6 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN STARTING A CANADIAN PRIVATE PRACTICE | EP 203
Starting a Canadian private practice can be such an exciting time in your life, but also very overwhelming!
This means that sometimes things can get missed, or too much time can be spent on one task, running the risk of other important steps falling through the cracks. In private practice, anything missing could have serious consequences! It is important to be thorough.
So, I thought it would be helpful to share a couple of common mistakes and how to avoid them!
Jane is an all-in-one health and wellness practice management platform designed to be helpful to you, no matter how or where you practice. Available online and on any device, Jane offers branded online booking, beautiful scheduling, insurance management, customizable charting, online intake forms, patient reminders, integrated payment processing, online appointments (telehealth) and more! Use the code FEARLESS2MO at signup to receive your first month completely free!
In This Episode
- Waiting for perfect clarity before launching
- Using US advice without adapting to Canada
- Underestimating privacy/security needs for a Canadian practice
- Setting policies too late
- Not blocking out consistent admin time
- Growing before your foundations are stable
Waiting for perfect clarity before launching
The cost of waiting for perfect clarity can be months of delay in launching your practice, which can lead to lost revenue and delays in building up your clientele base.
‘When I started my private practice, I was definitely guilty of this. I wanted everything to be perfect before my website went live. I wanted the perfect logo, the right niche, and a beautiful website. Since that took time, I waited to launch [for] a couple of months! Whereas if I just went live with a basic website and built it up over time to what I wanted it to be, I could have started seeing clients so much sooner.’ – Jules Smith
That’s why I love using WordPress. It gives you everything you need to start your website. With its built-in optimization and responsive, mobile-ready themes, there’s no limit to who you can reach with your new website. No matter the size of your budget, WordPress has a plan that’s right for you!
Using US advice without adapting to Canada
‘Sometimes, [US-based advice] does not apply in Canada or in your province, so you want to make sure you are listening to Canadian content like this podcast! Or other Canadian podcasts, or Canadian websites talking about private practice in Canada.’ – Jules Smith
For example, many provinces require all healthcare data to be stored on Canadian servers. So, if you have been only listening to US-based advice, you may have accidentally purchased a subscription to a US-based private practice management system, which could place you in some hot water!
I highly recommend using JaneApp for a Canadian practice management system. Jane offers online booking, charting, scheduling, secure video, and invoicing on one secure, beautifully designed system. It makes admin a breeze and maintains an effective workflow.
‘I have peace of mind knowing that all of my client information is stored on Canadian servers, and as well, I am following the regulations of my province! So always remember to check what your province regulations are, as well as your college standards.’ – Jules Smith
Underestimating privacy/security needs for a Canadian practice
To send secure emails and keep my communication safe, I use and recommend Hushmail.
Hushmail protects your clients by adding encryption to your emails, web forms, and e-signatures. It’s secure, PIPEDA-compliant, and trusted by healthcare professionals worldwide. Plus, all of their servers are in Canada!
Additionally, consider Nord VPN. It helps protect your internet connection and privacy online when working. VPN stands for “virtual private network,” and it creates an encrypted tunnel for your data, protects your online identity by hiding your IP address, and allows you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely.
‘Basically, it’s an added level of protection and privacy while you are working online!’ – Jules Smith
Setting policies too late
While it is true that you don’t need everything to be perfect before launching your private practice, setting up your policies before you launch is essential.
‘Ideally, you want all of your policies set before you launch your private practice. This will avoid client resentment, inconsistent boundaries, and awkward money conversations. You want to make sure that you write policies early so that you have cancellation policies, late-cancellation policies, payment policies, and crisis policies.’ – Jules Smith
I know this can be a lot to research, think about, and write. So, you can always purchase my Fearless Practice Scripts that go over all of those policies. You can edit and discuss them with your attorney before publishing them for your practice’s launch.
Not blocking out consistent admin time
I highly recommend reserving admin time and completing it between sessions. If you don’t stay on top of your admin, it can lead to chronic stress, not being present with clients, and feeling overwhelmed.
‘Create time each week for admin that is solely for admin. For me, I do clinical hours in the evenings so my mornings are focused on admin. This really helps to space out when I am doing admin, taking a break, exercising, and then doing my clinical work.’ – Jules Smith
Growing before your foundations are stable
Sometimes you want a group private practice right away, so you start hiring therapists within the first couple of months of starting your private practice.
While some therapists may pull it off, for most therapists, this rapid growth pace may lead to burnout and overwhelm, and even risk associate or client dissatisfaction.
‘Make sure everything is working with the intake process, documentation, finances, and boundaries before you expand!’ – Jules Smith
Connect With Me
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Katie McLean: Combining Two Master’s Degrees into One Practice | EP 202
Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice
Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice
Jane App (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free)
Get started with Hushmail here and get one month for free!
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About Jules Smith
Jules Smith, MEd, RCT, CCC is a registered Counselling Therapist who owns a group private practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They are also the owner of Fearless Practice Consulting and hosts the Fearless Practice podcast. Through the Fearless Practice podcast, they provide invaluable insights and practical advice on starting and growing a successful Canadian private practice.
Jules also has written articles for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy association. You can learn more at www.ccpa-accp.ca/blog/.
