Electronic Management Systems
Jane
Jane offers online booking, charting, scheduling, secure video, and invoicing on one secure, beautifully designed system. This Canadian practice management system makes admin a breeze and creates super efficient work flow. After signing up, input “FEARLESS” on Step one, in the field titled ‘Education, association, or corporate code to receive one month for free.
Website Builders
WordPress.com
WordPress.com gives you everything you need to start your website if you want to build it yourself. 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.com has a plan that’s right for you.
Beam Local
Beam Local is who built and manages my awesome Fearless Practice website. This Canadian company is great because they build professional websites for counsellors, maintain the website, provide unlimited support, and so much more! Plus, their websites are built on WordPress which gives you excellent SEO and design flexibility as your business grows. Get an amazing deal when you join!
Data Encryption
Hushmail’s Encrypted Email Platform
Keep your emails protected from hackers by using Hushmail’s encrypted email platform. 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!
Nord VPN
Use Nord VPN to 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. Nord VPN is what I use to keep my work activity private online, I love how affordable and easy it is!
Online Private Practice Essentials
Neewer Lighting Kit
Make your online private practice look professional! Good lighting is essential when you offer online video counselling as it helps clients to be able to see you and your facial expressions. I use the Neewer Lighting Kit and LOVE it! There are many lighting options and it’s portable so you can easily take it with you anywhere you go 🙂
Neewer Light Diffuser
To make the lighting soft and welcoming, I highly recommend purchasing the Neewer Light Diffuser. This diffuser will also make the light less harsh on your eyes so that it will be easier to use as you counsel clients.
White Noise Machine
If there is any risk of others being able to hear your sessions, then it is very important to invest in a white noise machine. I also find that using a white noise machine helps to put me into “work mode” and keeps me focused on the client as all household and outdoor sounds get masked by the machine. Dohm Classic White Noise Machine generates continuous white noise unlike cheaper sound recording products (where you can hear the looped sound end and then begin again, very annoying!). I’ve been using Dohm Classic White Noise Machines noise for years and it has totally been worth every penny 🙂
Computer Stand
Using a computer stand for your laptop is a great way to make sure that you are looking directly into the clients eyes instead of looking down at them. It also helps your neck not get sore from looking down at a computer and allows your laptop to breath and not get overheated.
Headphones
Using headphones ensures that clients can hear you as there is a microphone close to your face. It also gives more privacy for the client as only you can hear what they are saying. I use Urban Ear headphones as they have wonderful sound quality and the cable is made out of fabric so it’s easier to move around. I also use these wired headphones instead of wireless headphones because I don’t want to worry about the headphones battery dying in a session, having connectivity issues, or a sound delay.
Business Phone System
Grasshopper
Why pay for two cellphone bills when you can just pay for one! Grasshopper switches from your business phone number to your private number all on your personal cellphone. Save up to $50 when you purchase an annual plan.
Logo Design
Fiverr
Fiverr is a freelance service for all your business needs. I used this company to find a graphic designer to create both my private practice and consulting logos. It’s an affordable and an easy way to create your private practice logo 🙂
Business Cards
Moo
Moo offers stylish business cards that are also professional. With a business account, you can focus on what you do best, while they take care of your print needs.
Private Practice Directories
Psychology Today
Having tried many different ways to market my private practice, I’ve found that the directory, Psychology Today, has consistently been one of the main ways I get clients. Plus, it only costs $34.95 CAD (tax included) per month! Psychology Today allows you to easily showcase your private practice online. Psychology Today ads are also usually at the top of counselling google searches so this means that more people will likely see your listing! Want *6 FREE* months of Psychology Today that’ll give me a free month too? Email me your name and I’ll hook you up.
Open Path
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective is a non-profit nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing in-office mental health care-at a steeply reduced rate-to individuals, couples, children, and families in need. Instead of having to negotiate a sliding scale, refer clients to Open Path Collective where they can easily book one of your discount rate sessions. This site takes out the bargaining PLUS it’s free for therapists to join!
Extra Help
Next Level Practice
Next Level Practice is an on-going support system for counsellors who want to start and scale their own private practice. This all-in-one monthly membership program offers over 30 online courses, templates, and an online monthly small group meeting that will help you start your private practice.
