counseling practices meet the required standards.
• Informed Consent: Obtain proper informed consent from clients before providing counseling services. This includes explaining the nature of the counseling relationship, the limitations of online counseling, and ensuring that clients have a clear understanding of the potential risks and benefits.
• Professional Liability Insurance: Consider obtaining professional liability insurance to protect yourself and your business from potential legal claims or allegations of malpractice.
• Consult with a legal professional specializing in healthcare or online counseling to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Stay informed about any changes or updates to relevant laws and regulations to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Consider joining professional organizations or associations that provide guidance and resources specific to online counseling.

Analyze The Competitive Landscape And Identify Key Competitors

When starting an online mental health counseling business, it is crucial to analyze the competitive landscape and identify key competitors in the market. This step allows you to gain insights into what other businesses are offering and how you can differentiate your services to stand out.

Begin by researching existing online counseling platforms and providers. Look for businesses that offer similar services and target the same audience as your business idea. Take note of their unique selling points, the range of mental health concerns they address, and the therapeutic approaches they use.

• Identify their strengths and what makes them successful in the market.
• Analyze their weaknesses to understand potential areas for improvement and differentiation.
• Look for opportunities that might be untapped or underserved in the market.
• Assess the threats they pose to your business, such as their market share or established client base.

By conducting a comprehensive analysis, you can refine your business strategy and find unique ways to position your online counseling services. Differentiation could involve offering specialized services for specific demographics, focusing on a niche mental health concern, or leveraging innovative technology to enhance user experience.

• Consider conducting a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis for each key competitor.
• Explore online forums, social media platforms, and review websites to gather customer feedback about these competitors.
• Look for gaps or limitations in their services that you could address in your own business.
• Keep an eye on emerging trends and new entrants in the market to stay ahead of the competition.

Identifying key competitors and understanding the competitive landscape is crucial for building a successful online mental health counseling business. It allows you to find your unique position in the market and develop strategies that will attract and retain clients.

Conduct A SWOT Analysis To Understand The Business's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, And Threats

A SWOT analysis is a valuable tool for understanding a business's internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats. By conducting a SWOT analysis, we can gain crucial insights into our online mental health counseling business and make informed decisions to maximize our chances of success.

• Be honest and objective while assessing your business's strengths and weaknesses.
• Consider both current and potential future opportunities in the market.
• Identify potential threats that may challenge your business's growth and sustainability.
• Collaborate with key members of your team to gather diverse perspectives and insights.

Strengths: To effectively assess our business's strengths, we need to identify the unique qualities and capabilities that set us apart from our competitors. It could include factors such as our highly trained and empathetic counselors who deliver evidence-based interventions, our user-friendly and secure digital platform, and our emphasis on accessibility and confidentiality for clients seeking mental health support.

Weaknesses: Identifying weaknesses helps us understand areas where we can improve and take measures to mitigate potential risks. For instance, we may need to address challenges such as the need for significant initial investments in technology infrastructure, potential limitations in counselor availability during peak times, or addressing any initial skepticism from potential clients regarding online counseling as an effective alternative to traditional in-person therapy.

Opportunities: Opportunities are external factors that can benefit our business and contribute to its growth. These could include the increasing demand for online mental health counseling services, the potential to reach a wider geographical and demographic audience, and the ability to partner with other healthcare providers or employee assistance programs to expand our client base.

Threats: Threats are external factors that may pose challenges or risks to our business. Examples could include intense competition from existing online counseling platforms, potential regulatory changes or legal implications, and the potential for negative online reviews or customer satisfaction issues that could harm our reputation and credibility.

By conducting a thorough SWOT analysis, we can gain a deeper understanding of our business's internal and external factors. This analysis will guide us in making strategic decisions that leverage our strengths, address our weaknesses, capitalize on opportunities, and mitigate potential threats to ensure the long-term success of our online mental health counseling business.

Define The Unique Value Proposition And Differentiate The Online Counseling Services

Defining a unique value proposition is crucial for any business, and online mental health counseling is no exception. In an increasingly crowded marketplace, it is essential to identify what sets your services apart from the competition and how you provide value to your clients.

One way to differentiate your online counseling services is by highlighting your team of highly trained and empathetic counselors. Emphasize their expertise and experience in evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. This demonstrates that your counselors have the knowledge and skills to address a wide range of mental health concerns effectively.

Additionally, consider offering specialized counseling services targeted at specific populations or unique mental health concerns. This can help you cater to specific needs that may not be adequately addressed by general counseling services. For example, you could offer counseling services specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, or individuals struggling with eating disorders.

• Clearly communicate your unique value proposition on your website and marketing materials. Highlighting what makes your online counseling services different from others can attract potential clients who are looking for specialized or evidence-based interventions.
• Collect client testimonials. Positive feedback from satisfied clients can serve as social proof and reinforce your unique value proposition.
• Stay up to date with the latest research and evidence-based practices in mental health counseling. This allows you to continuously enhance and differentiate your services based on the most effective and cutting-edge approaches.

To further differentiate your online counseling services, focus on providing a secure and user-friendly digital environment for your clients. This can include implementing robust data protection measures, offering encrypted communication channels, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations regarding privacy and confidentiality. By prioritizing the security and ease of use of your online platform, you can instill trust and confidence in your clients.

Ultimately, your unique value proposition should demonstrate how your online counseling services offer convenience, accessibility, expertise, and a personalized approach. Clients should feel confident that they are receiving high-quality care from licensed professionals in a secure and user-friendly environment.

By defining a compelling unique value proposition and effectively differentiating your online counseling services, you can attract and retain clients who are seeking reliable and personalized mental health assistance in the digital age.

Determine The Pricing Strategy And Develop A Financial Model

One of the crucial aspects of starting an online mental health counseling business is determining the pricing strategy and developing a financial model that ensures sustainability and profitability. Here are some important steps to consider:

Conduct thorough market research: Research the pricing benchmarks within the industry and analyze the pricing models of your competitors. This will help you determine a competitive yet sustainable pricing structure for your services. Consider the value and expertise: Assess the unique value proposition of your online counseling services and determine the appropriate pricing based on the expertise and qualifications of your licensed professionals. Consider the value and impact of the services provided to clients. Offer different pricing plans: Develop different pricing plans or tiers that cater to the diverse needs and budgets of potential clients. This may include options for individual sessions, package deals, or monthly subscriptions. Factor in operation costs: Estimate the operational costs involved in running the online counseling platform, such as technology expenses, marketing efforts, and staff salaries. These costs should be taken into account when setting the pricing for your services. Create a financial model: Develop a comprehensive financial model that projects the revenue and expenses of your online counseling business over a specific period. This model should consider the pricing strategy, anticipated client base, and operational costs to give you a clear picture of your financial goals and sustainability.

By carefully determining the pricing strategy and developing a financial model, you can ensure that your online mental health counseling business not only meets the needs of your target audience but also remains profitable in the long run.

Identify The Necessary Technology Infrastructure And Platforms Required For Online Counseling Services

When establishing an online counseling business, it is crucial to identify the necessary technology infrastructure and platforms to ensure seamless and secure service delivery to clients. Here are the key considerations:

• Video Conferencing Platforms: Select a reliable video conferencing platform that supports high-quality and encrypted video calls. Look for features such as screen sharing, virtual whiteboards, and recording options for effective therapy sessions.
• Instant Messaging and Chat Tools: Choose a secure instant messaging platform that allows clients and therapists to communicate in real-time while maintaining confidentiality. Ensure that the platform encrypts messages and provides adequate measures for data protection and privacy.
• Virtual Waiting Rooms and Client Management Systems: Consider implementing a virtual waiting room system that enables therapists to manage client appointments efficiently. Look for client management systems that facilitate scheduling, billing, and record-keeping to streamline administrative tasks.
• Secure Document Sharing: Utilize a secure file-sharing platform that allows therapists and clients to exchange documents securely. Ensure that the platform adheres to privacy regulations and offers encryption for confidential files.
• Electronic Health Records Systems: Implement an electronic health records (EHR) system to securely store and manage client information. Choose an EHR platform that meets industry standards for data security and privacy.
• Choose technology platforms that align with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance standards to ensure the protection of client data.
• Test the technology infrastructure thoroughly before launching the online counseling services to identify any potential technical issues and ensure smooth service delivery.
• Provide clear instructions to clients on how to access and use the technology platforms to minimize any confusion or technical difficulties they may encounter.
• Regularly update and maintain the technology infrastructure to stay updated with the latest security patches and upgrades.

By carefully selecting the appropriate technology infrastructure and platforms, online counseling businesses can create a secure and user-friendly environment for clients to receive the mental health support they need. These tools and systems play a crucial role in ensuring effective communication, confidentiality, and efficient management of therapy sessions and client information.

Develop A Marketing And Branding Strategy To Attract And Retain Clients

Once you have established your online mental health counseling business, it's crucial to develop a robust marketing and branding strategy to attract and retain clients. The following steps will guide you in creating an effective plan:

• Identify your target audience: Conduct market research to understand the demographics, preferences, and needs of your potential clients. This will help you tailor your marketing efforts and messaging accordingly.
• Create a strong online presence: Invest in a well-designed and user-friendly website that showcases your services, counselors' credentials, and a secure platform for therapy sessions. Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve your website's visibility on search engines.
• Utilize social media: Leverage popular social media platforms to engage with your target audience and raise awareness about your services. Share valuable content, success stories, and mental health tips related to the issues your business addresses.
• Build relationships with referring professionals: Collaborate with physicians, psychiatrists, and community organizations to establish referral networks. Offer informational sessions or presentations to educate them about the benefits of online mental health counseling.
• Offer incentives for referrals: Implement a referral program that rewards current clients for referring others to your services. This can include discounts on sessions or additional services.
• Engage in online advertising: Use pay-per-click (PPC) advertising on search engines and social media platforms to target specific keywords and audiences. This can help drive traffic to your website and generate leads.
• Provide educational resources: Develop informative blog posts, e-books, or videos that address common mental health concerns. Share these resources through your website and social media platforms to establish yourself as a trusted source of information.
• Consider partnering with influencers or bloggers in the mental health field to reach a wider audience.
• Offer a free initial consultation or session to entice potential clients to try your services.
• Collect and use client testimonials to build trust and credibility.
• Regularly monitor and analyze your marketing efforts to identify areas for improvement.
• Establish a strong brand: Develop a unique brand identity that reflects your values, mission, and the benefits clients can expect from your services. Use consistent branding elements across all your marketing materials and channels.
• Focus on customer experience: Provide exceptional customer service and prioritize client satisfaction. Implement feedback mechanisms to gather insights and continuously improve your services.
• Retain clients through ongoing support: Offer follow-up sessions, workshops, or group therapy options to keep clients engaged and supported throughout their mental health journey.

By implementing a comprehensive marketing and branding strategy, you can effectively reach your target audience, establish your online mental health counseling business as a trusted resource, and retain clients for long-term success.

Assess The Operational Requirements, Including Staffing, Security, And Data Protection Measures.

When establishing an online mental health counseling business, it is crucial to assess the operational requirements to ensure a safe and secure environment for both clients and counselors. Staffing, security, and data protection measures play a pivotal role in maintaining confidentiality and trust. Here are some essential considerations to address in this step:

• Staffing: Determine the number of counselors needed based on the projected demand and develop a comprehensive recruitment process. Look for licensed professionals with expertise in various mental health concerns to provide personalized and evidence-based interventions. It may also be beneficial to consider the availability of counselors in different time zones to accommodate a diverse client base.
• Security: Implement robust security measures to safeguard client information and maintain confidentiality. This can include utilizing secure video conferencing platforms, encrypting communication channels, and regularly updating software to protect against potential cyber threats. Performing regular security audits and educating staff about best practices can further enhance the overall security posture.
• Data Protection Measures: Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. Establish policies and procedures for collecting, storing, and handling client data securely. Regularly train staff on data protection protocols to prevent accidental breaches or unauthorized access.

Tips for Assessing Operational Requirements:

• Conduct thorough background checks and verification of credentials for potential counselors to ensure their qualifications and expertise.
• Establish a clear code of conduct and ethical guidelines for counselors to follow, promoting professionalism and adherence to industry standards.
• Consider implementing a two-factor authentication process for both counselors and clients to enhance security measures.
• Maintain regular communication and collaboration with IT professionals to stay updated on the latest security practices and address any vulnerabilities promptly.
• Encourage open dialogue with clients regarding their privacy concerns and ensure transparency about how their data is handled and protected.

By carefully assessing the operational requirements, including staffing, security, and data protection measures, you can establish a reliable and trustworthy online mental health counseling platform that prioritizes the well-being and confidentiality of clients. Continuously monitor and update these requirements to adapt to evolving technological advancements and industry standards.

In conclusion, writing a business plan for online mental health counseling requires thorough research and careful consideration of various factors. By following the nine steps outlined in this checklist, aspiring entrepreneurs can establish a solid foundation for their online counseling business. By understanding the market, competition, and legal requirements, defining a unique value proposition, developing a pricing strategy, and implementing the necessary technology and operational measures, businesses can effectively attract and retain clients in this growing field of online mental health counseling. Additionally, a well-crafted marketing and branding strategy will help create awareness and credibility, leading to a successful and impactful online counseling business.

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Start a Virtual Counseling Business

Becoming a Guiding Beacon: The Allure of Starting a Virtual Counseling Business

VIRTUAL COUNSELING BUSINESS

Related business ideas, discover your perfect domain, virtual counseling mini business plan, expected percent margin:, earnings expectations:, actions to hit those numbers:, service offerings:, marketing and customer acquisition:, customer experience:, cost control:, business operations:, not what you had in mind here are more ideas, grab your business website name, step 1: determine if starting a virtual counseling business is right for you, breakdown of startup expenses, breakdown of ongoing expenses, examples of ways to make money, step 2: naming your business, step 3: develop a business plan, outlining your business goals, establishing your target market, developing a marketing plan, step 4: obtain necessary licenses and permits, researching local requirements, applying for licenses and permits, step 5: choose your business structure, sole proprietorship, limited liability company, corporation, step 6: set up your business finances, opening a business bank account, establishing a bookkeeping system, step 7: develop your virtual counseling platform, choosing the right software, setting up your payment system, step 8: market your business, creating a website, utilizing social media, networking with professionals, step 9: monitor your business, tracking your finances, evaluating your performance, explore more categories, take the next steps.

Counseling Private Practice Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Counseling Practice Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their counseling private practices. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a counseling private practice business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Counseling Private Practice Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your counseling private practice as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Counseling Private Practice

If you’re looking to start a counseling private practice, or grow your existing counseling private practice, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your counseling private practice in order to improve your chances of success. Your business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Counseling Private Practices

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a counseling private practice are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for counseling private practices.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a counseling private practice.

If you want to start a counseling private practice or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Below are links to each section of your counseling private practice business plan template:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of counseling private practice you are operating and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a counseling private practice that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of counseling private practices?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the counseling private practice industry. Discuss the type of counseling private practice you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of counseling private practice you are operating.

For example, your counseling private practice might specialize in one of the following divisions:

• Clinical psychology : this type of counseling private practice assesses, diagnoses, treats, and prevents mental disorders. Specialization within clinical psychology may focus on areas such as neuropsychology, geropsychology, child psychology, etc.
• Industrial-organizational psychology: this type of counseling private practice specializes in applying the principles of psychology to the workplace, to assist with a range of HR issues such as employee retention or productivity.
• Marriage and family therapy: this type of counseling private practice is licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples, and family systems.
• Social work: this type of counseling private practice includes services such as individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and child and family counseling.

In addition to explaining the type of private practice you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of patients served, number of cases with positive outcomes, reaching X number of clients served, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the counseling private practice industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the counseling private practice industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your private practice business plan:

• How big is the counseling private practice industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your counseling private practice ? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your counseling practice business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of private practice you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other counseling private practices.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes psychiatrists, other healthcare providers, or members of the clergy. You need to mention such competition as well.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other counseling private practices with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be counseling private practices located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of counseling private practice are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide options for the uninsured?
• Will you provide services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a private practice, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of counseling private practice company that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, will you provide psychodynamic therapy, behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, or integrative therapy?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your counseling private practice company. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your counseling private practice located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone office, etc.  Discuss how your location might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your counseling private practice marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to websites
• Social media marketing
• Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your therapy business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your counseling private practice, including answering calls, planning and providing therapy sessions, billing insurance and/or patients, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to book your Xth session, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your counseling private practice to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your private practice’s ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing counseling private practices. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a counseling private practice or successfully running a small medical practice.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you see 5 patients per day, and/or offer group therapy sessions? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your counseling private practice, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a private practice:

• Cost of computer software.
• Cost of furniture and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or a list of insurance plans you accept.  

Putting together a business plan for your therapy private practice is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will have an expert counseling private practice business plan; download it to PDF to show banks and investors. You will really understand the counseling private practice industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful private practice .  

Counseling Private Practice Business Plan FAQs

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What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of private practice you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a private practice that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of private practices?

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How to Start a Private Practice in Counseling

Free Counseling Private Practice Business Plan Template

13 Min Read

If you ever wish to make a difference by providing counseling services, then starting a private practice could be your ideal path.

There are many people across the country struggling with mental health issues, relationship problems, major life changes, and more. Yet access to quality mental health services can be limited. You could fill that need by offering compassionate counseling support.

Starting a counseling private practice does require proper licensure, education, training, and experience, but you don’t need to break the bank. Just an appropriate office space, your counseling expertise, and a passion for making a difference in people’s lives.

So if you’re a licensed counselor looking to be your own boss, this guide is your map to private practice success. We’ll show you everything, from launching your business to making it thrive. You’ll learn the ins and outs of launching your business legally and ethically.

Let’s get started and first learn about the things you should know before starting a private practice.

Considerations before starting a private practice in Counseling

Before jumping straight into opening your private therapy practice, take time to reflect on the big picture of this career move. Here are some key considerations:

Proper Credentials

First and foremost, you need to ensure you meet all the certification and licensure requirements in your state to legally operate. This typically means having at least a master’s degree in counseling or clinical social work.

Clinical Experience

While licensure allows private practice, most therapists find it extremely valuable to first gain 3-5 years of experience working in agencies, hospitals, or group practices. The clinical hours and mentorship better prepare you.

Business Acumen

You may be an excellent counselor, but running a private practice means wearing many other hats too – marketing, billing, scheduling, accounting, HR if you have staff, etc. Brushing up on entrepreneurial skills is wise.

Financial Resilience

It can easily take 12-18 months to build up enough of a steady client base for your income to feel stable. Having a financial runway of savings or supplemental income during that ramp-up phase is crucial.

Work/Life Balance

Private therapy practice is incredibly demanding, especially when just starting out. Be honest about your ability to maintain self-care, relationships, and general life responsibilities with such a workload.

If you take the time to diligently prepare yourself in each of those areas, you’ll be setting your counseling private practice up for long-term success. Going in half-ready tends to lead to burnout before you can really get started.

