What is Private Practice?
Professional counselors work in many different settings including schools, hospitals, agencies, DCS, home-based services, addiction rehab centers, churches, and more. Private Practice is when a licensed counselor chooses to provide therapy directly to clients without working for an agency or organization.
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When a counselor goes into private practice, they are literally starting their own business. If they are the only one providing counseling, they are a Solo Practitioner. If they hire more counselors to work in their practice, it is a Group Practice and they are a Group Practice Owner. Both are considered "Private Practice" and anyone working either as an employee in a group practice or as a solo practitioner is considered working in private practice.
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Many counselors opt for private practice to have a flexible schedule with fewer demands than found in agency or hospital work. The opportunity to specialize is also appealing for many going into private practice as they have more control over the types of clients they want to see.
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If you want to go into private practice, you'll need a Master's degree and a license to practice therapy as well as some basic business knowledge to start. Marketing, time-management, and leadership skills will be necessary to grow beyond start-up.
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There are MANY courses, coaches, books, and podcasts that help counselors launch and grow private therapy practices. Once you have your license, much of the private practice business can be self-taught!