How to Start a Private Practice as a Therapist: Offices, Services, and Support
Starting a private practice is one of the most exciting steps in a therapist’s career. It gives you freedom, flexibility, and the ability to shape your work on your own terms. But launching a practice also raises big questions:
Where do I find an office?
What services do I actually need to run smoothly?
How do I balance clinical work with the business side of therapy?
At Classical Therapy, we’ve helped therapists move from idea to thriving practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started — and why choosing the right office and support services is often the key to success.
Step 1: Define Your Private Practice Vision
Before signing a lease or setting up your website, take a moment to define your goals:
Client base: Who do you want to serve (children, adults, couples, expats, etc.)?
Service type: Will you offer in-person therapy, telehealth, or both?
Schedule: Full-time practice, part-time, or a gradual build-up?
Clarity here makes every other decision easier.
Step 2: Secure a Professional Office Space
Your office is more than four walls — it’s part of the therapy itself. Clients want a calm, private, and professional setting. But leasing an office on your own can be expensive and restrictive.
Options therapists explore:
Traditional lease: High commitment, long contracts, often requires furnishing.
Coworking spaces: Flexible, but not always designed for confidential therapy.
Therapy-ready offices: Fully furnished, sound-treated, HIPAA-appropriate spaces designed for mental health professionals.
👉 At Classical Therapy, we provide therapy-ready luxury offices starting at $399/month*, giving you the professionalism your clients deserve without the overhead.
Step 3: Handle the Business & Administrative Side
Running a private practice isn’t just about sessions. You’ll also need:
Insurance credentialing & billing
Electronic Health Record (EHR) setup
Marketing & client acquisition
Scheduling & engagement tools
Professional liability coverage
Some therapists try to manage all of this themselves, but it can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where bundled services or practice-support memberships can save you time and money.
Step 4: Build Your Referral Network
No practice grows in isolation. Building strong referral pipelines is essential:
Connect with physicians, schools, and community organizations
Join therapist networks and professional associations
Invest in online presence (Google Business, Psychology Today, etc.)
At Classical Therapy, we also help market your profile directly to clients who are searching for high-quality therapy in your city.
Step 5: Choose the Right Support Model
Here are three common ways therapists structure their practice support:
DIY Practice – Full independence, but highest administrative load.
Group Practice Employment – Less autonomy, more overhead taken care of.
Hybrid Membership Models – Full autonomy over your clients, with shared office space and optional practice management support.
Classical Therapy is built on the hybrid model: you keep independence while we provide space, tools, and optional business services to help your practice thrive.
Ready to Start Your Private Practice?
Launching your own therapy practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right office, support services, and community, you can focus on what matters most: your clients.
✨ Learn more about joining our network of top-tier therapists and explore office membership options here:
classicaltherapy.org/forproviders