Now let us get to the point.

How to start a private practice in counseling

• Determine your counseling niche
• Create a detailed business plan
• Register your private practice
• Open a business bank account
• Obtain necessary licenses and permits
• Setting up your office space
• Get a business insurance
• Get your finances in order
• Marketing your counseling practice

1. Determine your counseling niche

One of the most critical early decisions for your private practice is defining your counseling niche. This specialty area will not only shape your professional identity, but also streamline your marketing efforts and attract the types of clients best suited for your talents.

Perhaps you want to focus on a particular demographic like teens, new mothers, or any other community. Or maybe you’ll zone in on specific mental health issues that ignite your passion – grief counseling, addiction recovery, couples therapy, etc.

The key is zeroing in on that intersection of YOUR interests and experience, mixed with an underserved market demand.

As business owner and therapist Meaghan Rice says, “Choosing a niche is everything.” Clients gravitate toward specialists who deeply understand their specific needs and lived experiences.

So ask yourself: “Who do I most want to help, and what clientele aligns with my background?” That guiding question will illuminate the path for intentionally cultivating your expertise in a focused area over time.

While picking a niche may feel limiting initially, the opposite is true. Becoming a recognized expert within that specialty niche allows you to attract more of your potential clients through targeted marketing. It shapes your entire practice environment and burnishes your reputation.

Determine the niche that energizes you most, then lean in fully. That intentional focus and client alignment sets you up for the greatest clinical impact – and business success.

2. Create a detailed business plan

Before starting, you absolutely must develop a private counseling business plan to guide your new endeavor. This living document will serve as your operational roadmap and help secure any needed financing.

Start by articulating a crystal clear vision for your practice’s overarching goals and specialties. Follow that with a mission statement that encapsulates why you’re launching this business and who you aim to serve.

From there, dive deep into mapping out all the tactical details:

• Executive summary of your business
• Market analysis of your local competition and target demographic
• Service offerings, treatment specialties, and fees
• Startup costs and financial projections for at least 3 years
• Marketing strategies across channels like social media, SEO, networking
• Technological needs like EHR systems and telehealth capabilities
• Operational logistics like office location, suppliers, permits, and regulatory requirements

As a business owner, be meticulous in thinking through every minor component. Outline worst-case scenarios and contingency plans. The most successful private practices are born from astoundingly thorough preparation and planning. You can get help from a business planning app that guides you through the entire process.

Crafting this master plan takes hard work, but it will enforce clarity while stress-testing your viability before opening the doors.

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3. Register your private practice

Officially registering your private therapy practice is a major milestone – you’re establishing the legal bedrock to support your professional vision long-term. It’s about far more than just hanging a shingle. Here’s how to lay that sturdy foundation:

Choose Your Structure Strategically

Selecting the right business entity is a cornerstone decision. For many private practitioners, the Limited Liability Company (LLC) offers an ideal balance of personal asset protection and attractive tax benefits akin to a sole proprietorship.

However, LLC isn’t always permitted for licensed psychologists based on state regulations. In those cases, a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) designed specifically for licensed professionals could be your optimal route, functioning similarly but complying with applicable rules.

The S corporation (S corp) is another option worth considering, shielding personal assets while allowing you to file business profits/losses separately.

Get legal affairs organized

After you’ve decided on your structure, it’s time to do the remaining legal paperwork. Register your official business name and obtain all required local/federal tax ID numbers – the core building blocks of your legal identity.

Then ensure you’ve satisfied every relevant state licensing requirement for your field based on a careful review of regulations in your area.

Secure Qualified Legal Support

Don’t go it alone – enlist an experienced business lawyer to provide invaluable guidance on entity selection and confirm you’ve checked every compliance box from day one.

Registering your practice is more than just paperwork; it’s an important investment in credibility and sustainability. By making informed structural decisions, handling paperwork diligently, and leveraging legal expertise, you’re establishing an unshakable foundation to build lasting success.

4. Open a business bank account

Separating your business and personal finances by opening a dedicated bank account for your counseling practice is absolutely essential. This proper accounting step protects your personal assets and simplifies bookkeeping.

When first opening the account, you’ll need to provide your business registration documents and IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN). Shop around for a bank that offers small business-friendly checking and savings accounts.

You’ll also want to apply for a business credit card to keep all practice expenses completely separate from personal charges. Many business cards offer lucrative cash back or rewards programs tailored for entrepreneurial spending.

Just be diligent about paying those balances in full monthly to avoid running up interest fees or debt. Using credit cards as a financing mechanism is extremely risky if not disciplined.

With dedicated business banking and credit accounts, you’ll experience far fewer financial headaches and liabilities. Establishing this proper money management foundation sets you up for an organized, stress-free operation from day one.

5. Obtain necessary licenses and permits

One of the most vital steps in launching your private therapy practice is making sure you have all the proper licenses and permits squared away. It is vital to address every legal requirement and follow every regulatory detail from the start.

First up, you’ll need to get an Employee Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Think of it as a social security number for your business. You’ll use it for tax purposes, opening a business bank account, hiring employees or contractors, and more.

Next, you must obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) which is required for working within the healthcare system and submitting information electronically.

If you’ve been employed in healthcare before, you likely already have an NPI, but if not, you’ll have to apply through the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System.

Finally, ensure you understand and follow all licensing requirements for your state and locality when operating a counseling business. This includes staying compliant with HIPAA laws to protect client privacy and keeping up with any mandated continuing education.

Handling all these boxes may seem tedious, but it lays the groundwork for a legitimate, above-board practice.

6. Setting up your office space

Creating an optimal counseling environment demands careful planning around client comfort, privacy, and professionalism – whether you opt for a physical office or virtual space.

For Physical Offices:

Location is critical. Seek an accessible spot with ample parking that signals convenience. The office itself should have soundproofed spaces for sessions and a warm, inviting waiting area or reception. Don’t skimp on secure record storage either.

For Virtual Setups:

Identify a dedicated, quiet room with optimized lighting, professional backdrops, and acoustics for glitch-free video conferencing. Invest in high-quality webcams and microphones. Virtual waiting room software can also enhance the experience.

Most importantly for any telehealth component, only use HIPAA-compliant platforms and communication tools to protect client privacy and records. Cybersecurity is non-negotiable.

While virtual spaces are often more cost-effective initially, intentional design and amenities are still paramount. Your office environment shapes crucial first impressions and the overall client experience.

Whether physical or virtual, thoughtful planning around location, technology, and therapeutic ambiance paves the way for your practice’s success. Prioritize these factors from the start.

7. Get a business insurance

Obtaining proper insurance is vital when starting a private practice. As a counselor, you need insurance to protect your business and clients if problems arise. Two essential policies are professional liability insurance and general liability insurance.

Professional Liability Insurance

Also called malpractice insurance, covers insurance claims of negligence or malpractice during counseling sessions. It pays for legal fees and damages should a client sue you.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance covers injuries or accidents that happen on your property like a client slipping and falling. It pays for clients’ medical bills and other costs.

Cyber Liability and Business Owners Insurance

For full protection, also consider cyber liability insurance and business owners’ insurance. Cyber policies cover data breaches and privacy violations. Business owners’ policies bundle general liability, property damage coverage, loss of income coverage, and more.

Work with experienced insurance agents to find the right policies for your private therapy practice. Make sure you understand what each covers, along with their coverage limits and deductibles.

Prioritizing comprehensive insurance gives peace of mind when seeing clients, knowing you have financial protection. It also shows clients you take your practice seriously by having appropriate business safeguards in place.

8. Get your finances in order

Getting your finances squared away should be job one when starting a private counseling practice. Whether you’re setting up shop downtown or in a suburban office park, the money side of things needs to be airtight from day one.

The first step is securing startup funds. How much will you need?

That depends on overhead costs like rent, utilities, insurance, marketing, and any hired help. Your funding options include personal savings, loans from friends/family, small business loans, investors, or certain grants. Just be careful not to overextend yourself financially right out of the gate.

Next, put together a detailed budget projecting your income and expenses for at least the first year. Having a financial roadmap lets you set competitive rates for counseling services while still covering your costs. It also highlights areas where you may need to rein in spending.

You’ll also need to decide if you want to accept insurance, private pay only, or a combination. Many therapists start out private pay to avoid insurance hassles, then add insurance panels as their practice grows. Make sure this decision aligns with your target clientele and financial goals.

The good news is that starting a private therapy practice has relatively low financial barriers to entry compared to some other businesses, especially with the rise of online therapy.

Typical startup costs include LLC filing fees around $100, free EIN and NPI numbers, $40-60 /month for practice management software, $20-40/month for website hosting, $200-1000+/month for office rent, and an optional $400-1500 one-time fee for a website template.

Carefully forecasting and planning for costs lays the groundwork for your practice’s financial health and sustainability long-term. With smart money management from day one, you’re setting yourself up for success in this exciting new venture.

9. Marketing your counseling practice

Getting the word out about your new private practice is crucial. You’ll want to craft a marketing message that clicks with the clients you hope to serve and find effective ways to spread that message. Here are some key strategies to market your counseling business:

Build Your Brand

Branding helps your practice stand out from the crowd. This includes visuals like your logo and color scheme, but also the overall vibe and personality you present.

Consistency is key across all your marketing channels to build client familiarity and trust over time. Consider hiring pros of using online tools to develop branding elements.

These days, a strong online presence is non-negotiable. Your website acts as a virtual front door to your practice, providing info about services, credentials, and more. Make sure it reflects your brand identity and offers helpful resources like blogs or online scheduling.

Social media is also a must for connecting with prospective clients where they’re already hanging out online. Research which platforms your target clients use most, then focus your efforts there with engaging, shareable content.

Network Away

Online marketing is powerful, but don’t overlook tried-and-true in-person networking too. Attend events, conferences, and meetups related to counseling to build connections and potential referral sources. Getting involved with local community groups is another way to expand your reach.

Put these marketing techniques into practice, and you’ll be well on your way to attracting a steady stream of clients excited about the unique services you offer. Stay flexible, keep refining your approach, and watch your private practice thrive!

Launching your own private counseling practice provides meaningful independence and financial upside for mental health professionals. However, achieving success requires a private counseling business plan , passion, and hard work.

Follow the steps in this guide to create a practice you enjoy while providing meaningful care to your community. The journey will stretch you, inspire you, and allow you to reach your greatest potential as a counselor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need a business license for a private practice in california.

Absolutely – launching a private practice in California requires obtaining the proper business licenses and permits. While specifics vary across cities and counties, you’ll generally need a business license, fictitious business name filing, plus any additional local permits mandated for businesses in your area. Thoroughly research the precise licensing steps and requirements for your city or county.

Is it hard to start a private practice?

Starting a private practice definitely presents its fair share of challenges. Building a client base from scratch, managing finances effectively, marketing your services, and staying on top of administrative duties all come with steep learning curves initially. 

However, with a genuine passion for the work and diligent preparation, starting a thriving private practice is an eminently achievable goal. To make things easier, you can get help from a business planning app that guides you through the entire process.

What business structure should I choose?

Most therapists opt to register their private practice as either a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company (LLC). Sole proprietors file business taxes under their personal tax ID, while an LLC allows you to file separately and offers legal protection by shielding personal assets – though with somewhat more administrative paperwork involved.

How much does it cost to start a private practice?

Upfront costs can vary significantly based on location, office size, insurance needs, and other expenses. Most experts estimate initial startup costs of around $10,000 to $15,000 or higher for licensing, office space, furnishings, liability insurance, marketing, legal/accounting support, and capital to sustain operations until building a client base. Ensure a substantial financial runway for the first year.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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What is online therapy?

Often referred to as e-therapy, telehealth, video counselling, or e-counselling, online therapy involves a therapist providing psychotherapeutic support over the internet.

This assistance can be given in various ways, including via email, video conferencing, online chat or instant messaging.

Online therapy can be delivered in real-time (i.e. phone conversations) or in a time-delayed fashion (i.e. emails).

As an evolution of both counselling and psychotherapy, online therapy is an important tool for both professionals and clients with a wide range of benefits to both.

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If you are looking to make a positive change in your life, or would like to explore and understand your feelings in more depth, please explore my counselling services further.

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Psychotherapy is more long-term work and gives you the necessary skills to cope with challenges in a healthy and empowering way.

If you are looking to take control of your life and move forward with confidence and resilience, please explore my psychotherapy services further.

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Life coaching is a broad term that includes the support and guidance to live the life you crave.

If you feel disheartened, disillusioned, struggling with self-esteem, or any negative perception of your day to day routine, life coaching can assist.

Like a sculptor seeing a statue inside a block of clay, a life coach can challenge, motivate, support and inspire you.

If you are looking to return the spark to your life and power towards clearly defined goals, please explore my life coaching services further.

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As an experienced business consultant I’m able to identify markets, bring niche expertise, action change, provide objectivity, and develop lasting professional solutions.

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If you are looking to increase business and achieve success, please explore my business consulting services further.

Helps with: Productivity, motivation, leadership skills, performance, staff morale, communication, marketing, goal setting.

Business and executive coaching are two methods with the same goal – to solve business related issues and help clients get more from their business.

While business coaching has a focus on the metrics of success for a business: strategy, market needs, organisation and so on; executive coaching deals with personal growth.

Blended together these skills offer dynamic and multi-dimensional approaches, ideal for businesses looking to stabilise or grow.

I have extensive experience working with small businesses and professional practitioners to improve their mindsets, and as a result, increase their profits.

If you are looking to maximise the potential of your business, please explore my business and executive coaching services further.

Helps with: Closing skill gaps, engaged employees, industry changes, technological development, job satisfaction.

A business that stands still is one that falls behind its competition.

With your staff the key to your success or failure as a business owner, it’s vital to ensure they experience regular training.

As an experienced coach, psychotherapist and mentor I can assist you to take your business to the next level.

If you are looking to achieve or retain your competitive edge, please explore my corporate training services further.

What is the best way to set up an online therapy practice?

While setting up your own practice may seem daunting, it can also be very rewarding. Here are some simple tips to help make the process run smoothly.

#1 Don’t underestimate referrals

Rather than spending thousands on a lavish advertising campaign, consult your professional network. Your fellow therapists may be a rich source of referrals to help grow your client base.

And, as you establish a good reputation, those clients will spread positive word-of-mouth.

#2 Personalise your space

Maintaining a professional space is important even if it won’t be used to welcome clients. The environment you create will have an impact on your ability to deliver a professional service and will still have an effect on whether your clients feel comfortable.

#3 Believe in your worth

When setting consultation fees, you may feel tempted to offer sliding scales (discounts) or even pro bono (free) sessions. However, it’s important to keep in mind how much time, effort and expertise went into your training.

By charging what you are worth, your clients will truly value your service and trust your experience.

#4 Help clients do the work

As a therapist, it’s your job to create an alliance with your clients. Help them figure out the root of their problems and what they want to change in their lives. Then, help them create a framework to change their thinking and behaviour.

Ensure you factor in the less traditional dynamic where face-to-face is not used to ensure the work you set is both achievable and can be tracked.

How to build an online therapy practice

– join an online therapy platform.

An easy way to jumpstart your online therapy career is joining a virtual clinic, or online therapy platform.

These “mega-clinics” offer you a fantastic virtual environment for e-therapy, along with supreme practice management and security features which can be too expensive to implement on your own.

By using their templates, you can set up your practice and start seeing clients very quickly.

– Launch your own website

If you prefer individuality, and are willing to bear the cost, you can elect to hire a web designer to build you a professional website. This way, you do not have to share clients, and have total control over the look and feel of your web presence.

– Start an email campaign

If you currently offer traditional talk therapy, let your regular clients know that you’re expanding into online therapy. The most effective way to do this is by crafting an effective email campaign.

These emails should explain why online therapy is beneficial for them, and what you will offer them.

– Join my Online Therapy Facebook group

If you’re still having trouble commencing your online therapy practice, why not click here to join my Online Therapy – Connecting and Networking group on Facebook. We share tips and tricks and have information at your fingertips to help jumpstart your online therapy work.

How to start an online therapy business

✔ research your state’s licencing laws.

Before launching your practice, determine whether your state requires you to be certified and trained in online counselling.

✔ Find the ideal telehealth solution

As technology advances, there are many ways to conduct online counselling. To ensure you and your clients feel at ease, you need to find the right technological solutions for you.

This means deciding whether an instant (i.e. Skype, phone calls, etc.) or delayed response (i.e. email, online chat, etc.) or a combination of the two is most suitable. Above all, choose the technology that you and your clients will be most comfortable with.

✔ Set up your insurance

Online therapy is still relatively new territory. So, when setting up your practice’s insurance, you need to check the current Australian guidelines for virtual therapy. Check whether the insurance broker you’ve partnered with will reimburse for online therapy services.

Also, ensure your insurance company reimburses at the same rate as traditional, in-office therapy sessions.

✔ Set up a website

Although the initial cost may seem excessive, setting up a website for your online therapy practice is absolutely essential. Think of your website as your “online address”. It helps potential clients to find you easily, and choose you over competitors.

Your website also gives you the opportunity to “sell” your counselling services. In other words, through your website, you can present the best image of your practice and what you can offer your clients.

Remember, your website should tell potential clients what you do and how you do it, which services you offer, explain your therapeutic training and background, who you are and your values and beliefs.

This personal touch will help clients connect with you and encourage them to work with you.

Online therapist training course

Becoming an online therapist is easier than you may think.

Based in Wollongong, I provide comprehensive training in the online aspects of counselling and psychotherapy, so you’ll hit the ground running.

By attending my webinar sessions, you’ll learn:

• What online therapy is
• How to bridge the digital divide with your clients
• How to provide professional therapeutic services online

What makes me different?

Unlike other online therapy courses, I am exclusively geared towards professional therapists who are ready to expand their practice.

Through a series of information-packed webinars, I provide you all the training and information you need to start your online practice.

Who can benefit from this training?

As therapy moves into the digital space, online therapy training has become absolutely essential. This training is most beneficial for psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and coaches who are looking to expand their current practice and move into the online space.

Why choose us?

The answer is simple.

Unlike other online therapy courses, I am geared solely towards professional psychologists and counsellors who are seeking to launch an online practice.

• – This allows me to offer an in-depth webinar series covering every aspect of online therapy.
• – As you’re already an established psychologist/counsellor, the cost is far more affordable than competitors, and;
• – You’ll complete the course within a few short weeks.

Benefits of my training over competitors

I offer Australia’s most innovative and comprehensive online therapy course.

Unlike competitors, by educating you in the online environment, I fully prepare you to conduct psychotherapy and counselling sessions online.

Skills you will gain

By studying our online therapy program, you will learn:

• ✓ Exactly what online therapy is
• ✓ How to provide different types of online services, including: psychotherapy, psychology, couples counselling, family counselling, group therapy, coaching, counselling and more
• ✓ Tips and pitfalls to be aware of during online therapy
• ✓ How to be personal, yet professional online
• ✓ How to be empathetic in the online space
• ✓ The boundaries of the online space and the importance of privacy
• ✓ The legalities of online therapy, and more

Testimonials

Expand your therapy practice and reap the benefits of taking your experience, knowledge and expertise to the online space, book your free 15 minute, no-obligation consultation., questions to ask before undertaking an online therapy course.

How much does the online therapy course cost?

I believe online therapy training should be affordable to everyone.

I offer complimentary 15 minute phone consultations to get to know you and your online therapy goals.

Please reach out for free advice and detailed prices.

What’s involved in online therapy training?

My comprehensive training program will give you real insight into everything you need to know about online therapy.

I will teach you everything from:

• – What online therapy is
• – The services you can provide
• – How to provide counselling services in an online environment
• – How to provide different types of online services
• – How to empathise with clients across the digital divide, and;
• – Your contractual and legal obligations as an online therapist.

Why should I pursue online therapy training?

Have you always wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives? Do you find that people are always coming to you with their problems for your good advice? Have you been told that you’re a good listener?

If so, online therapy training is perfect for you. You don’t need to be located in Wollongong, or even NSW. You will learn valuable skills, gain an insight into how the mind works and feel truly satisfied in your work.

How do I book?

To reserve your spot in online therapy training, just click on the “Book Now” button.

Renee McDonald

Are you ready to make a difference in people’s lives?

Online Therapy can take your skills to the next level. Learn how to run every aspect of a successful digital practice.

Get started .

Yes. I want a free 15 minute consultation

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Counseling Private Practice Business Plan

• Previous Post

As Mental Health Professionals, you pursue your passion – Helping People. However, your practice is also your business! If your business is not successful, you won’t be able to pursue your dream of helping people for long.

If you’re wondering how to start a private practice, the first step in the process is to create a Counseling Private Practice Business Plan.

Why a business plan? Have you ever gone on a road trip for vacation? What did you do to make your vacation as fun and exciting as it could be? You planned! Is my car ready for the trip? Do I know where I am going? Do I need hotel reservations? What is the best route to take me there? Do I have the tools to make my trip successful: map, GPS, a good functioning car?

A Business Plan is just that – planning out all the details of where you want your practice to go and what you need to make that trip a success. Whether you are a sole practitioner, a group practice or part of a major company, you need a plan

iTherapy Team

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Comments (15).

Thank you, kind people

Thank you for your interest. We hope we can continue to be a resource for you and your counseling private practice.

I LOVE it. I know biz plans are so important. So I really look forward to the step-by-step help. Thanks!

Thank you! We are glad to help. We look forward to continuing to help each step of the way. Check back periodically for more post and information to help your office or online counsling practice grow.

This is a very kind gesture. I think it is wonderful that you are lending your expertise to the counseling community. ? Bravo

Thank you! We are excited to help the industry. We are listening to our providers and finding ways to help them and the industry grow.

I have a LMSW and I am also an ordained minister , so is there a possibility of someone like me obtaining a private practice ?

Thank you for your question! I forwarded your contact info to one of our specialists to help you.

This is going to be a good experience and a great learning opportunity

We sure hope so! We are listening to our providers and others in the counseling community. We want to help you and the office and online counseling industry continue to grow.

Where can I find additional updates? I’ve already completed the checklist and information on who to serve. What’s next?

We’re working on the next part, which is a SWOT analysis (Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats).

Robyn, this site will give you some ideas too https://www.dramberlyda.com

Please tell me what kind of certifications are needed to do private practice in USA? I have a PhD in developmental psychology from India.

Thank you Priya for your inquiry. Certifications will vary state-to-state in USA. You will have to determine which state or states you want to get certified in order to narrow down patient base.

For example, here are some links for North Carolina: 1. Mental health license requirements https://www.google.com/search?q=north+carolina+mental+health+license+requirements&oq=north+carolina+mental+health+lic&aqs=chrome.3.0j69i57j0l4.8303j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

2. LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) license: https://www.humanservicesedu.org/north-carolina-lpc.html

3. Licensure Information: https://ncpsychology.org/pdfs/Handout_Licensure_Information_North_Carolina.pdf

Hope these help!

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How to Start Your Counseling Business From Scratch

Diana Muresan

For counselors and therapists looking to start their own business, there couldn’t be a better time, with a rise of  1.5 million  people in the U.S. experiencing mental health issues over the last year.

Read on to learn about the 10 steps you need to follow to get your counseling business off the ground.

Why Consider a Career in Counseling?

This nationwide rise in mental health issues shows the pressing demand for more mental health professionals worldwide. 

In the U.S. alone, more than  two million  young people are suffering from depression. On top of that, over 10 million U.S. adults have serious suicidal thoughts.

Despite these figures, more than 70% of young people and more than 10 million adults aren’t getting the help they need, showcasing the urgent demand for more therapeutic professionals to enter the field.

In this case, you can count on your services being needed within the community. The number of people who see a counselor has increased by over  25%  in the last 10 years.

A career in counseling also offers a wide range of opportunities. 

While you can start your own practice or freelance, it’s also possible to work in schools, hospitals, offices, and religious organizations. You can specialize as a youth counselor, an addiction counselor, a marriage counselor, and more. Plus, there are opportunities to volunteer and work all over the world.

Of course, the main reason to become a counselor is to make a positive change in people’s lives. As a mental health professional, you offer the support that so many people need and don’t really get it.

10 Steps to Starting Your Counseling Business From Scratch

If you’re looking to kick off a career in counseling by starting your own business, follow these 10 steps.

1. Get qualified

First, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree. While it’s not compulsory to major in psychology, this makes the most sense.

After this, you’ll need a master’s degree in counseling or psychology. This course will bring together lectures and coursework that look into different mental health conditions, counseling techniques, and supervised practical experience. 

Next, you’ll need to take your Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), followed by your National Counselor Exam (NCE). That will give you a national counseling certification.

If you want to practice clinical mental health counseling, you need to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination instead of the NCE.

2. Decide on your location

It’s important to decide the location of your practice early on, as this will determine where you get licensed and the business procedures you need to follow.

Remember, you don’t have to open your practice in a physical location. You could also offer online counseling.

91% of people who are in online therapy recommend others to try it. This shows just how successful this kind of remote service can be.

If you decide on a physical location, you need to start looking for a space where you can open your practice. If you’ll be working alone, this space doesn’t need to be large. You simply need an office big enough for you and your patient to sit in and talk.

3. Obtain a license

There’s no national counseling license — they’re issued on the state level.

While there are slightly different processes depending on the state, most procedures follow the same pattern. Once you’re qualified, you need to submit your official college transcript, letters of recommendation, a resume, and documentation that confirms your supervised clinical practice experience.

You can apply for your license from your state’s counseling association.

4. Speak to a lawyer

It’s very important to understand the regulations within the state where you plan to open a business. Set a meeting with a lawyer to discuss the regulatory requirements that may affect your practice.

Typical questions you may need answers to include:

• What zoning law limits where I can practice?
• What type of insurance do I need?
• Do I need a business license?
• Are there any limitations on the scope of my practice?
• How do I legally set up a business and  register as an LLC ?

5. Write a business plan

If you’re starting your counseling business from scratch, you might need to get a loan . To do this, you’ll need to write a business plan.

Even if you don’t plan on getting a loan, it’s still a good idea to write a business plan, as it provides a roadmap to keep your ideas and spending on track.

Your business plan should include:

• Competitive analysis and market research
• Organizational structure of your company
• Business model and  pricing analysis
• Financing options
• Marketing and sales plans
• Financial projection

6. Notify the right people

Make sure you have your housekeeping in order so that all paperwork is filed.

For example, if you intend to practice under a business name rather than your own, you’ll need to register it with the Companies Registration Office.

Next, you need to iron out your tax requirements. Make sure you’ve updated your tax status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and that you’re filing taxes correctly and on time.

You may also want to register with a professional body. While not compulsory, registration with professional associations looks good on your resume and provides you with a supportive network. 

7. Get insurance

Don’t leave yourself open to claims. You need to make sure that you have the right insurance to practice as a counselor if you want to avoid financial ruin resulting from a lawsuit filed by an  angry client .

You’ll need professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance. For counselors that practice at home, you may also need to amend your home insurance. 

It’s also wise to consider income protection insurance in case you’re unable to work for any reason.

8. Create clear policies

Next, you need to build the framework for your business so that both your clients and your staff understand expectations.

For your clients, write policies surrounding your payment methods, costs, discounts, appointment cancellation, privacy, and referrals.

Make sure you discuss these policies when you first meet with clients.

For your staff , create policies that revolve around workplace expectations, like vacation time, sick days, benefits, etc.

Make sure these policies are clear to staff from the beginning of their employment.

If you need an example of what to include, check out the terms of service and privacy policy that Preply has laid out for its  online English tutors .

9. Build your team

It’s often helpful to employ business experts and part-time staff to help with some of the tasks outside of your remit.

For example, you may want an accountant to handle your finances or you may find that a part-time assistant saves you a lot of waste and hassle.

Many counselors also use  PEO companies  to handle their human resources (HR) responsibilities, so they don’t have to worry about payroll, benefits, and staff management.

10. Start marketing your practice

A well-implemented marketing strategy will help you find new clients.

For starters, you’ll need a professional-looking website,  optimized content , and  social media pages . It’s also wise to add yourself to online directories.

Many counselors also join insurance provider panels, as you’ll be listed on insurer provider networks.

Your marketing strategy should include tactics such as:

• Paid online advertising
• Print advertising (magazine, newspapers, billboards)
• Social media marketing
• Email marketing
• Mass messages to clients
• Search engine optimized blogs
• Telephone sales
• In-person events and conferences

If you’re unsure where to start with your marketing campaigns, try studying up. If you don’t have time to read marketing books, you can always read abbreviated versions on  book summary apps  to help you save time. 

It’s not hard to start your own counseling business — you just need to make sure you’re following the right steps toward gaining all the qualifications and licenses you’ll need.

Remember, it’s important to get insurance just in case your relationship with a client doesn’t go according to plan. Covering yourself prevents you from getting into any sticky financial situations.

Ready to start booking appointments?  Try using Goldie today  to make it easy for your new clients to book their counseling appointments hassle-free. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play for free.

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How To Develop A Private Practice Business Plan

• May 30, 2022
• Becky DeGrossa

Last week, Howard Baumgarten of Smart Practice Central joined me to share his expertise with the CounselingWise community. In the webinar, he talked about the importance of having a private practice business plan for counseling, as well as what goes into creating one.

One of the things I took away from his presentation was to be successful, you need to be prepared, and you need to have a plan.

As the owner of a small business myself, I know that having a solid plan in place has been a vital aspect of CounselingWise’s growth and success. I’ve found that having a plan is what drives a business forward to achieve its goals . Without a plan, as Howard mentions, you are less successful.

During the webinar, Howard talked about the 11 different parts (or “modules”) of a business plan . Each part is equally important and pieces together an organized view of any business. Today, I am going to highlight five parts of Howard’s business plan. To learn about the other six (equally as important) parts, be sure to check out the webinar replay here .

Before we dive into the different parts of a successful business plan, I want to lead you with something to think about. During the webinar, Howard advised, “ Think about your business plan as a matter of survival in your professional life . It’s an opportunity for you to really organize yourself and appraise what is going on in your business.”

5 Key Parts of a Successful Business Plan

1. the four c’s of your vision.

If you are familiar with the SWOT technique (a planning method use to evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), then the 4 C’s will be something you relate to . 

Because he didn’t want to focus on a person’s weaknesses or threats, Howard viewed this planning method through a different colored lens.

The 4 C’s stand for:

• What Are Your Capabilities? (your strengths)
• What Are Your Challenges? (your weaknesses)
• What Are Your Chances? (opportunities)
• What Are Your Concerns? (threats)

This piece of the counseling business plan is key to evaluating your practice from a personal and professional level. 

Take out a pen and paper and jot down all of the above as they apply to you.  Get a piece of paper and breaking it into four columns. In each column, write down your professional and personal capabilities, challenges, chances and concerns. One thing to keep in mind—it’s okay to have the same thing in multiple categories.

By having your capabilities, challenges, chances, and concerns outlined on paper, you can better plan for the future of your practice and your personal life .

It forces you to take what’s kind of hazy and abstract in your head and makes it a tangible reality. That way then you know where you stand and how to move forward with your vision for your practice. 

2. Your Mission Statement

The next part of the private practice counseling business plan I want to highlight is your mission statement. In Howard’s presentation, he said to ask yourself… 

“What is my purpose? What was I born to do? What do I really want to do? How do I want to affect the populations I am working with? What am I empowered to do?”

By answering the above questions, and really digging down into the meat of the reason you get up every morning , you will develop a wholehearted mission statement for your practice.

But what does developing a mission statement look like in practice? 

For his therapy practice, Howard’s mission statement is, “ Build something new in order to change something old in order to grow .”

One thing to keep in mind when writing your own mission statement… 

Make sure you are writing the statement in lay terms , and not professional/clinical terms. Try to stay away from words like “depression,” “anxiety,” etc. You are writing this not only for yourself, but also for your clients.

3. Your Services

This is the who , what , when , where and why of your services as a private practitioner. 

This part of the private practice business plan is key to giving you the clarity you need in terms of the services you provide , and the services you may want to offer in the future.

• Who? Who are you working with? Who are the populations you treat? Do you work with couples, adults, children (what age children?), teens? What kind of couples do you work with? For example: high conflict, couples about to get married, etc. Really dig deep into the “who” of your services to determine what clients you have and what clients you want.
• What? What are the issues you want to focus on? If the “who” is couples, what type of couples issues do you want to work with? Howard’s example was that he likes to work with couples that have a high degree of conflict and are tired of fighting with each other.
• When? When are you providing your services? When you are first starting out, as Howard mentioned, it could be Fridays and Saturday mornings. When you build your practice more, you can shift your hours more and more. Determine when you want to practice and include it in your plan.
• Where? Where do you want to practice? Maybe you want to do a day in a doctor’s office. Maybe you want to offer therapy out in the community, or in the wilderness. Think creatively about where you want to practice. It will maximize the benefits of your services.
• Why? For the why, you will want to see your mission statement. The why is all about your passion and purpose.
• How? How do you treat your patients? This is all about your treatment intervention style (EFT, mind-body-connection, EMDR, etc). What are your technique leanings?

This part of the plan is powerful. It helps move you in terms of defining yourself and who you are. You will also draw from this part as your quick “this is what I do.”

As you are completing this part of your business plan, keep in mind that you will probably have three or four different sub-sections under each of these .

Answer each question for each service you offer or want to offer. Eventually, this will all be useful information that you’ll want to include on your website. 

If you’re thinking ahead and want to use this exercise to generate content for your website, check out how to write informative specialty pages .

4. Personal Growth

To grow professionally, it’s important to take care of yourself so you can grow personally. 

In order to have a healthy work-life balance, you will want to focus on 4 main areas :

• Nutrition: Are you eating a healthy, well-balanced diet?
• Sleep: Are you getting enough sleep?
• Exercise: Are you moving your body?
• Spirituality: Are you expressing yourself spiritually? This could look like anything, such as a religious practices, time in nature, yoga , etc.

Think of things that are important to you on a personal level and write them down. Personal growth is a key piece of your business plan.

Because if you don’t grow yourself, how can you expect to grow your private practice? It all works in concert, together. 

5. Administration

The Administration part of the private practice business plan can be hard, especially if you are used to being a one-person show. 

And  if you think you can run the show without any professional support throughout your entire career, you will be spread very thin .

As part of your counseling business plan, you need to create an administration plan to ensure you have the support you need to build a successful practice—and keep your sanity. 

Think about the people who you currently have supporting your practice professionally. Then think about the people you may want to include in your group of practice professional support.

Naturally, some people may not be ready for this, so think about this part of your private practice counseling business plan when you are ready. 

You know you’re ready when you say to yourself, “I am getting really sick and tired of doing this admin task, and I am now in a place where I can afford to hire someone to do it for me.”

By getting support, you free up emotional space so you can pursue things that drive your interests and passions . This is a vital piece to your professional growth.

Administrative support includes but is not limited to… 

• a medical biller (if you accept insurance),
• a bookkeeper,
• an accountant for tax purposes,
• a financial manager/adviser,
• an investment banker,
• a corporate attorney,
• an insurance agent,
• a commercial real estate broker (rent or buy)
• and a virtual/actual assistant.

Each part of the counseling business plan that I discussed today is vital to a successful practice. Your business plan, however, really isn’t complete without the remaining six. To learn about all 11 parts, and to learn more from Howard about a successful business plan, watch the webinar replay here .

You can also download the Business Plan Template here .

One last tip : Don’t just write your plan and forget about it. Howard recommends going back every six or so months to revisit the plan and stick to your goals.

You can also watch my interview with Howard Baumgarten, founder of Smart Practice Central, below. 

Enjoy the replay!

It’s Not Just You: GBP Verification Sucks

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How To Conduct Teletherapy For Kids

Teletherapy has introduced unique challenges, especially when it comes to younger clients so that it’s important to ensure your telehealth sessions are engaging, with clear communication and a calm atmosphere. Below, we consider some of the necessary steps for creating effective teletherapy for kids. Discuss The Camera Set Up Make sure the child is in

Why The New Google Analytics May Show Less Data

Over the Summer of 2023, Google Analytics updated to its latest version, called Google Analytics 4 (or UA4). Not only has the rollout changed the layout of Google Analytics but it’s also changed the way Google Analytics collects data. You may have noticed changes to your own Google Analytics data for your Private Practice website. 

The Top Therapist Directories (Pros, Cons, and Costs to List Your Practice)

You’ve heard of therapist directories. Maybe you even discussed the effectiveness of getting listings and which ones to use and avoid with your professional colleagues. So, is investing your time in therapist directories like Psychology Today or Good Therapy worthwhile?

• Bipolar Disorder
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The 13 Best Online Therapy Services That Are Tried, Tested, and Expert-Approved

We tested 80 online therapy providers: these are the ones we recommend

Hannah Owens is the Mental Health/General Health Editor for Dotdash Meredith. She is a licensed social worker with clinical experience in community mental health.

Simone is the health editorial director for performance marketing at Verywell. She has over a decade of experience as a professional journalist covering mental health, chronic conditions, medicine, and science.

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Katelynn Rigano is a qualified expert in mental health. With experience on both clinical and consumer ends of mental health, she has hands on experience when it comes to evaluating products and services geared towards health and wellness.

Online therapy should make it easier to care for your mental health in a way that fits your life and budget. Some estimates suggest 70% of Americans can’t access traditional, in-office therapy because of various obstacles, including cost, lack of public transportation, and therapist shortages.   Online therapy —i.e. therapy conducted virtually through phone calls, video chats, emails, and text messages—can help bridge this gap for anyone seeking mental health support. Research suggests that online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions, and therapists agree. “While individual preferences exist, most people can benefit from online therapy, with comparable outcomes to in-person sessions,” says Amy Marschall, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and subject matter expert.

• How We Tested

To help you find the most affordable, quality service for your needs, Verywell Mind editors and experts signed up and tested the services ourselves for a minimum of a month to evaluate each service’s cost, convenience, therapist qualifications, and user care. For more diverse perspectives, we then surveyed over 10,000 users at 80 different online therapy companies and directories. We also sent questionnaires to each company and evaluated each service with the help of three licensed therapists to compile this list of online therapy services we stand behind.

Read more about our company methodology and directory methodology here.

13 Best Online Therapy Services of 2024

• Best for Availability: BetterHelp
• Best for Couples: ReGain
• Most Comprehensive: Talkspace
• Best for Psychiatry: Talkiatry
• Best for Anxiety and Depression: Brightside
• Most Affordable: E-Therapy Cafe
• Best for Flexibility: Thriveworks
• Best Range of Specialties: LifeStance Health
• Best With Insurance: Teladoc
• Best for Family Therapy: Little Otter
• Best for LGBTQIA+: National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
• Best for Black Communities: Therapy For Black Girls
• Best Without Insurance: Open Path Collective

There have been some concerns raised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and several government officials about what user health information online therapy providers collect and what they do with any information they collect.

When choosing an online therapy provider, we recommend that you read the company’s privacy guidelines before you sign up to better understand whether it is HIPAA-compliant and whether it shares any private information with third parties.

• Our Top Picks
• E-Therapy Cafe
• Thriveworks
• LifeStance Health
• Little Otter
• National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
• Therapy For Black Girls
• Open Path Collective
• See More (10)
• Compare Providers

How We Tested and Reviewed Online Therapy Services

Best for availability : betterhelp.

• Price: $70 to $100 per week
• Is Insurance Accepted?: No
• Type Of Therapy: Individual Therapy

Verywell Mind readers get 20% off their first month of BetterHelp membership.

This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and BetterHelp. If you click this link and sign up for the BetterHelp membership, we will receive a commission. Learn more.

In the United States in 2020, a little over 28% of Americans could not receive the mental health care they needed. There are many reasons for this, but one of the main ones is that many people live in therapy deserts —regions where there are not enough mental health providers to meet demand. That is why BetterHelp stood out to us during our test of 80 services, surveying over 10,000 people: Not only does it have a network of over 30,000 therapists, but this network serves all 50 states and over 200 countries, allowing almost anyone to easily and quickly access the talk therapy they need.

Has a network of over 30,000 providers

Available in all 50 states and 200 countries

Therapist bios available prior to sign-up

Relatively thorough intake questionnaire

Sessions can take place via audio call, video call, live chat, or asynchronous messaging

You cannot choose your own therapist at sign-up

Only one subscription plan available

Will redirect you to a sister site if you want couples or teen therapy

Company engages in surge pricing

We had seven different people from various locations (including New York, Ohio, and the United Kingdom) sign up for therapy at BetterHelp , and we were particularly impressed with the company’s availability.

In addition to its network of over 30,000 therapists in all 50 states and 200 countries internationally, it was easy to schedule weekly sessions with our therapists through the BetterHelp app.

Most had a variety of session times available, making it easy to fit in over a lunch break at work or later in the evening. 

We also appreciated the unlimited asynchronous messaging between sessions, emphasizing availability even more. It was nice to be able to message therapists after hours when something was bothering us, to receive helpful worksheets based on topics we’d discussed in session, or to resolve scheduling issues. 

“On using the messaging option to reply, I found [my therapist] very responsive. It was apparent she took the time to consider my messages and provide supportive replies.”

• Helen, who turned to BetterHelp to help her feel more confident in her parenting decisions

Not everything was great, though. The quality of replies we received to our between-session messaging did vary by therapist, with some therapists defaulting to scripted or rehearsed responses rather than responses personalized to our messages. In addition, we sometimes had technical issues during our sessions, with occasional lagged video and audio cutting out.

BetterHelp only offers one therapy subscription that includes:

• Four live video sessions per month via phone call, video, or online chat
• Unlimited asynchronous text, audio, and video messages between sessions
• An online journal that your therapist has access to 

The price of this plan varies from $70 to $100 per week, though you are billed monthly upfront (which means you’ll pay between $280 to $400 once a month before attending therapy). This range in prices is because the company engages in surge pricing, which means you will pay a different amount depending on where you live, your therapy needs, your financial situation, and the demand for mental health care at the time you sign up. 

You will likely have to pay this subscription fee out-of-pocket because unlike some of the other companies on our list, BetterHelp does not accept health insurance. 

When we surveyed 105 current and former BetterHelp users, most had a generally favorable impression of the services they received. 

Most users (86%, to be precise) rated the company good, very good, or excellent overall, and roughly the same amount (87%) rated their therapist’s qualifications the same way. In addition, three-quarters of our surveyed users said all or most of their needs were met by their BetterHelp therapist, and just a little more than that said they were likely or very likely to recommend the company to others. 

Of those that had tried another therapy service, 84% rated the services they received at BetterHelp better than those they’d received in the past.

Best for Couples : ReGain

• Price: $260-$360+ per month
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy

Verywell Mind readers get 20% off their first month of ReGain membership.

This offer is a partnership between Verywell Mind and ReGain. If you click this link and sign up for the ReGain membership, we will receive a commission. Learn more.

Research has found that couples counseling isn’t just for when your relationship is on the rocks—it can be helpful for anyone in a romantic relationship who’d like to improve communication, trust, and intimacy with their partner. That’s why, after reviewing 80 different online therapy companies and over 10,000 users, we recommend ReGain , which specializes entirely in relationship therapy. You can sign up alone or with your partner, or start alone and invite your partner later—making ReGain a great choice for anyone in any kind of relationship.

Specializes exclusively in relationship therapy

Sign-up process is detailed to make the best therapist match

You and your partner can access sessions from different places 

Sign up alone, with your partner, or invite your partner later

Couples can attend joint sessions from different devices or locations

Therapist is chosen for you

Surge pricing policy means you may pay more depending on where you live and demand for therapy at sign-up

We asked five people (with and without their partners) to sign up and test ReGain and overall, we were impressed with the accessibility, convenience, and flexibility ReGain offers. We could schedule sessions at almost any time of day, including evenings and weekends, and could communicate with our therapists via video, audio, or live chat, so no matter how busy we were, we could find a time and type of therapy that worked for us.

We and our partners could also access our video sessions from separate locations, making ReGain exceptionally accommodating.

The therapists we worked with were professional, listened to us, and could meet our needs, whether that meant providing suggestions about improving communication or offering parenting advice.

“Our experience with our therapist was wonderfully positive. She was qualified, attentive, and did great work with us.”

• Amy, a licensed psychologist who tried ReGain with her partner

Some also shared worksheets to review in between sessions. And unlike other companies offering relationship therapy, ReGain gave us the choice of signing up alone, with a partner, or starting alone and inviting a partner later, a nice touch for anyone in a relationship where one partner is reluctant to start therapy. 

However, despite offering relationship counseling for individuals, we found that our therapist in this circumstance was not supportive, and openly acknowledged that she did not understand why we were seeking relationship therapy without our partner—this judgment made our session awkward. We had much better luck with ReGain’s traditional couples therapy.

We also found 45 minutes to be on the shorter side for a couples session where two people had to talk. (Traditional couples therapy lasts 60 to 90 minutes for each session.)

This sometimes meant that we brought up issues in therapy that we did not have time to fully address in that session, creating tension between us and our partners until our next appointment.

There is only one type of subscription plan at ReGain, which includes:

• Unlimited asynchronous joint messaging with your therapist
• One 30- to 45-minute live video session per week

This plan's cost ranges from $260 to $360 per month ($65 to $90 per week), depending on your location and therapist preference due to the surge pricing policy of its parent company, BetterHelp. A scholarship option is available if you apply and are willing to share details about your financial situation.

The results of our survey of 105 new and former ReGain users were generally positive. Most (88%) of the users we surveyed said the qualifications of the therapist they were matched with were good, very good, or excellent, and more than three-quarters rated ReGain as good, very good, or excellent overall. 

In addition, four out of every five survey respondents said their therapist met most or all of their needs, while almost three out of four respondents said they were likely or very likely to recommend ReGain to a friend.

Most Comprehensive : Talkspace

• Price: $69-$109 a week for therapy, billed monthly; $65 for additional sessions
• Is Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

Get $85 off your first month using promo code VERYWELL85 .

When you’re new to seeking therapy, you may not always know exactly what kind of therapy you want. For example, maybe you’re experiencing issues in your relationship and also struggling with depression and are not sure if individual or couples therapy makes more sense. Or, maybe you’re not sure if you should see a therapist or a psychiatrist for your anxiety. That’s why Talkspace stood out to us during our testing and when compared to the 79 other companies we reviewed: it’s a one-stop shop for virtual mental health treatment, offering individual therapy, couples therapy, teen therapy (ages of 13 to 19), and psychiatry, while also specializing in care tailored to veterans and the LGBTQ+ community .

Multiple subscription plans available to meet different needs and budgets

Numerous health insurance plans are accepted

Therapy available in all 50 states

Can sign up for individual, teen, couples therapy and psychiatry services

Website has helpful blogs and articles about mental health

You cannot find subscription prices until you begin the sign-up process

Frequent technical issues when joining sessions

To thoroughly test Talkspace and all its different services, we had ten people from a variety of different backgrounds, professions (including some therapists), and locations (from New York to South Dakota) sign up for its multiple subscription options. Overall, we were impressed with the company’s comprehensive options and quality of care. 

With a network of 3,000 therapists across all 50 states, we were pleased with how well the company matched us with qualified, competent, affirming providers, regardless of whether we signed up for individual, couples, or teen therapy.

“[My therapist] used some cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques to help me manage anxiety and stress. She also ended the session with a breathing exercise, which was a nice transition back into my day.”

• Amy, a therapist who tried Talkspace for us

We also like that Talkspace offers several different methods of communication (including live chat, asynchronous messaging, phone calls, or live video sessions) and a range of other subscription plans for individual and teen therapy.

The cheapest plan includes just asynchronous messaging with your therapist, which allows you to message them whenever you want and receive at least one response five days a week, Monday to Friday. This format worked especially well for our teens, who were more naturally comfortable with texting. However, we found the quality of responses we got back from our therapists varied wildly. Sometimes the answers were thoughtful and personalized; at other times, they were robotic and superficial. Still, overall, we found our Talkspace therapists to be qualified, caring, and attentive to our needs.

We were disappointed, however, to find that Talkspace’s live video or audio sessions are only 30 minutes long, which is shorter than the other online therapy companies we tested (and most in-person therapy too).

While the shorter session time does make it easier to slot therapy into busy schedules (like your lunch break at work), it does make it challenging to have the time to delve into more serious issues you might be experiencing.

If you sign up for individual or teen therapy, you can choose between three therapy subscription plans, which range in price from $69 to $109 a week (though you’re billed monthly and upfront). The plan options include messaging only; video and live messaging therapy; or video, messaging, and workshop therapy (though in our experience, the workshops were not worth the extra cost due to the limited topic options and times available). 

There is only one couples therapy plan, which costs $109 a week (billed monthly) and includes one live video session a week and messaging therapy. 

Psychiatry services are considered add-on services and are billed per session, not as a subscription. Your intake session will cost $249 and include a full psychiatric evaluation. Follow-ups then cost $125.

Of the 105 new and past Talkspace users we surveyed, nine out of 10 users rated their overall experience at Talkspace as excellent, very good, or good. Not only that, but a whopping 97% of those that had tried another online therapy service said Talkspace was much better, better, or a little better than others they’d tried in the past.

Three out of four users also said they’d return to Talkspace if they ever needed to find a new therapist, while 82% said they would recommend Talkspace to a friend or someone like them.

Best for Psychiatry : Talkiatry

• Price: Depends on your insurance
• Is Insurance Accepted?: Yes. BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Tricare, Medicare, and others
• Type Of Therapy: Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry

Although access to psychiatric services and medication management is critical to mental health and quality of life, an estimated 50% of U.S. counties don’t have a single practicing psychiatrist. Talkiatry ’s online psychiatry services can help address a dire need, connecting you to providers licensed in your state but who might otherwise be too far away for you to make an in-office visit. The company offers affordable, convenient medication management. We particularly like that while Talkiatry narrows down a list of psychiatrists it thinks might be a good match for you, the choice is ultimately yours. This is why, of the 80 companies we tested and 10,000 users we surveyed, Talkiatry stood out to us as the best resource for online psychiatry.

Team of board-certified psychiatrists

Free initial consultation

Select your own psychiatrist from a list Talkiatry recommends based on your needs

Hour-long first consultation

Easily switch psychiatrists

In-network with most major insurance carriers

Available in 43 states

Not available nationwide

Need to email for a self-pay quote

Doesn’t ship medication to you

Talk therapy only available via referral from your Talkiatry psychiatrist

$100 fee for canceling or rescheduling with less than 48 hours’ notice

In over six months of reviewing online mental health companies, we’ve found that many online psychiatry services generally offer impersonal care and rushed sessions—but that was not the case with Talkiatry during our testing, which we tried twice in New York.

We were especially impressed with the thoroughness of the questionnaire and intake session (which lasted 60 minutes—more than twice as long as intake sessions at other companies we tried).

We found our psychiatrists warm and approachable. Our appointments began on time, and our psychiatrists were very welcoming. Thanks to the longer session time, we felt we had the time to discuss our treatment history and give the psychiatrists the time to develop a personalized treatment plan.

“[My psychiatrist] spent more time asking me about things that went beyond just my immediate symptoms: We spoke about my mother, my childhood, and my relationships with my father, siblings, and husband, as well as about my experience of becoming a mother and the emergency c-section I’d had and my postpartum experience.”

• Simone, a Verywell Mind editor who has used Talkiatry for two months and counting

We left with all our questions answered and knew what to expect moving forward. And keeping with the practice of extended sessions, Talkiatry’s follow-up psychiatry sessions last 30 minutes—twice as long as its competitors.

Talkiatry also stood out to us because it accepts most major health insurance plans—and you can quickly check if your plan is accepted and what your copay would be before signing up. This is a big deal considering that, in the U.S., only a little over half (55%) of psychiatrists accept insurance, compared to 89% of other board-certified doctors and specialists —which means it can be tough to find affordable psychiatric care, even online. That said, if you do not have insurance, this is not the company for you because it only accepts patients with insurance.

Talkiatry isn’t a subscription service. Instead, you pay per session with your psychiatrist plus the cost of any prescribed medication. The price you pay per session will depend on your insurance.

The 105 Talkiatry users we surveyed had overwhelmingly positive reports of their time with the company. Nearly all (95%) of users said the services they received at Talkiatry were good, very good, or excellent, and more than two-thirds felt their psychiatrist met most or all of their needs. Users also told us that Talkiatry’s reasonable cost (thanks to insurance) was one of the top three reasons they chose to use the company and 81% were satisfied or very satisfied with the selection of psychiatrists Talkiatry offered. Nine out of 10 said their psychiatrist’s qualifications were good, very good, or excellent.  

In regards to what their specific psychiatrist did particularly well, 85% said their provider had a good, very good, or excellent bedside manner, and 58% said they felt their provider really listened to them. Seventy percent of users said they’d come back to Talkiatry if they needed a similar service again, and nearly 90% would recommend Talkiatry to a friend, making it a no-brainer for us in terms of psychiatric care.

Best for Anxiety and Depression : Brightside

• Price: $95-$349 per month

Two of the most common mental health conditions in the United States are anxiety and depression: Approximately 40 million adults are affected by anxiety-related disorders, and 17.3 million adults are affected by depression. That’s why a mental health service specializing exclusively in treating those conditions makes a lot of sense—and Brightside was the company that did best in our testing of 80 companies and over 10,000 users because it offers accessible, affordable therapy and psychiatric medication management.

Specializes in anxiety and depression

Provides both therapy and psychiatry services

Free assessment available

Free self-care resources without needing to sign up

Matches you with a provider

Only accepts five insurance providers

You can’t choose your own therapist

No same-day appointments

We had two people try out Brightside ’s services from different parts of the country (North Carolina and New York) so that we could get a sense of the company’s quality of care—and we were impressed. By specializing entirely in treating depression and anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety) through talk therapy and (if appropriate) medication, the company has streamlined its service to be effective, reliable, and affordable regardless of where you live. We were also particularly impressed with its self-care services—a bonus to its therapy and medication management plans—that include self-paced audio lessons and exercises you can try between therapy sessions. 

The company uses cognitive behavioral therapy , or CBT, as the core of its talk therapy treatment plans. This evidence-backed therapy approach is frequently used to treat depression and anxiety because it can be very effective, including virtually.

“[My therapist] did a really good job of weaving bits of personal information about herself into our discussions to help me feel more connected.”

• Ashley, a mom who turned to Brightside to deal with anxiety and stress

Our live sessions were 45 minutes and held over video calls at convenient times, including evenings and weekends. Thanks to the messaging feature, we could message our therapist anytime through our portal. Some therapists also sent us worksheets and other CBT materials to read through that same messaging portal, which we appreciated, since it helped us feel supported during our therapy journey.

Something else that stood out to us during our testing was how thorough the intake process was: It took about 15 minutes to complete and involved two different assessments, one to assess us for symptoms of depression and one to evaluate us for signs of anxiety. Based on our experiences, if you are looking for structured, solution-focused support, especially for anxiety and depression, we highly recommend Brightside.

Brightside has three subscription plans, all of which can be offset if you have an in-network insurance provider. 

• Medication only : $95 per month, plus your pharmacy copay or $15 for medication; includes an initial 15-minute video consultation with a psychiatrist, ongoing provider care and monitoring, and self-care tools to use at your own pace
• Therapy only : $299 per month; includes unlimited messaging and, after an initial 45-minute session, one 30-minute therapy session per week (additional video sessions can be purchased for $59 per session)
• Therapy + medication : $349 per month; includes everything in the other two plans

The 105 users of Brightside we surveyed had similarly positive experiences with the company. Nearly all (90%) of users gave the company an overall rating of good to excellent, and three-quarters said they were likely or very likely to recommend Brightside to a friend. In addition, four out of five reported that their therapist’s qualifications were good, very good, or excellent, and the majority (62%) said they would use the service again if they were starting over with the process of searching for a therapist.

Most Affordable : E-Therapy Cafe

• Price: $55-$65 per session

The cost of therapy is often the reason why people opt out of it and, unfortunately, the number of people who can’t afford therapy is rising: 42% of adults with a mental illness say they were not able to get the treatment they needed because they could not afford it. This is why we recommend E-Therapy Cafe as the most affordable option over the other companies we tested: it’s a company that, while small, is trying to close that gap by offering affordably priced therapy. We liked that it pulls out all the financial stops with discounts, insurance reimbursements, and financial aid, making online therapy with E-Therapy Cafe more affordable and accessible.

