Essentials of Private Practice: Streamlining Costs, Procedures, and Policies for Less Stress

Forget the fact that the author is a psychologist. Do not let that dissuade you from purchasing this book if you are not in the mental health care field. Perhaps 98% of the information is applicable to any health care provider wanting to establish a private practice. The book is filled with treasure. The first sections elaborate on where to look for a potential office/clinic, what questions to ask the prospective building manager (and when to ask them), and how to get an effective phone/voicemail system established. The section on cancellation policies alone is worth the price of the book, as are Dr. Hunt's examples of how to diplomatically pursue outstanding payments. She also devotes a sizable portion of the book to navigating the difficult realm of insurance. To put a human face to the book, Dr. Hunt showcases her past successes and failures (and those of her colleagues) in her first attempts at establishing a private practice. This book is excellent -- very engaging and seldom boring, concise and pithy. It provokes a proactive spirit. It should be required reading for any health care worker fresh out of school, about to begin a private practice, and with little to no business experience.

I could have used a bit more on marketing, but really like this book. I bought it after "How to Survive and Thrive as a Therapist" which had more on the practice itself and not so much on the business end of things. A very helpful book and I am SO glad I bought it!

Holly Hunt's book, Essentials of Private Practice has been helpful to me in setting up my private Coaching business. I found the sections on setting up phone practices and cancellation policies especially helpful. I was able to avoid costly mistakes because of the experiences Holly Hunt shared. In addition, the section on selecting an office helped me select the right office for me. Now I am moving into a successful Coaching business, that is efficient and effectively managed.

I agee with the other reviewers completely. This book was engaging to read, clear, and the charts were practical. I enjoyed the authors use of her own experiences as well as the experiences of other practitioners. The narrative format created an interesting way to address sensitive issues and potentially difficult areas involved in practice. I found the book to address the delicate aspects of the relationship shared between clients and therapists and the issues that are the hardest with which to deal because they highlight that mental health work is about helping people and business, and how business, treatment and ethics are intertwined.

This book takes you through all the details, big and small of setting up your own practice. Dr. Hunt explains her points concisely, with helpful anecdotes from personal experience. The book is very easy to read with easy to reference chapters and section highlights. There are useful templates in the back for finances, intaking, and forcasting future needs. I found this book to be one of the most useful books in getting started. Even if you are a seasoned private practictioner, this book can help you streamline and cut costs even more, or simply be a fresh reminder.