Starting Your Private Practice as a Therapist? Here’s What I Wish I Knew

Nicole Lobo
Jul 20
3 min read

Starting your own therapy practice is exciting—and overwhelming.

You’re finally ready to leave the agency world, graduate internship, or side hustle behind and create a practice that reflects you. But suddenly you’re faced with questions like:

Do I need a business license to start a private practice as a therapist?
How do I get therapy clients without social media?
What should I charge for therapy in Ontario?
What’s the difference between a sole proprietor and a professional corporation?
Is supervision still required in private practice?

If your browser history is full of these searches—you’re not alone.

As a Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, and founder of Be Well Therapy Studio, I’ve coached dozens of therapists through their early practice stages. I know how many hats you have to wear—clinician, marketer, admin, bookkeeper, web designer—and how easy it is to get stuck in fear or perfectionism.

This blog is your starting point.

🧭 Step 1: Get Clear on Your “Why”

Before you choose your logo or set your fee, get grounded in your mission.

What kind of therapist do you want to be?Who do you most want to help—and why?
Your "why" will drive your brand, shape your service model, and help you build a caseload you love.

🗂️ Step 2: Legal, Ethical, and Business Foundations

Here’s what you need to set up your practice in Ontario:

Register your business as a sole proprietor or professional corporation
Secure liability insurance (e.g., through CCPA, CRPO partnerships, or BMS)

CRPO-compliant policies (informed consent, record-keeping, cancellation, etc.)
Business bank account & bookkeeping system (e.g., QuickBooks, Wave)
HIPAA/PIPEDA-compliant documentation & virtual platform (e.g., Jane App, Owl)

🧾 Need help setting this up? My coaching includes customizable templates to get you compliant from day one.

💰 Step 3: Set Your Rates with Confidence

Therapists often undercharge out of fear or guilt.

Consider:

Your cost of living + practice expenses
Desired income
Industry averages in your area (e.g., $130–$180 in Ontario)
Your training and supervision needs

➡️ Tip: Set a rate you don’t resent. Resentment breeds burnout.

📣 Step 4: Attract Your First Clients (Without Selling Your Soul)

You don’t need to be an influencer to grow your practice. What you need is a strong message and a few well-placed systems.

Therapists often Google:

“How to market a private practice without Instagram”
“Do therapist directories work?”
“Best website platform for therapy practice”

My answer? Focus on the 3 marketing pillars:

Online Presence – a simple, clear website (Squarespace or Wix is fine!)
Findability – use Psychology Today, Lumino Health, and Google Business
Connection – speak directly to your ideal client’s pain points and goals

💬 Want help building a website that actually converts? I’ve supported therapists from concept to client load.

🧠 Bonus: What Nobody Tells You About Private Practice

It’s lonely if you don’t build community.
You’ll question yourself more than once.
You don’t need a full caseload overnight.
Your boundaries will make or break your sustainability.
Your work matters—even when it’s slow.

🎯 Want Support from a Therapist Who’s Been There?

I offer 1:1 business coaching for therapists building their practice in Ontario and across Canada. I blend real-world strategy with compassion and CRPO-informed insight, so you can grow ethically, confidently, and without burning out.

🧭 Topics we can explore together: