Why We Need to Prepare Mental Health Professionals for Private Practice—Now More Than Ever
- Dr. LaNita Jefferson
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
by Dr. Lanita M. Jefferson, Ph.D., LPCS, LPC and Dr. Ashley Waddington, Ph.D., LPCS, LPC
Private mental health practice is growing fast—and rightfully so. More and more
individuals are seeking therapy, and many clinicians are choosing to go the private practice route to meet that need in a more flexible, direct way. But here’s the problem: while our students are graduating clinically strong, many of them tell me they feel completely unprepared to run a private practice.
As someone who owns a private practice and supervises counselors-in-training, I hear
this all the time—from interns, new graduates, and even colleagues who’ve been in the field for a while. They know how to serve their clients, but when it comes to things like billing, marketing, legal paperwork, or even how to set fees—they’re unsure and overwhelmed. And let’s be honest, that can lead to stress, burnout, and sometimes costly mistakes.
That’s why I’m strongly advocating for structured Private Practice training specifically
designed for mental health professionals. It’s no longer enough for our students to leave graduate programs with only clinical knowledge—they need practical, real-world skills that prepare them for the realities of entrepreneurship in this field.
Dr. Waddington and I are hosting a training that shares a lot of information for
counselors-in-training, new counselors, and colleagues in the field to help them with creating
their own private practice. The training we are offering will be held in person, in Columbia, SC, or virtually for those that are not able to attend in person on August 22, 2025 from 9 AM to 12 PM. The training will be jam packed with information to include navigating insurance panels and handling documentation to marketing their services and managing overhead costs, these are essential competencies that directly impact a clinician’s ability to stay in business and serve their communities.
Without this training, many passionate and talented therapists struggle to sustain their practices or avoid common ethical pitfalls. By intentionally integrating private practice education into our programs—through workshops, courses, or even a certificate track—we can give our students a stronger foundation. This training not only helps them build ethical and effective practices but also ensures that these practices are financially sustainable and culturally responsive—especially when serving diverse or underserved populations. When our future clinicians are fully equipped, everyone wins: the therapist, the professional, and most importantly, the clients who need care.
We’d be helping them learn how to navigate the business side of things like:
● Insurance billing and credentialing
● Setting up legal structures and staying compliant
● Marketing in ways that feel authentic and reach the people who need them most
● Managing finances and setting boundaries
● And making sure they’re serving communities with cultural humility
The goal is simple: let’s equip our future counselors and psychologists to not only help
others—but to also thrive in their careers. Private practice should feel empowering, not
overwhelming. A certificate program would give our graduates the confidence and competence to step into private practice knowing they’re ready—both clinically and professionally.
If you are interested in learning more about private practice, here is the link to sign up:
Dr. Jefferson's Contact Information:
Dr. Lanita M. Jefferson, Owner Ph.D., LPCS, LPC
Jefferson Wellness and Consulting LLC
Phone: 803-318-9826
Fax:(803)219-2803
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