Easy to find prices on the website

All therapists are licensed and life coaches are certified

Discounts for students, veterans, and first responders

You can choose your own therapist for a better fit

Customer service is responsive and helpful

No psychiatry offered

Sessions don’t carry over if you don’t use them all within a month

There are more coaches than licensed therapists

We asked four people to sign up for E-Therapy Cafe in Colorado, California, and Michigan, and we were overwhelmingly surprised with how well this company delivers on its promises of quality, affordable care. Yes, its sessions are only 30 minutes long—short for individual therapy and especially for couples therapy—but the company has the lowest out-of-pocket subscription therapy prices of all the companies we reviewed. It delivers on its mission statement of helping people “get unstuck.”

“[My therapist] was kind and attentive. From the way he responded and what I read of him in his impressive bio, he seemed very qualified to talk me through some of the things I brought up. He was able to validate my feelings and encourage me as I work through them and in the end, I was very happy with who the company chose for me.”

• Sadie, who needed flexible scheduling like late-night sessions and found that at E-Therapy Cafe

Across the board, our therapists were well qualified and included a range of specializations and credentials, such as licensed therapists, social workers, and certified life coaches. (Bear in mind that coaches are not held to the same licensure standards and laws as licensed therapists.)

Our coaching sessions focused mainly on goal-setting, decision-making, and behavioral changes—rather than delving deeper into historical and emotional issues—and were as helpful as the sessions with licensed therapists.

Throughout our testing, we had multiple ways to access sessions at E-Therapy Cafe: We could choose between live video sessions, live audio sessions, real-time chat, and e-journaling, which was a format unique to this company and involved writing a 700-word entry to our therapist, which they would then read and respond to in their own time with a letter back to us.

However, we don’t recommend the e-journal format; we missed the real-time responses and personal connection of a live conversation with a therapist.

(When we tested the journal, it was included in our subscription price—it’s now offered as a separate service.)

We appreciated that we could schedule at many different hours, timing our sessions after work, with one as late as 9 p.m. In fact, we enjoyed the service so much that we considered using it even after our testing period ended.

E-Therapy Cafe allows you to pay per session ($55 for your first trial session, then $65 for each session afterward) or sign up for one of its subscription plans:

• ETC Flex: Eight sessions per month with your therapist; costs $470 a month
• ETC 90: 24 sessions over a 90-day period; costs $440 a month
• ETC Reflect: Digital journal/email sessions for between-session support; costs $65 each
• ETC Pet : Emotional Support Animal subscription with one therapy session; costs $170

Subscription plans and pay-as-you-go rates apply to individual and couples therapy and coaching sessions. 

While E-Therapy Cafe’s team of therapists is smaller than its competitors, most of the 105 users we surveyed (80%) said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the selection of therapists available. In addition, nearly every user rated the company as good, very good, or excellent, and 90% said they found the therapists’ qualifications to be top-notch (despite the confusion surrounding coaches versus licensed therapists). More than three-quarters of users reported that they’d try E-Therapy Cafe again if they needed to go searching for a new therapist, and most (89%) of those that had tried online therapy somewhere else thought the services they received from E-Therapy Cafe were better.

Best for Flexibility : Thriveworks

• Price: $160 - $240 per therapy session, $300 - $375 for initial psychiatry/medication management session, $210 - $300 for follow-ups
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

When it comes to taking care of yourself, including your mental health, lots of things can get in the way, like work commitments, childcare issues, school, family commitments, and financial limitations. This made Thriveworks stand out in our research against the other companies we tested: it makes finding time for therapy really convenient. You can schedule same-day or next-day appointments, as well as early morning, late evening, and weekend appointments. It accepts health insurance, offers a variety of therapy types (including individual therapy, couples therapy, child/teen therapy, family therapy, and psychiatry), and even offers in-person or hybrid therapy through its 380 centers across all 50 states (though many states only had one location listed).

Same-day appointments are available

Multiple ways to connect with therapists

Accepts a wide range of insurance plans

Self-pay is an option

Lenient cancellation policy

380+ in-person locations

Not available in every state

Messaging is unavailable

Children’s services not available everywhere

We asked four people to sign up and test Thriveworks ’s therapy services to understand its different therapy offerings (including therapy for adults, kids, and families) and level of care across various states (including Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Kansas). Overall, we were impressed.

With such an extensive network of over 3,000 social workers, therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists and 380 in-person locations, it’s able to offer a level of flexibility to its users that most other companies were not: multiple therapy types, early morning, evening and weekend session times; and the option to do virtual, hybrid, or in-person therapy depending on where you live.

We could choose our therapist at Thriveworks during sign-up from a list of providers in our state, and we liked this flexibility. We could filter through the list by location, conditions the providers can treat, insurance plans accepted, and type of therapy offered. However, we were a little disappointed that the therapist bios were short, and there wasn’t any filter to search for therapists that were LGBTQ+ friendly or had experience treating people with disabilities—both factors that were important to us in our testing.  

Throughout our testing, we found our therapists to be warm, skilled, and qualified, making us feel like we were seeking care at a cozy private practice, not a giant national company.

We were especially impressed with our therapists’ thoroughness during our intake. Rather than just asking open-ended questions (like “What are you looking to get out of therapy?”), the therapists asked specific, detailed questions so we could get to know each other quickly. Our therapist was so thorough in one intake session that we went over by 25 minutes at no extra charge.

“Therapists follow different theoretical orientations and approach work with clients differently, which is wonderful because every client has different needs and deserves a therapist they click with. While my therapist did not have extensive training in ADHD or neurodiversity-affirming care, I still felt affirmed by her approach.”

• Amy, a licensed therapist living with ADHD

The biggest drawback to Thriveworks is that there are differences in what services are offered depending on where you live. For example, while we wanted to test virtual therapy for kids in Kentucky, we could not because no providers were available—and the closest brick-and-mortar location was too far of a commute. 

Plans and pricing with Thriveworks aren't as straightforward as other online therapy companies. Pricing depends on the provider you choose and the treatment you receive. If you’re paying out of pocket, you can expect prices to start at $99 per session. But Thriveworks also accepts a wide range of insurance plans, such as Blue Cross, Anthem, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and more. If your insurance is accepted, you’ll likely only be responsible for your copay. 

Of the 105 users we surveyed that had used Thriveworks for their therapy needs, nearly half said that morning, evening, and weekend availability was important to them when choosing an online therapy service—and nine out of 10 rated the company as good, very good, or excellent overall and four out of five said they would recommend Thriveworks to a friend or someone like them. 

In the end, more than three-quarters of survey respondents (78%) said they found a provider who met most or all of their needs at Thriveworks.

Best Range of Specialties : LifeStance Health

• Price: $150-$300 per session out-of-pocket
• Type Of Therapy: Children's Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

No two people need the same thing out of therapy. For example, if you’ve just given birth and you think you might be experiencing postpartum depression, your needs might be different from someone who has been dealing with depressive thoughts since they were a child. That’s why we choose LifeStance Health for our list: Its therapists have the most comprehensive range of specialties of any of the 80 companies we reviewed. Not only that, but it caters to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families; accepts numerous insurance plans; provides psychiatric services; and offers both in-person and virtual care.

Access to a diverse range of mental health professionals

Treats more conditions than most online therapy companies

Teletherapy and in-person appointments may be available within a week of sign-up

Switching therapists is simple and quick

You can cancel service at any time, no questions asked

Accepts insurance

No online pricing guide

Doesn’t serve 16 states, including the Dakotas and Connecticut

No way to personalize session details, such as length of session or live chats at a specific time

Cannot message therapist outside of sessions

Asks for a payment method immediately upon signing up

We had four people sign up and test LifeStance Health’ s individual adult therapy, couples counseling, and family therapy services in four states: Florida, Illinois, Oregon, and New York, respectively. What stood out most to us was the 42 different mental health issues and conditions its providers were qualified to treat—way more than at any other company we tested.

Initially, we were concerned that in the attempt to “do it all,” the care we’d receive at LifeStance Health would feel impersonal, but that was not the case. The therapists we met with for individual therapy were compassionate and attentive, making us feel heard. In couples therapy, we appreciated how well both therapists we worked with were able to guide the conversation with insightful questions so both partners could feel heard, involved, and understood.

“I liked both therapists that I had sessions with. They seemed to really want to help and were ready to listen to anything I had on my mind.” 

• Laura, who tried both individual and couples therapy through LifeStance

We found LifeStance to be an excellent choice for someone seeking online therapy from a specialized therapist for a wide variety of conditions , including depression, anxiety, and postpartum anxiety or depression . You can schedule appointments with a psychiatrist and in-person sessions if your diagnosis requires it (as may be the case with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder). We also appreciated that we could choose our therapist, too, and there were plenty to pick from during sign-up (as many as 700 when we signed up for couples therapy, for example).

The therapists at LifeStance are racially and culturally diverse, and we could filter the therapist list to find providers with gender identity, sexual orientation, and language spoken when that was important to us. 

However, we encountered some issues when trying to sign up for family therapy because there wasn’t a therapist available in our state to take new patients. Despite calling customer service and speaking with the director of operations, we were never able to schedule a family therapy session—we opted for individual sessions instead—so it’s important to note that the number of types of therapy and specializations does vary across the 33 states LifeStance serves. 

LifeStance Health is not a subscription service, meaning you pay per therapy session you book. How much you pay for those sessions then varies based on what therapist you work with, what kind of care you need, and whether you have health insurance.

You can check whether your health insurance is accepted directly on the website, and if your plan is in-network, you will likely pay a copay. If you’re paying out-of-pocket, sessions range from $75 to $300 per-session for individual talk therapy (for adults, kids, or teens), couples therapy, or family therapy. 

Psychiatric consultations range from $200 to $300 per session; follow-ups cost between $150 to $250.

Of the 105 users of LifeStance we surveyed, almost nine out of ten rated the company’s services as good, very good, or excellent overall, and an overwhelming majority (90%) felt the same about the qualifications of their therapists. 

Nearly three-quarters of survey respondents could use their insurance to pay for therapy, and 22% indicated that having access to in-person sessions was important to them in their search for mental health care. All in all, 73% of users found a therapist at LifeStance who met most or all of their needs. Seventeen percent of users sought psychiatry services through LifeStance, and nearly 9 out of 10 rated its psychiatry services as good, very good, or excellent.

Best With Insurance : Teladoc

• Price: $0-$299
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

The average cost of talk therapy , when paid out-of-pocket, can be as high as $200 per session, which means you might need to spend $800 a month for your mental health care—or more if you also need to see a psychiatrist and take medication. This can make mental health care unaffordable to a lot of people (especially considering the median household income in the US is $70,784), and while the Affordable Care Act made it easier to use health insurance to cover mental health treatment, not all therapists accept insurance because of the high administrative burden (read: paperwork) and low reimbursement rates from insurance companies. This made Teladoc stand out in our testing of 80 companies and over 10,000 users: It accepts 60 different insurance plans, which is more than any other company we tested, including some Medicare and Medicaid plans.

Available in all states

Medication management offered

Choose your own therapist

Couples therapy available

Limited insurance information prior to sign-up

No free trials or discounts

Company does not focus on therapy

We had three people from Missouri, California, and Texas sign up for and test online therapy services at Teladoc , and overall, we had a great experience. Not only could we use our insurance to pay for therapy—a rarity in both the online and in-person therapy worlds—but we were pleased that Teladoc accepts 60 different insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid in some places (another rarity). 

We also didn’t feel like we were skimping on quality for affordability at Teladoc because the quality of care we received was outstanding.

“I met with two different therapists over the course of a month, and I found both to be knowledgeable and empathetic. In each session, the provider offered the option of homework but was very clear they didn’t want to add to my plate as a mom of four.”

• Mary, a busy parent who needed flexible and affordable care

We found Teladoc’s team of accredited psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers to be highly qualified and available to support numerous mental health needs, including anxiety, depression, grief, work-related stress, and trauma. Our therapists were friendly and compassionate, though one seemed a bit clinical in the first intake session, where they appeared to be reading from a list of questions, which stunted the natural flow of conversation a bit. However, this therapist warmed up over time so that, in the end, we found all the therapists to be attentive, caring, and good listeners. 

Admittedly, Teladoc doesn’t have a super thorough intake process.

When we signed up for therapy, we just had to fill out a short online form that consisted of sharing our demographic information, then picking a reason for why we were seeking therapy (and there were only six reasons to choose from—COVID-19 concerns, anxiety/depression, drug/alcohol addiction, family/relationship issues, stress, or other) and answering five quick questions.

Then we were shown a list of therapists that might be a match, but we could also pick whoever we wanted based on their availability. Being able to choose our therapist was something we liked: we didn’t feel saddled with someone an algorithm chose for us. We also appreciated that once you do pick a therapist and begin seeing them regularly, you can message them between sessions through your patient portal. 

Teladoc doesn’t have a subscription therapy plan. Instead, once you’ve selected your therapist, you pay per session or psychiatry visit. However, the price is the same out-of-pocket no matter who your therapist is: $99 per session.

Psychiatry session prices are set too. You’ll pay $299 for your initial psychiatry consultation, then $119 per follow-up visit. However, if your insurance plan is accepted—which is highly likely, since Teladoc accepts over 60 plans—you’ll pay less out-of-pocket than either of these prices. 

Of all the 80 companies we evaluated, Teladoc scored the highest in user satisfaction: a whopping 97% rated the company as good, very good, or excellent overall.

In addition, more than four out of five users said they used their insurance to pay for services, with more than three out of five rating the company as affordable or very affordable. Eighty percent of users could find a therapist who met most or all of their needs, and an impressive 94% thought the therapist qualifications at Teladoc were excellent, very good, or good.

Best for Family Therapy : Little Otter

• Price: $20 "welcome" session; $195 for standard therapy session; $500 for general psychiatry evaluation; $250 for follow-up psychiatry sessions
• Type Of Therapy: Children's Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Teen Counseling

In the U.S., one in five kids lives with a mental health condition, but finding treatment for those kids is not easy, which is why only about 20% of kids with a mental health condition receive the treatment they need. There simply aren’t enough therapists that treat kids, especially in “therapy deserts,” or places where mental health resources are already scarce. Even online, most companies only treat teens if they treat children at all. But that’s why Little Otter stood out amongst the 80 companies we reviewed: It specializes in treating this underserved demographic by offering therapy and psychiatry services for children from birth to age 14. Plus, it offers family therapy, couples counseling for parents, and parent coaching services as part of its “whole family” approach to treatment.

Treats children ages 0-14

Offers parent coaching and family therapy services

Free initial informational call

All therapy is HSA/FSA eligible

Therapy session packages are discounted

Only available in 11 states

Only accepts one insurance provider

High out-of-pocket costs

We asked three parents and their kids to sign up and test Little Otter ’s therapy for kids and parents coaching services from Pennsylvania and New York. Across the board, we were pleased with the care we received. The uniqueness of the company’s specialization and its family-focused approach stood out to us; whether your child is showing signs of depression, is dealing with bullying at school, or is having attention issues, Little Otter can help you get your child the therapy or psychiatric help they need online. Plus, since it also treats babies from birth, it’s also a resource where you can get help to sleep train your baby or learn how to deal with toddler temper tantrums. No other company we evaluated offers this kind of help.

Once we signed up for Little Otter, we and our child had a “welcome session” with a “care lead” who explained the company’s services and asked us about what we were looking for in therapy.

We appreciated how thorough the intake process was and the time the company took to figure out what treatment plan would work best.

We found that the therapists were good at developing a rapport with the kids who participated in our testing. Sessions were 45 minutes long, which is a reasonable amount of time to build trust, and joining the first session made us feel more confident in letting the children attend subsequent sessions on their own—even though our child testers were as young as 10 years old. 

"I have personal experience talking to adolescent therapists , and, based on those experiences, I was impressed with our psychiatrist. I felt she immediately understood our situation and gave us plenty of time to talk about our concerns.”

• Laura, who had both a therapy session and psychiatry session with her young son

The parenting coaching service was also beneficial. The coaches were well-trained and thoughtful, giving us insightful tips and advice for changing our behavior to better support our children and be the parents we were striving to be. 

The most significant drawbacks to Little Otter are how few states it services—it only operates in 14 states right now—and its pricing.

Therapy sessions are $195 each, and psychiatry sessions cost even more. And unless you have one of the three insurance plans it accepts, you’ll have to pay for each session out-of-pocket.

Little Otter isn’t a subscription service. Instead, you pay per session:

• $20 for a 30-minute welcome session with your care lead, the clinician coordinating your Little Otter care team
• $195 for a 45-minute session with your assigned therapist
• $500 for a 75-minute general psychiatric evaluation
• $250 for a 30-minute psychiatric follow-up or medication management visit

There are bundles available to help reduce the cost, though (as of November 2023): 

• Assessment bundle : $527 for a 90-minute assessment session plus one 45-minute therapy session
• 12-session bundle : $1,989 for 12 45-minute therapy sessions

Little Otter is only in-network with Kaiser Permanente, Sana, Independence Blue Cross, and AmeriHealth insurance plans.

We surveyed 105 parents who had used or were still using Little Otter for their children's or families’ mental health needs. Over half said their therapists’ qualifications were much better than other online therapy companies. Seventy percent said their provider met most or all of their needs. 

In addition, three out of four users rated Little Otter as good, very good, or excellent overall, and more than three out of five users felt the same about the company’s value for the money.

Best for LGBTQIA+ : National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

• Price: Free to use
• Is Insurance Accepted?: Yes. Varies by provider
• Type Of Therapy: Children's Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Individual Therapy, Teen Counseling

Trans and queer people frequently experience discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia and, over time, the impact of this trauma can take a toll on mental health. That is partly why it is estimated that queer and trans people are 2.5 times more likely than cisgender or heterosexual individuals to be diagnosed with a mental health condition—and the number is even higher for queer people of color. But finding a therapist that is LGBTQ+ affirming and accepting isn’t always as easy either, which is why the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) stood out to us in our testing of 80 companies and survey of over 10,000 users. It’s a nonprofit online therapist directory that intertwines social justice and mental health support to provide a multitude of accessible resources to the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly queer and trans people of color (QTPoC).

Every provider identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community

Mental Health Fund available to cover financial costs

Filters make finding a provider simple

Multiple ways to contact provider prior to sign-up

Many providers accept insurance or offer sliding scale costs

Serves two Canadian provinces and 36 U.S. states

Not available in 14 states

Not all therapists in the directory accept insurance

No therapist matching service

Number of therapists accepting new clients varies by state

No psychiatrists on the directory

We tested the National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color Network (NQTTCN) across 18 ZIP codes to get a sense of how easy or difficult it was to find a therapist that might match the different therapy needs someone might have. For example, this directory out-performed 24 other similar services in how easy it was to find a Black therapist, a therapist willing to write a letter of support for hormone replacement therapy or medical transition, or a therapist that might be able to support parents with children that were non-binary or trans.

NQTTCN made it easy to find qualified, licensed therapists, behavioral health workers, psychologists, social workers, counselors, case managers, and peer support counselors who are members of the QTPoC community and/or specialize in treating this community through affirming, knowledgeable care.

All we had to do to search for a therapist was indicate our location (by city, ZIP code, or state) and select filters like languages spoken, whether they’re accepting new clients or providing telehealth, and if they offer a sliding scale or low fee. Across the board, we found a range of specialties, including identity issues, trauma, relationship conflict, and sexual wellness, across different states.

“From start to finish, my experience with NQTTCN was easy, seamless, and, honestly, rejuvenating. I quickly narrowed down providers in my area and got in touch with a provider within 10 minutes, which I consider record time. As someone who’s been both a therapist and a client, I value how this directory has taken a traditionally burdensome system and turned it into one that’s accessible to everyone.”   

• Morgan, a mental health professional and a member of the QTPoC community

NQTTCN does not list psychiatrists, however, so if you think you need medication as part of your treatment, you will need to look elsewhere. It’s also important to note that there are not clinicians available in every state, and the number of therapists does vary by state: you’ll have more options in California (which has 27 therapists listed) than in Idaho (which has only one).

Since NQTTCN is not a therapy service, like many other companies on this list, but a directory service, each therapist on the site runs their practice and sets their rates. This means that the cost per session varies widely, though, in our testing, we found therapists with rates as low as $60 per session and as high as $200 per session listed in their bios. 

We found some therapists that accept health insurance, though, so you may be able to use your plan to reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Others don't accept insurance but do offer sliding scale rates.

For therapy seekers struggling to afford mental health care, NQTTCN also offers a Mental Health Fund that covers the cost of its therapists’ services. You can apply for the fund on the website.

When we surveyed 180 people who had used NQTTCN to find their former or current therapist, more than four of five said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the selection of therapists in the directory, and the same number said they were pleased with their therapist’s qualifications. Three-quarters of users would recommend NQTTCN to a friend or someone like them, and 77% would use NQTTCN again if they needed to find another therapist.

Overall, 84% rated the directory as good or very good overall, and a whopping 99% of users found a therapist who met most or all of their needs.

Best for Black Communities : Therapy For Black Girls

• Type Of Therapy: Children's Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Individual Therapy

Mental illness can impact anyone of any age, gender identity, background, race, or ethnicity—but when it comes to accessing treatment, there are wide discrepancies. For example, people in Black communities are far less likely to sign up for therapy because of the cost, discrimination they experience from their therapist, a traumatic history with the health systems in this country, and stigma. We found several directories and therapy companies trying to change this, but of all of them, Therapy for Black Girls stood out amongst the 80 companies we reviewed. It offers a variety of resources, including a podcast and blog, that work to de-stigmatize seeking therapy as well as a comprehensive directory of over 800 therapists (in all 50 states and 13 Canadian territories) that’s easy to navigate and filter so you can find a Black therapist near you offering individual, couples, or group therapy.

All providers are BIPOC

Blog and podcast for additional information and support

Filters for virtual vs in-person sessions, specialty, and group options

Can be matched with a therapist upon request

You can find a psychiatrist on the directory too

Serves all 50 states and parts of Canada

Hard to identify therapist specifications

Payment depends on therapist

We tested Therapy for Black Girls across 18 ZIP codes to get a sense of how easy or difficult it was to find a therapist that might match 37 different therapy needs someone might have, such as wanting to work with a Black, female-identifying therapist or a therapist that has experience with issues that arise with transracial adoptions. We were pleased to discover we could find therapists in all the ZIP codes we tested since the site also serves all 50 states and parts of Canada.  

We were very impressed with the range of qualifications, expertise, and certifications of the therapists listed on Therapy for Black Girls, and we were able to find providers who addressed culturally-specific issues like race-related stress.

We found it easy to find Christian counseling—which isn’t always easy to find at other directories or companies—as well as therapists that met more specific needs, like therapists that specialized in multi-racial adoption issues, adoption trauma, or racism trauma.

“By connecting me with someone who I know understands my identity and how that affects my life (both in and outside the therapy office), I feel like Therapy for Black Girls makes good on its goal of destigmatizing therapy for women of color who may have had negative experiences with therapy in the past.”

• LaKeisha, a Black woman who had previously experienced microaggressions in therapy sessions

We did have some problems that are worth noting: We could not choose more than one specialty at a time, so if we were looking for a therapist that met a variety of criteria (say, one who had experience in trauma, ADHD, depression, and race-related stress), we ran into errors. Instead, we had to search by choosing one specialty at a time, then read the provider’s bios to see if they had the other experience we were looking for. We also found that when a therapist didn’t use the exact keywords that the search filters did, they would sometimes be excluded from search results (such as not coming up in the “parenting” filter because they say “postpartum” in their bio instead).

Since Therapy for Black Girls is not a therapy company but a directory, each therapist listed on the site runs their practice and sets their rates. This means that the cost per session varies widely.

In our testing, we did find it difficult to find those rates, though. While you can see whether a therapist is or is not accepting new clients clearly on the directory site, you have to dig deeper (like clicking through to the provider’s personal practice website) to find rates because most bios do not list prices or scheduling information. 

That said, we found therapists with rates that ranged from a $20 consultation to $450 an hour, with a range of prices in between (usually falling between $150 and $250). Many therapists do accept insurance, and some offer lower-cost sliding scale fees. 

We surveyed 180 therapy users that had used Therapy for Black Girls to find their current or former therapist. Of those, 84% said that the qualifications of the therapists in this directory were good or very good, and the same number said they were likely or very likely to recommend it to a friend. Eighty-three percent said they would use Therapy for Black Girls again if they needed another therapist. The directory also performed well overall, with more than nine out of 10 users rating the service as good or very good.

More impressive, though, is that 98% said that the therapist they found on Therapy for Black Girls met most or all of their needs.

Best Without Insurance : Open Path Collective

• Price: $30 to $80 per session, one-time membership fee of $65
• Type Of Therapy: Children's Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

According to our Cost of Therapy survey , about half of therapy-seekers are concerned about the ability to pay for their mental health treatment, with 48% saying they’d have to stop treatment if the cost went up and 38% saying they currently need financial help to pay for therapy. That’s why Open Path Collective stood out in our research of 80 companies and over 10,000 users: It's an online therapy directory that only connects you to therapists that offer sliding scale rates (ranging from $30 to $80 per session) so that you can find the affordable care you need when you’re on a tight budget.

Affordable sliding scale rates

Serves all 50 U.S. states and Canada

Has a strong social justice mission

Detailed therapist profiles

Only displays therapists who are taking on new clients

Does not accept insurance

Does not list psychiatrists

Most affordable therapists are pre-licensed

We tested Open Path Collective across 18 ZIP codes to get a sense of how easy or difficult it was to find a therapist that might match 37 different therapy needs someone might have—such as anger management, anxiety attacks, polyamory, or postpartum depression and anxiety—to see if it delivered on its promise to offer high-quality and affordable mental health care to middle- and low-income level therapy seekers. We’re pleased to say that it did. 

“The main difference with Open Path and other therapy I’ve tried before is how I feel now that the session is over: I’m not anxious about getting a crazy bill in the mail because I’m under-insured.”

• Theresa, who needed a grief counselor who offered a sliding scale fee

For $30, we could have a therapy session with a pre-licensed therapist (a student therapist currently obtaining their master’s degree under the clinical supervision of a licensed therapist), and for $40 to $70, we could see a therapist with more professional experience; in addition, we found couples counseling never to be more than $80 per session. And low prices are not the only reason we recommend Open Path Collective.

We were also impressed with the variety of therapists’ expertise.

For example, we were able to find appropriate therapists that could provide affirming care for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their loved ones, therapists who could speak ASL, Christian therapists, Black therapists, and therapists that treat kids and teens of any age. We were also able to find therapists with more specific or niche specializations, such as therapists with experience treating religious trauma. 

A few things to consider before using Open Path Collective to find your therapist: the service is aimed at families who make under $100,000 a year, so if you make more than that, the nonprofit asks that you look elsewhere (though this is based on the honor system—you don’t have to prove your income).

In addition, these sliding scale rates are out-of-pocket: if you want to use your health insurance to pay for your therapy, this is not the service for you.

Also, the number of therapists available varies wildly depending on your location—for example, there are over a thousand therapists listed in Texas, whereas Wyoming has only four. 

As noted above, using Open Path Collective’s directory to find a therapist with sliding scale rates requires a one-time fee of $65. Then, once you’re signed up, you can use it as often as you want to find and schedule an appointment with one of the providers listed.

Rates per session vary by the therapist but range from $30 (for a pre-licensed therapist) to $70 for a more experienced therapist. Couples therapy tends to cost $80 per session. 

We surveyed 180 therapy users who had used Open Path Collective to find their current or former therapist, and, across the board, users told us that they loved this directory: Nine out of 10 rated the company as good or very good, while an impressive 97% said they were able to find a therapist who met most or all of their needs. 

In addition, 84% said they would recommend Open Path to a friend or someone like them, and four out of five said they are still seeing the therapist they found on Open Path today.

Compare the 13 Best Online Therapy Services of 2024

We evaluated 80 online  therapy companies  and  therapist directories  in order to compile this list.

Firsthand Experience

As part of our research, we signed up for talk therapy at all 55 online therapy companies we reviewed. We tested each company's therapy services, and if the company offered other services (such as couples therapy and kid or teen therapy) we tested those too. Our testers are located all across the United States and abroad, meaning we have extensive information about each company's services in a variety of areas.

User and Brand Surveys

In addition, we surveyed more than 10,000 therapy users: 105 at each of the 55 online therapy companies and 180 at each of the 25 therapist directories. We collected over 100 different data points in which we asked users to evaluate each company's services, from their therapist's qualifications to whether they found a therapist who met all their needs to how they'd rate the company overall. We also sent questionnaires to each company we considered, asking for their perspectives on the services they provide, and we interviewed former patients and therapists at the companies where possible.

In addition to the extensive research we performed on each of the 55 online therapy companies we reviewed, we also researched dozens of therapy directories. We tested each by searching for appropriate therapists for 37 hypothetical scenarios that might lead someone to search for a mental health provider across 18 zip codes. We then rated the results by how well the therapists we found in each directory could address each scenario, looking into whether it had competent, licensed therapists that were qualified to treat these issues.

Expert Recommendations

Once we completed this testing and these surveys, we evaluated our findings with the help of three licensed therapists— Amy Marschall , PsyD; Nic Hardy , PhD, LCSW; and Hannah Owens , LMSW—in order to make our recommendations. These therapists provided extensive insight into the ethics and efficacy of online therapy as well as information about relevant therapeutic modalities and approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i choose an online therapy service.

If you're considering how to choose an online therapy service , you'll want to evaluate the available choices based on the type of therapy offered (individual, couples, family, or group), whether the therapist is a good match and has the specialization you're looking for, the sign-up process and ease of use, and the cost.

How Much Does Online Therapy Cost?

The cost of online therapy varies depending on the service and level of support you choose. The average cost of therapy in America is between $60 and $200 per session and the 80 services we reviewed fall squarely within that range, as well as to either side. Some online therapy companies offer pay-per-session rates, while others have subscription or membership models where you pay a set amount, ranging from $280 to more than $400 per month, for a specific number of sessions.

How Is Online Therapy Billed?

At all the online therapy companies we evaluated, you pay for online therapy with a credit or debit card. Some also accept flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) cards. If you have health insurance and the company or therapist accepts your insurance, you may pay a copay at the time of your session or receive a bill in the mail after your health plan is billed.

Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy?

Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed, mental health services are covered by most insurance plans. However, insurance generally only covers talk therapy and/or psychiatric services where you receive a diagnosis. Services like couples therapy are generally not covered. Plus, some therapists and therapy companies do not work with insurance providers, meaning you pay for out-of-pocket or seek reimbursement from your insurance provider.

Do Medicare and Medicaid Cover Online Therapy?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare and Medicaid do sometimes cover online therapy. But like you generally do with any insurance, you will want to check that the online therapy service or practitioner you choose is covered.

Does What I Tell My Therapist Stay Between Us?

Online therapy companies, like all online services, gather personal data and information about anyone that visits their sites and uses their services. In addition, since online therapy companies are telehealth services, they also gather and store health information about their patients. In order to know how an online therapy company utilizes your personal data , we recommend reading the company’s terms of service and terms of use to better understand its particular policies.

As for what you discuss in session, your online therapist generally will follow the same rules as an in-person therapist: They will not share what you discuss with them unless you are a threat to yourself or others, or there is evidence of abuse or neglect to a child, elderly person, or person with disabilities.

Verywell Mind / Designed by Amelia Manley

Sagui-Henson SJ, Prescott MR, Corcoran JB, et al. Effectiveness of evidence-based telecoaching delivered through an employer-sponsored mental health benefits platform . Telemed e-Health . 2022;28(4):486-494. doi:10.1089/tmj.2020.0555

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By Hannah Owens, LMSW Hannah Owens is the Mental Health/General Health Editor for Dotdash Meredith. She is a licensed social worker with clinical experience in community mental health.

Alex Shea (she/her) is a practicing therapist, self-published author, and life coach based in Florence, Oregon. In addition to Verywell Mind, her writing, which largely focuses on interpersonal relationships, has been published in HuffPost, Byrdie, Mindbodygreen, and The Wellnest.

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Private Counseling Practice Business Plan

Published Nov.19, 2020

Updated Apr.23, 2024

By: Jakub Babkins

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Table of Content

Private Counseling Practice business plan for starting your own social service agency

Are you a psychologist, social worker, or marriage counselor? Did you know that you can make money from a prosperous business by going into private practice like any of the trainers mentioned above? Yes, the profession of counseling, social workers, and marriage counselors are one of the largest and most lucrative professions in the United States, open to interested entrepreneurs who are qualified and able to come in as a private trainee and earn a great income. This counseling private practice business plan has the insights.

Executive Summary

USA Private Counselors LLP is a professional and licensed consulting (private practice) organization that specializes in helping its clients cope with their challenges, achieve their personal goals, and improve their skills, competence and productivity.

The scope of our private counseling practice business offerings covers areas such as clinical psychology, industry-organizational psychology, all other psychology, psychosocial work, marriage, and family therapy, child, family and school social workers, online counseling services and retail sale of self-help books. And materials and others.

Our business is located between a well-populated residential estate and a business district in Pennsylvania – Smethport, Pennsylvania, USA.

USA Private Counselors LLP, is a customer-centric and consequently operated private consulting firm that offers a wide range of consulting, learning approaches and experience at an affordable fee that is in any way to put a hole in our clients’ pockets. We make sure to work hard to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers because whenever they hire our services, it is related to their professional and personal goals.

The Business

USA Private Counselors LLP is the overall best interest of our clients comes first, and everything we do is entirely guided by our values ​​and professional ethics. We make sure to hire professional and certified psychologists, social workers and counselors of various skills who are well experienced and enthusiastic.

Management of Social Service Agency

In the private counseling practice business plan , we ensure that we are responsible for the highest standards by accurately and fully meeting the needs of our customers. We will cultivate a work ambience that gives a humane, sustainable approach to practicing, earning and living in our world for our associates, employees and our clients.

Customers of Social Service Agency

While starting a social service agency it may seem like a dream too high, but we are sure it will attract more customers like celebrities, public figures, and Private Job based customers. As we have done lots of research and feasibility, studies and we are excited and confident that Smethport is the right place to start our private consulting business.

Business Target

Our primary goal is to satisfy our customers and establish our business location. So people can learn about us and our dress code. Our business plan Private counseling practice is to gain as many customers as possible and expand our Social service agency line to many countries. Profit is a secondary thing, but the primary concern is to satisfy our customers and their queries.

1. How to start a business?

Well, this is the most challenging part because the person starting the business never knows about the future. Whether the business will work or not; it will always be an opportunity, and because of this, many are sacred. Most people ask how to start a business? Therefore, the answer here is, you need to identify the needs of the people. You need to check the latest market trends and what people want to do.

2. What are the costs involved in opening a business?

The start-up cost of the counseling business can be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The start-up capital for a home-based private consulting business without any overhead can be as low as $250,000 to $350,000, while a medium and large scale value is definitely higher.

3. How to implement business management?

Our management staff and this is based on the performance of the company for a period of three years or more. We know that if it is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best staff for management, which we can get in the industry. They will be more dedicated to helping us build the business of our dreams.

4. What target of this business?

We have a private counseling practice business plan, our target areas are local people, celebrities, and social media influencers, and they can advertise our agency differently.

Company Summary

  plan your business.

USA Private Consultants LLP will ensure that the right foundation, structures, and processes are in place to ensure that the interests of our customers employees are well taken care of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to move our business to greater heights, and the training and retraining of our employees will burn at the top of our business strategy.

Define your brand

The new business will have to face the initial problems in establishing a brand name in the head of the customer. We treat our customers well and take care of their needs and recommendations. We also did tailor-made projects for clients. We discuss with our team what the customer needs and how to apply it.

How to promote & market a business

The truth is, if your customers have experienced a big difference in their lives as a result of hiring your company’s services, they will be compelled to help improve your company.

Establish a web presence

Another notable trend in this field is the influence of technology; the advent of technology has led to an increase in the income of private consultants around the world. With technology, it is not easy for private consultants to provide advice to their client’s thousands of kilometers away from them.

Company Owner

USA Private Consultants LLP- may be a new private consulting agency in Pennsylvania, but the board of directors and business owner are considered gurus in the industry. The woman is a leading professional, licensed and highly qualified psychologist and marriage counselor. She can help her clients cope with their challenges and successfully achieve their personal goal in the short term. These are the areas where we consider a competitive advantage.

Why the social service agency is being started

Our owner loves to start new social services agency, but they feel like they can share their social ideas with others. They are learning about social causes and are now going to propose a big agency or business project so that people can also benefit from their practicing department.

How the social service agency will be started

Being talented is one thing, knowing how to make people successful is another; That’s why you need to constantly get feedback to measure the progress and performance of your agency. Keeping all these things mind and with the help of private practice counseling business plan template, the business will be started.

Our mission to start our private practice counselling business is to help our clients and staff to meet their challenges, achieve their personal goals, improve their skills, competence and productivity, and of course, make a profit from the field of counseling. In addition, you can work on starting your own counselling practice agency as well.

Our service offerings are listed below;

• Clinical Psychology
• Industrial-organizational psychology
• All other psychology
• Social work on mental health
• Marriage and family therapy
• Child, family and school social workers
• Online consulting services

Marketing Analysis of Counseling Services

Market trends.

The trend in the field of Counseling Services, social workers and other counsellors over the past half-decade shows that the industry continues to grow. Private consulting services are required regardless of economic conditions, which protect the industry from economic fluctuations.

Marketing Segmentation

USA Private Consultants LLP will generate revenue by providing the following private consulting services;

• All other counselling
• Retail sale of self-help books and supplies

After opening a private practice business , our business target cuts across different classes of people and people from all walks of life. We come with a business concept and company profile in the field of psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors, which will help you, work with clients from different backgrounds and different positions.

Business plan for investors

Product pricing.

Generally, starting your own counselling practice services are charged flat rates on an hourly billing rate and a weekly or monthly basis. As a result, USA Private Consultants LLP will charge flat fees to our clients, except for a few cases where special clients will have to pay on an hourly basis.

Marketing Strategy

We note that there is fierce competition among private consulting firms in the United States; So we were able to hire some of the best marketing staff to handle our entire sales and marketing.

Also, our sales and marketing staff will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry, and the goals of USA Private Consultants LLP.

Competitive Analysis

Being more competitive in the field of counselling, the staff, counsellor and practitioners will provide consistent quality service, and our clients can experience significant difference and improvement, and meet the expectations of your clients at all times you can meet.

Sales Strategy

USA Private Consultants LLP is all set to use the following sales strategies to attract customers. The sample proposal for counseling services will include the followings-

• Introduce our private consulting firm by sending introductory letters with our brochure to key stakeholders in Corporate, Religious Institutions, Families, and Smethport – Pennsylvania.
• Print flyers and business cards and drop them strategically in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations and more.
• Use close friends and family to spread the word about our private consulting firm.
• Put information about our private consulting agency on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries and local coffee shops.
• Placing a small or classified ad in the newspaper or a local publication about our private consulting firm
• Advertise our private consulting firm in relevant educational magazines, newspapers, television stations and radio stations.

Sales Monthly

Well, here is a chart below where you can find monthly sales.

Sales Yearly

We are also exploring the market and its sales in the marketing plan for counseling center . Well, the counsellng is doing well, as you can see in the chart below.

Sales Forecast

Excellent work.

excellent work, competent advice. Alex is very friendly, great communication. 100% I recommend CGS capital. Thank you so much for your hard work!

We were able to critically explore the private consulting market, explore our opportunities in the industry, and we were confident and able to come up with the following sales forecast. Sales forecasts are based on data collected in the field and some strange assumptions for similar startups in Smethport – Pennsylvania.

Below are the sales forecasts for USA Private Consultants LLP, which are based on the location of our personal training and training company, and of course the wide range of training we offer-

• First financial year : $150,000 to $400,000
• Second financial Year : $350,000 to $500,000
• Third financial year : $500,000 to $550,000

 Personnel plan

Company staff.

Considering the above counseling services, we have decided to appoint qualified and competent hands to hold the following posts;

• Chief Partner / CEO
• Psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors
• Office Administrator
• Marketing executives
• Customer Service Administrator

Average Salary of Employees

Well, this is the most important process for counseling private practice business plan . However, in the table below we have mentioned all the details about the salary.

Financial Plan

In setting up a private counselling practice business plan, size, or cost depends on the approach and size you want to undertake. If you rent a space and want to go big, you will need a large amount of capital as you need to make sure your employees take good care of you.

Important Assumptions

According to our assumptions, we will follow this plan to increase our business naturally. If there are any natural disasters, we control the things of our human condition. You can see the map.

Break-even Analysis

The Break-Even Analysis is based on our private counseling practice business plan to reach the level in only one year.

Projected Profit and Loss

Our private counselling practice business works well, but we don’t cover the monthly budget, so we try to cover it for the next four months.

Profit Monthly

The monthly profit chart will be as below-

Profit Yearly

The yearly profit chart will be as below-

Gross Margin Monthly

The below gross margin lines are showing the future figures, and we hope they will get thicker by the time.

Gross Margin Yearly

Slow, dense lines, as we can see. This year we will cover.

Projected Cash Flow

The psychotherapy finances or cash flow can be seen below where we can not only get out of debt, but also find profits.

Projected Balance Sheet

Business ratios.

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Counseling Private Practice Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » B2C Sector

Are you about starting a counseling private practice? If YES, here is a complete sample psychological counseling private practice business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a counseling private practice. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample counseling private practice marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for counseling private practice companies. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Are you a Psychologist, Social Worker or a Marriage Counselor? Do you know that you can make money from a thriving industry by going into private practice as any of the above practitioner?

Yes indeed, the Psychologists, Social Workers and Marriage Counselors industry is one pretty large and profitable industry in the united states that is open for aspiring entrepreneurs who are qualified and competent to come in as a private practitioner and rake in huge revenue.

This is true because, reliable statistics has it that the Psychologists, Social Workers and Marriage Counselors industry in the United States of America generates roughly $15 billion annually. If you are qualified and well positioned, you can get your own fair share of the available market in the industry and smile to the bank on a regular basis.

If you want to partake in this thriving industry, you would need to obtain all the necessary licenses and certifications and then launch your own counseling private practice business. The truth is that, the market is still pretty much open for new practitioners to come in.

Although there are competitions at various levels in the industry, but if you are able to come up with a good business strategy, you are sure of getting your own fair share of the available market in the industry.

So, if you have decided to start a counseling private practice business in the United States, then you should make sure that you carry out thorough feasibility studies and also market survey. Below is a sample counseling private practice business plan template that will help you successfully write yours without much stress;

A Sample Counseling Private Practice Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The Psychologists, Social Workers and Marriage Counselors industry of which professionals who are into counseling (private practice belongs to) is composed of mental health practitioners who diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders brought about by mental illness, substance abuse or physical and emotional trauma.

These practitioners consist of psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors. It is important to state that the industry mental health professionals who have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree are not included in this industry.

A close study of the Psychologists, Social Workers and Marriage Counselors industry shows that in the last half a decade, the industry has grown consistently. Private counseling services are needed regardless of economic conditions, which insulate the industry from economic fluctuations.

Going forward, as people continue to be employed and regain a steady income, private health insurance will become more affordable, prompting consumers to seek private counseling services when needed.

A recent report published by IBISWORLD shows that the Psychologists, Social Workers and Marriage Counselors industry has a low level of concentration, with the majority of firms employing less than five people and no industry firm accounting for more than 1.0 percent of total industry revenue.

The practices and theories of psychology are highly fragmented. For instance, cognitive and behavioral psychologies have developed in isolation from each other. This makes it difficult to create large practices that dominate any particular area.

The report further stated that, the benefits to achieving scale in the industry are minimal because fixed costs are low. Group practices are increasing in number, but these are not large operations either. One major benefit of group practices is the ability to spread administrative costs across several practitioners

The Psychologists, Social Workers and Marriage Counselors industry is a thriving sector of the economy of the United States of America and they generate a whopping sum of well over $15 billion annually from more than 141,495 registered and licensed Psychologists, Social Workers and Marriage Counselors scattered all around the United States of America.

The industry is responsible for the employment of well over 231,393people. Experts project the industry to grow at a 3.4 percent annual rate within 2011 and 2016. It is important to state that there is no single organization that has a lion share of the available market in the Psychologists, Social Workers and Marriage Counselors industry.

It can’t be over emphasized that the demand for the services offered by the private counselors grows when public confidence declines and people’s ability to handle the issues on their own wanes. When the housing bubble burst and the US economy fell into a recession, consumer confidence plummeted.

This decline, coupled with high unemployment, falling incomes and bleak outlooks, caused Americans to seek out the assistance of professional psychologists and counselors, benefiting the industry.

However, as the economy slowly continues to recover and consumer confidence returns, demand for their services is expected to diminish. Going forward, clients and potential clients alike will likely require less guidance, high-income households will serve as the primary vehicle of growth for the industry

Lastly, as a private counselor, the key attributes needed to be able to make good success from the trade is patience, enthusiasm, passion about the specific area to be handled, and constant positivity. You are also expected to be highly proactive; you would need to be good at planning, preparation, and certain other organizational skills.

It is one thing to have a skill and it is another thing to know how to counsel people into becoming successful; which is why you must constantly get feedbacks from your clients to be able to measure their progress and your performance.

2. Executive Summary

Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP is a professional and licensed counseling (private practice) firm that is specialized in helping her clients overcome their challenges and achieve their personal goals and improving their competence, capacity and productivity.

The scope of our business offerings cover areas such as clinical psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, all other psychology, mental health social work, marriage and family therapy, child, family and school social workers, online counseling Services and retailing of self – help books and materials et al.

Our business will be located in – between a well – populated residential estate and a business district in Smethport – Pennsylvania, United States of America.

Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP is a client-focused and result driven private counseling organization that provides broad-based counseling, learning approaches and experience at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of our clients.

We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass all our clients’ expectations as it relates to their career and personal goals whenever they hire our services. At Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP, our clients’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics.

We will ensure that we hire professional and certified psychologists, social workers and counselors with various skills set who are well experienced and passionate in helping our clients achieve their personal goals within record time.

Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP will at all times demonstrates her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a private counseling organization, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our clients’ needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.

Our overall business goal is to position our private counseling organization to become the leading private counseling brand in the psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors industry in the whole of Smethport – Pennsylvania, United States of America, and also to be amongst the top 10 private counseling business in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operations.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Smethport is the right place to launch our private counseling business.

Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP is founded by Dr. Boston Smith and he will run the business with his business partner for many years Dr. Becky Allison. Dr. Boston Smith is a certified and renowned psychologist and marriage counselor.

He has well over 20 years of experience working with top government officials, corporate executives, celebrities and sports people both in the United States of America and Canada.

3. Our Products and Services

Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP is going to offer varieties of psychology and counseling services within the scope of the psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors industry in the United States of America.

Our intention of starting our private counseling business is to help our clients overcome their challenges, achieve their personal goals and improving their competence, capacity and productivity and of course to also make profits from the psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and business goal.

Our service offerings are listed below;

• Clinical psychology
• Industrial-organizational psychology
• All other psychology
• Mental health social work
• Marriage and family therapy
• Child, family and school social workers
• Online counseling services
• Retailing of self – help books and materials

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build a highly competitive and effective private counseling business that will become the number one choice for both individuals and corporate organizations in Smethport – Pennsylvania and the whole of the United States of America.
• Our mission is to provide affordable, professional and highly effective private counseling services to a wide range of clients that cuts across different divides. We want to position Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP to become one of the leading private counseling brands in the industry in the whole of Smethport – Pennsylvania, and also to be amongst the top 10 private counseling firms in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operations.

Our Business Structure

Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP, is a private counseling firm that intend starting small in Smethport – Pennsylvania, but hope to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading firms in the psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors industry both in the United States and on a global stage.

We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the picture of the kind of world class business we want to own. This is why we are committed to only hire the best hands within our area of operations.

At Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP, we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, creative, passionate, result driven, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stakeholders ( the owners, workforce, and customers ).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff / partners and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company.

In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Principal Partner / Chief Executive Officer
• Psychologists, Social Workers and Marriage Counselors

Office Administrator

• Marketing Executives

Client Service Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Principal Partner / Chief Executive Officer:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Psychologist, Social Worker and Marriage Counselor

• In charge of clinical psychology services
• Responsible for handling industrial-organizational psychology services
• Handles all other psychology services
• Handles mental health social work
• Provides marriage and family therapy
• Handles child, family and school social works
• In charge of online private counseling services
• Retails of self – help books and materials
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the Principal Partner / CEO.
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of the organizations’ Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily activities of Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP.

Marketing Executive

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new students, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP
• Serves as internal auditor for Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP.
• Welcomes clients and visitors by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the principal partners in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels / documents for Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP

6. SWOT Analysis

Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured private counseling business that can favorably compete in the highly competitive psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors industry in the United States and the world at large.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP;

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in the industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in private counseling practice.

Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected team members and our strong online presence, Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP is well positioned in a community with the right demography and we know we will attract loads of corporate and individual clients from the first day we open our doors for business.

As a new private counseling organization in Smethport – Pennsylvania, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already saturated psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors industry; that is perhaps our major weakness.

• Opportunities:

No doubt, the opportunities in the psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors  industry is massive considering the number of individuals and corporate organizations who would want to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals and to perform excellently well in their jobs and personal life. As a standard private counseling organization, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Every business faces a threat or challenge at any part of the life cycle of the business. These threats can be external or internal. This shows the importance of a business plan, because most threats or challenges are to be anticipated and plans put in place to cushion what effect they might bring to the business.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a private counseling organization operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect business such as ours, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects spending / purchasing power.

There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The trend in the psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors industry shows that in the last half a decade, the industry has grown consistently. Private counseling services are needed regardless of economic conditions, which insulate the industry from economic fluctuations.

One thing is certain, the trend in the psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors industry is such that if you want to be ahead of your competitors, you should be able to acquire as much certifications as possible and you should be able to have loads of testimonies from your clients.

The truth is that, if your clients experienced huge difference in their life as a result of hiring the services of your organization, then they will be compelled to help promote your organization.

Another notable trend in this industry is the influence of technology; the advent of technology is responsible for the increase in income generated by private counselors all over the world. With technology, it is no easier for private counselors to counsel their clients that are thousands of kilometers away from them.

Tools like video calling / Skype, YouTube, live chat and Webcast et al are being used by private counselors to counsel clients in different parts of the world.

8. Our Target Market

The target market for private counseling firms is all encompassing. Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP is a professional and licensed private counseling firm that is specialized in helping her clients over life challenges, achieve their personal goals and improving their competence, capacity and productivity.

As a standard private counseling organization, Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP offers a wide range of services hence we are well trained and equipped to services a wide range of clients (public figures, celebrities and non – celebrities alike).

Our target market as a private counseling firm cuts across people of different class and people from all walks of life. We are coming into the psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors industry with a business concept and company’s profile that will enable us work with the clients from different background and different status. Below is a list of the clients that we have specifically design our private counseling services for;

• About to wed couples
• Married couples
• Religious organizations
• Working class adults / corporate executives
• Politicians
• Business people / entrepreneurs
• Government officials
• Celebrities
• Public figures
• Applicants / school Leavers
• Sports men and women
• College students
• People with undergoing depression
• People with mental challenges

Our competitive advantage

No doubt, the psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors industry is indeed a very prolific and highly competitive industry. Clients will only hire your services if they know that you can successfully help them overcome their challenges, and achieve their personal goals.

It is the practice for private counselors to acquire as much certifications as it relates to their area of specialization; it is part of what will make them stay competitive in the industry

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your clients should be able to experience remarkable difference and improvement and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times.

Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP might be a new private counseling firm in Smethport – Pennsylvania, but the management team and the owner of the business are considered gurus in the industry.

They are people who are core professionals, licensed and highly qualified psychologists and marriage counselors that can successfully help her clients overcome their challenges and achieve their personal goal within a short period of time. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.

Aside from our robust experience and expertise of our psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors, we have a very strong online presence that will enable us counsel clients in different parts of the world from our online portals.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups private counseling businesses in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis. Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP will generate income by offering the following private counseling services;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be corporate organization and individual who would need the services of psychologists, social workers and marriage counselors in other for them to overcome their challenges and achieve their personal goals and also to enable them become peak performer in the career and in their family life.

This is the major reason why the services of private counseling firms will always be needed. We are well positioned to take on the available market in Smethport – Pennsylvania and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our private counseling business and our clientele base.

We have been able to critically examine the private counseling market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Smethport – Pennsylvania.

Below are the sales projections for Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP, it is based on the location of our personal training and coaching company and of course the wide range of trainings that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year-: $150,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $350,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competitions amongst private counseling firms in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP.

We will also ensure that our clients’ overcome their challenges in record time; we want to build a standard and first – class private counseling business that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).

Our goal is to grow Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP to become one of the top 10 private counseling organization in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Smethport – Pennsylvania but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our private counseling firm by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, religious organizations, households and key stake holders in Smethport – Pennsylvania.
• Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
• Use friends and family to spread word about our private counseling firm
• Post information about our private counseling firm on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops.
• Placing a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about our private counseling firm
• Advertise our private counseling firm in relevant educational magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• Attend relevant educational expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and private clients in the whole of Smethport – Pennsylvania which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our business. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our BillBoards on strategic locations all around Smethport – Pennsylvania.
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations by calling them up and informing them of Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP and the services we offer
• List our private counseling firm in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our life private counseling firm in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our schools’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Generally counseling and consulting services are billed on per hour billing rate and flat fees on a weekly or monthly basis as it applies. As a result of this, Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP will charge our clients flat fees except for few occasions where there will be need for us to charge special clients on hourly basis.

At Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our clients at regular intervals.

We are aware that there are some clients that would need special assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment via Point of Sales Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for private counseling services without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for our services.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up a personal training and life coaching business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a higher amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The start – up capital for a home based private counseling business without any overhead might fall between $500 and $2,000, while that of a medium and large scale would definitely be higher.

The materials and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked. As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a standard private counseling firm with a handful of employees; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money.

However, this is what it would cost us to start our own standard and world class private counseling firm in the United States of America;

• Business incorporation fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring an office space that will accommodate the number of employees we intend employing for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $35,000.
• Equipping the office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $10,000
• The cost for accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
• Phone and Utilities (gas, sewer, water and electric) deposits – ( $3,500 ).
• Launching an official website will cost – $500
• Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000
• Miscellaneous – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about one hundred and fifty thousand ( 150,000 ) U.S. dollars to successfully set – up a medium scale but standard private counseling firm in the United States of America. Please note that the salary for the payment of staff members for the first 3 months is included.

Generating Funds / Startup Capital for Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP

Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP is a partnership business that will be owned by Dr. Boston Smith and he will run the business with his business partner for many years Dr. Becky Allison. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 ( Personal savings $35,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our private counseling services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Safe Refuge Private Counselors®, LLP will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing a standard office facility in a good location plus reconstruction: In progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed
• writing of business plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of Logo for the school: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
• Creating awareness for the business in Smethport – Pennsylvania: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in various industries: In Progress

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The Handbook Reviews Team has thoroughly researched and tested the products and services we write about and may earn a commission based on purchases made.

5 Best Online Couples Counseling Platforms of 2024

Online couples therapy can help you and your partner plan for the future or reconnect during difficult times. See which platforms we recommend.

Whether you’re newly engaged or celebrating decades of marriage, you and your partner may benefit from couples counseling. Research shows that your relationships can impact mental health , and working on your relationship together could be mutually beneficial. Online therapy is one way to work on your relationship at home.

We’ve researched and tested some of the top online therapy platforms to help you find the right one for your relationship. We evaluate each platform for therapist availability, the onboarding process, additional learning materials, and cost. Read about our top five picks.

Our pick for the best platform overall: Regain by BetterHelp

Regain’s feature-rich platform is our choice as the best overall platform for couples seeking online relationship counseling. Our Handbook Team likes that couples can match with a licensed therapist based on age, gender identity, and religious preferences. We also like that Regain provides access to therapists via messaging outside of scheduled live sessions. Regain offers self-reflection tools and video lectures to help couples learn more about themselves and their relationship.

Our picks of the best online couples counseling platforms

• Regain by BetterHelp : Best overall
• Talkspace : Best for using insurance 
• Online-therapy.com : Best for improving communication 
• Little Otter : Best for parenting issues 
• Thriveworks : Best for choosing your own provider

In a mental health emergency:

Online therapists may not be the most appropriate resource to help in a mental health crisis. If you or someone you know is a danger to themselves or others around them, it is an emergency, and cannot wait for an online therapist’s response.

Don’t wait. You can find help immediately by:

• Visiting urgent care
• Calling or texting 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Chatting online at 988lifeline.org
• Calling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or text your zip code to 435748

If you’re experiencing domestic violence , also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), there are free, confidential, and immediate ways to get help.

• Chat with someone from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at https://www.thehotline.org/
• Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Text “START” to 88788

All the above options will connect you with trained professionals who can provide crisis support. You can find even more resources, including international options, on our helpline directory page .

Our testing experience

The Handbook Team has researched more than 70 online therapy platforms, directories, and networks. Based on our research, we sign up for the top platforms to test out for ourselves. To test couples therapy, we ask real couples to test the platforms and report back.  Here’s what we do with each online therapy platform: 

Testers explore the platforms and attend online therapy sessions for at least four weeks. We instruct testers to test the platforms through the lens of a real user, paying attention to how easy or difficult it is to find a therapist they can talk to. Testers log their experience in a diary and come together to share their findings.

We find that most testers feel the need to switch providers, especially the ones testing platforms that initially match users to their providers. With couples therapy, it’s important to find a therapist both partners feel comfortable with.

From our tester

“We immediately felt like we didn’t connect with this therapist. She didn’t seem to understand the technology we were talking about (like spending time on Instagram instead of interacting with each other after we put the girls to bed). She also spent a surprising amount of time talking about herself and her own family, which felt inappropriate. We decided to switch therapists.”

Still, in both couples and individual therapy, we are pleased that most of our testers are able to find a therapist they trust. “I’ve been through many therapists before, but I was surprised when I found a therapist who specialized in my concerns and had a different approach to therapy,” says one tester. “I learned a new perspective to frame my ongoing concerns and got to connect with a caring provider that I felt comfortable with.” While the ease of switching providers varies by platform, all the platforms we’ve tested allow you to switch therapists. 

Handbook’s research into online therapy platforms

Collectively, the Handbook Team has put in more than 7,500 hours of research, testing, and evaluation to review different online therapy platforms, down to the fine print. This review can guide you in finding a provider who best fits you and your partner’s needs. 

Compare the best online couples counseling platforms of 2024

* Monthly cost for four weekly live therapy sessions without using insurance. ** Price increases if you choose to do both individual and couples therapy.  *** Estimated monthly cost for kickoff session ($20) and four follow-up sessions ($195 each). **** Estimated monthly cost for an initial session ($220) and three follow-up sessions ($160 each), or four follow-up sessions. Actual costs may vary by clinician or location, per Thriveworks customer service.

The best online couples counseling reviews

Regain: best overall.

• Best for: Relationship therapy, premarital counseling, divorce counseling, and co-parent counseling.
• Cost: $436 per month for both people.
• Session lengths: 30–45 minutes.
• Types of services offered: Individual therapy and couples therapy.

Pros & Cons

Our final verdict.

Regain by BetterHelp is our pick for the best overall online couples therapy platform. We like the ability to choose a therapist and the flexible appointment times. You can schedule a session after work hours, an option some online therapy platforms do not provide.

Insights from our testers

Our testers like being able to request therapists for couples counseling based on preferences like gender, faith, age, or allyship with the LGBTQ+ community. When you’re matched with a therapist, Regain also sends a list of other therapists in your state who match your preferences. You can read bios of potential therapists and even chat with them in the app to see if they’re a good fit. This feature allows you to switch therapists even before your first session if you find a provider you think you’ll like better.

Between sessions, the therapist will message the couple to check in on how they’re doing, a feature we really love on this platform. It’s important to note that messages to and from the therapist are visible to both partners. Entries in your digital journal are private unless you share them with your therapist and partner in the group messaging room.

Regain matches couples with a therapist trained in the Gottman Method , an approach to relationship therapy based on more than 40 years of research in helping couples improve their relationships. This method is founded on the idea that couples who can reframe conflict and engage in more positive interactions can improve communication and intimacy.

While our Regain testers didn’t love their first therapist match, they were able to easily find a second provider they felt they could trust. They found the sessions to be engaging and helpful, and were offered tangible strategies for building more connection in their relationship.

From tester

“Our therapist has been sending us interesting and unique ideas. It doesn’t feel like she’s going off of a script. She had us write down fun things we could do at night together after we put the girls to bed instead of watching TV or scrolling through our phones, and we put them in a big jar. Once per week, we have a ‘jar night’ where we grab a slip of paper from the jar and do whatever is on the paper. We’ve played new games, gotten back into puzzles, and explored mixology. It’s been so fun and was such a creative idea on her part!”

What other users are saying

In a survey of 600 online therapy users we conducted in October 2023, 55 percent of respondents find online therapy through platforms like Regain more effective than in-person counseling sessions. When searching online rather than locally, you may have more choices of therapists, especially if you live in a rural area or have transportation barriers.

A note on the company’s legal filings

BetterHelp faced legal issues in 2023 related to consumer data breaches across all its apps, including Regain.us, BetterHelp.com, TeenCounseling.com, FaithfulCounseling.com, and PrideCounseling.com. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), BetterHelp used third-party online tracking codes dating back to August 1, 2017, and shared users’ email addresses, IP addresses, and health information on Facebook, Snapchat, Pinterest, and Criteo for targeted advertising. The FTC ordered BetterHelp to pay $7.8 million in partial refunds to affected users and banned the company from using business practices like these going forward. BetterHelp platforms are now certified by HITRUST, which ensures that companies use the strictest possible requirements with sensitive information.

Talkspace: Best for using insurance

• Best for: using insurance.
• Cost: $436 per month (or the cost of your copay per session).

Talkspace is our choice for the best online couples counseling that takes insurance. Talkspace has therapists specifically licensed in relationship and marriage counseling, and they accept insurance from Premera, Cigna, Optum, Aenta, and more. For couples who have insurance, Talkspace offers an affordable, convenient way to work on their relationship from home.

To start with Talkspace, you and your partner will answer a few questions about your relationship issues and your therapist preferences. While the initial assessment is brief, it may be a good opportunity for you and your partner to get on the same page about what you’re looking for in a couples counselor. Next, you’ll indicate whether you’ll pay out-of-pocket or with insurance. We like that Talkspace tells you whether or not they take your insurance before you create an account.

According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Stress in America survey , 60 percent of Americans surveyed report that money is a cause of a lot of stress and fights in the family. If financial strain is an issue in your marriage but you have access to insurance, Talkspace could be a great choice for couples therapy. Average insurance copays for Talkspace are $30 or less, while out-of-pocket per-session fees for in-person couples therapy usually start around $100 per session, but can be as high as $200 or more per session. Removing the financial stress of therapy may make it easier for both partners to feel positive about moving forward with couples counseling.

It’s important to note that Talkspace offers both marriage counseling and relationship counseling for couples who aren’t yet married or choose not to be married. Premarital counseling is also a key Talkspace offering for couples who want help navigating new changes in their relationship as they had towards marriage. Research shows couples who have premarital counseling generally have better outcomes than those who don’t. “Every couple would benefit from pre-marital counseling,” says Audrey Schoen, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) at Balanced Private Practice . “Couples can have difficult but important conversations in a safe and facilitated environment, providing them with valuable skills and deep understanding of each other that will serve them for a lifetime.”

For couples saving for a wedding or buying a house, insurance could allow them to fit counseling within a tight budget. Typically, only one person’s insurance is billed for couples counseling, and often billing is connected to one partner’s diagnosis. For example, if one partner has a diagnosis of depression that affects the overall relationship, their insurance will cover couples therapy. It’s always a good idea, though, to confirm coverage with your insurance company.

“For couples counseling, know the details of each person’s personal insurance plan and what is covered. When providers bill insurance, we use billing codes that identify what kind of therapy was provided (individual, family, couples). A good way to know is to inquire with the insurance company to see if they offer coverage for a partner in support of an existing client with a diagnosis. But, if someone is billing for an individual therapy session and a different kind of session took place, that can be considered insurance fraud.”

Talkspace offers a seven-day free trial, but you must put a credit card on file. We appreciate the option to “try before you buy.” However, this free trial is mobile-only and might not be a good option for people who prefer to use a computer.

Online-therapy.com: Best for improving communication 

• Best for: improving communication.
• Cost: $440 per month.
• Session lengths: 45 minutes.

Online-Therapy.com is our choice for improving communication between couples because all of its therapists are trained in solution-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We also like that Online-Therapy offers bonus features, including yoga videos, and is a more affordable option for couples paying out-of-pocket. Subscription plans start at just $88 per week for the first month (with the 20% discount offered at checkout).

All of Online-Therapy’s providers are trained in CBT, which has been shown to be effective in improving communication and resolving conflict between partners. The Online-Threrapy couples program is intended to help you identify issues and patterns, create long-term goals, and then break the patterns that are holding you back.

Through Online-Therapy, couples can work with their therapist on CBT-specific communication skills, such as changing negative beliefs about oneself or one’s partner and developing self-awareness and self-regulation. According to Johanna Padilla, AMFT, the CBT approach in couples counseling “supports clear and concise language with an emphasis on exploring evidence for negative thoughts and beliefs.” For motivated couples, Online-Threapy also offers an intensive CBT-based program—offered on mobile or desktop— that can be completed as a complement to therapy. Our testers liked that Online-Therapy.com offers worksheets, activity plans, and even yoga videos for use outside of sessions. Couples can work through the materials individually or together.

Notes from our testers indicate that Online-Therapy providers interact with the platform’s CBT features to a varying degree. If you’re focused on improving communication skills and want to use the platform’s CBT tools to develop those skills, be sure to make this clear to your therapist early in your sessions.

Unfortunately, setting up appointments on Online-Therapy is a pain point for some users. Availability of therapists varies by location, and some testers encountered a poor selection of available appointment slots when trying to schedule with different therapists, including:

• Appointments only available for two hours during the weekday.
• A few random time slots available during the weekday.
• Appointments only available on Sunday.

Because couples are balancing more than one schedule, using the Online-Therapy platform could be challenging. Be aware that you can always request to switch providers to find someone with a schedule that better matches your and your partners’ needs.

Little Otter: Best for parenting issues

• Best for: parenting issues.
• Cost: $800 per month (or the cost of your copay per session).
• Session lengths: 30-75 minutes, depending on type of session.
• Types of services offered: Children and couples therapy, parenting support, psychiatry.

Little Otter is our top choice for couples seeking therapy specifically to address parenting issues. The providers on this platform are licensed therapists trained in child and family mental health. In addition to live video sessions, couples can take assessments to track their progress and get access to content curated for their family’s needs.

Little Otter is a platform with a cute name but a serious approach to your family’s mental health. Their offerings are focused on helping the entire family get through hard times. To get started on Little Otter, you’ll take a brief assessment about your family and receive a free, personalized report with a summary of your responses. The report outlines behaviors within your family, identifying them as either typical or concerning, and offers an analysis of those behaviors and tangible ways to start finding solutions. Our tester’s report showed typical levels of family stress, but still offered the suggestion that it’s a good idea to work on family dynamics when things are going well, in preparation for harder times. After reading your report, you’ll book a “kickoff” session during which a provider will get the information they need to build a care plan.

For couples, Little Otter offers either parent support counseling or parent specialist sessions.

Parent therapy helps couples build a better atmosphere for their children by learning to manage their stress and improve their communication skills. The parent specialty program is a little different in that it helps parents develop strategies for specific parenting challenges, such as managing difficult behaviors in their children, helping their children cope with grief, or easing sibling rivalry.

The Little Otter app includes ongoing assessments, educational resources, and progress trackers. We like that the platform takes a team approach to counseling, bringing in different providers depending on your needs. For example, if medication management becomes part of your care plan, you can see a psychiatrist in one of your monthly sessions.

The availability of Little Otter therapists may be limited depending on your location. The platform is currently only available to patients in California, Colorado, Washington D.C., Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Little Otter is currently only in-network with Independence Blue Cross, AmeriHealth, and Sana, which means that most clients pay out of pocket.

Thriveworks: Best for choosing your own provider

• Best for: choosing your own provider.
• Cost: $640-$700 per month (or the cost of your copay per session).

Thriveworks is our top choice for couples who want to choose their own therapist. Their directory has multiple filters for selecting a therapist based on language spoken, counseling approach, and more. We also like that many Thriveworks providers offer in-person options in addition to their audio and video offerings.

To get started with Thriveworks, head to their website and click on the “couples/marriage counseling” icon. From there, you’ll be directed to a page listing licensed therapists in your geographic area. You can narrow the results using the following filters:

• Visit type (in-person or video visit).
• Clinician gender (female, male, non-binary/non-conforming).
• Client age.
• Language spoken by therapist (options include English, Spanish, French, Hindi, and more).
• Counseling approach (options include cognitive behavioral therapy, Gottman trained, Internal family systems (IFS), and more).

We like that Thriveworks offers so many filters for finding a therapist. Also, most of the therapist bios are highly detailed and informative, including information about fees (including insurances accepted), degrees and certifications, number of years practicing, and a detailed explanation of their approach. Each bio includes a “get to know your therapist” section with answers to questions like, “What types of clients do you work best with?” and “What’s one thing you wish all clients knew?”

For couples who are just starting therapy, working together to find a therapist they both feel comfortable with could help them feel like equal partners in the therapy process. According to associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT) Johanna Padilla, it’s important to agree on a therapist who is “a good fit for the goals and struggles of the relationship itself, not each person’s needs individually. Choosing a therapist who is more aligned with one partner than the other can breed additional arguments or impair the therapeutic alliance in sessions.”

It’s important to know that the availability of couples counselors on Thriveworks will vary by location. For example, a search for couples counselors in Tallahassee, Florida yields 21 providers, a search in Dallas, Texas yields 17 results, and a search in Bloomington, Indiana yields only three. Some states, like Idaho and North Dakota, do not appear to have Thriveworks providers who offer couples counseling at this time.

Frequently asked questions

Is couples therapy effective.

Couples therapy can be effective for people in relationships whether they are newly dating, engaged to be married, or committed for decades.

How does online couples therapy work?

Users can expect their couples counseling subscription to include live video sessions and messaging with their therapist between sessions. When signing up, you may have to fill out an initial questionnaire about why you’re pursuing mental health care before being able to search for a therapist who fits your needs and schedule.

How much does online couples therapy cost?

Online couples therapy can cost between $200 and $700 per month. The cost varies depending on whether the platform accepts insurance or offers discounts and financial aid.

• Adamczyk, K., Watkins, N., Dębek, A., Kaczmarek D, & Łazarów, N. Relationship (in)congruency may differently impact mental health. (2023, July). International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 3. Link
• Kysely, A., Bishop, B., Kane, R.T., McDevitt, M., De Palma. M., & Rooney, R. (2022, February). couples therapy delivered through videoconferencing: Effects on relationship outcomes, mental health and the therapeutic alliance. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. Link
• FTC says Online Counseling Service BetterHelp Pushed People into Handing over Health Information – and Broke its Privacy Promises. (2023, March 3). Federal Trade Commission. Link
• The Harris Poll. (n.d.). Research method and reading the report (By American Psychological Association). Link
• Carroll, J.S., & Doherty, W.J. (2004, February 17). Evaluating the effectiveness of premarital prevention programs: A meta-analytic review of outcome research. Family Relations, 52(2), 105-118. Link
• Fischer, D. J., & Fink, B. C. (2014). Clinical processes in behavioral couples therapy. Psychotherapy, 51(1), 11–14. Link

Social Trends

Never stop moving.

Starting an Online Business on a Budget

Dreaming of starting your own online business but worried about the financial commitment? You’re not alone. The good news is that launching an enterprise online has never been more accessible or affordable. With strategic planning and creativity, you can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality, even on a tight budget.

Identifying Your Niche

Finding your niche is the first step to setting the foundation of your budget-friendly online business. It should be a unique intersection of your passion, skills, and a market need. This process requires research and introspection but is crucial for creating a business that stands out in the digital landscape.

Leveraging Free Tools

Thankfully, many tools and resources can help get your online business off the ground without breaking the bank. From designing your logo and marketing materials using free graphic design software to managing projects and customer relationships with free management tools, the internet is full of cost-effective solutions for new entrepreneurs.

Creating a compelling online presence is crucial for any online business. With the right tools, designing a functional and visually appealing website can be straightforward and cost-effective. Exploring top website builders can help you find platforms that align with your business needs, allowing you to create a professional-looking website without extensive technical knowledge or a significant financial investment.

Building a Community

Engaging with your audience and building a community around your brand can be a cost-effective way to maintain interest and loyalty among your customers. Utilize social media, forums, and email newsletters to connect with your audience, share valuable content, and encourage customer feedback and interaction.

Scaling Wisely

As your online business grows, it’s important to scale wisely. Reinvest profits back into the business cautiously, focusing on the areas that offer the highest return on investment. This might mean expanding your product line, investing in marketing, or enhancing your website. Decide based on data and customer feedback to ensure sustainable growth.

Starting Small

One of the keys to starting an online business on a budget is to start small. Launch with a minimum viable product (MVP) – a version of your product with just enough features to satisfy early customers and provide feedback for future product development. This strategy minimizes initial costs while allowing you to test and improve your offering.

Adapting and Innovating

The online marketplace is constantly evolving, so staying adaptable and open to innovation is crucial for long-term success. Keep an eye on industry trends, technological advancements, and shifts in consumer behavior to continuously adapt and innovate your offerings. This proactive approach can set your business apart in a competitive digital world.

Smart Marketing

Marketing is essential for any business, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Social media platforms offer a powerful way to reach potential customers for little to no cost. Content marketing , email marketing, and leveraging SEO are all budget-friendly strategies that can help you build a robust online presence and attract your target audience.

Utilizing Customer Feedback

Actively seeking and utilizing customer feedback is pivotal in refining your offerings and enhancing your business strategy. Encourage reviews, conduct surveys, and engage directly with your customers through social media to gather insights. This direct line of communication not only fosters stronger relationships but also provides valuable data that can inform your business decisions.

Focus on SEO

Maximizing the visibility of your online business through search engine optimization (SEO) is a cost-efficient method to attract more visitors without heavy advertising spending. Understanding and applying the fundamentals of SEO to your website and content can significantly impact your organic reach and rankings on search engines.

Starting an online business on a budget is entirely possible with the right approach, tools, and mindset. By identifying your niche, starting small, leveraging free or inexpensive resources, focusing on building a community, and incorporating strategies like customer feedback, SEO, and adaptability into your growth plan, you can launch and expand a successful online business without a hefty initial investment. The digital world is ripe with opportunities for those willing to explore, innovate, and commit to their vision.

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Pro-Palestinian protests in US could impact 2024 election

• By Veronica Balderas Iglesias

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Despite the fact that many of their encampments at university campuses have been dismantled, pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the United States are standing their ground. If the protests continue, some analysts say they could have an impact on the 2024 presidential election. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias explains.

Gaza protesters face speech restraints and legal consequences

Police arrest 33 at George Washington University protest encampment