Private Practice Setup Checklist

Practice Type: Individual Therapy Location Type: Office Space Budget Range: Medium ($5,000-$15,000)

1. Legal & Regulatory Setup

✓

Business Entity Formation Essential

Register as an LLC or PLLC for liability protection (~$100-300 filing fee)
✓

Professional License Essential

Ensure your state therapy license is current and displayed in office
✓

Business Insurance Essential

Obtain professional liability and general business insurance (~$1,500/year)
✓

HIPAA Compliance Plan Essential

Develop privacy policies and procedures ($0 if self-created)

2. Physical Space & Furniture

✓

Office Lease Essential

Secure appropriate office space (~$800-1,500/month plus deposit)
✓

Therapy Room Furniture Essential

Comfortable seating for you and clients (~$1,200 for mid-range quality)
✓

Office Decor Recommended

Calming artwork, plants, and appropriate lighting (~$300-600)
✓

Sound Management Essential

White noise machine, door seals for privacy (~$100-200)

3. Technology & Software

✓

EHR/Practice Management Software Essential

SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, or similar (~$59-79/month)
✓

HIPAA-Compliant Email Essential

Hushmail or G Suite with BAA (~$5-15/month)
✓

Telehealth Platform Essential

Zoom for Healthcare or included with EHR (~$50-200/month)
✓

Computer Equipment Essential

Laptop/desktop, secure storage, backup solution (~$1,200)

4. Marketing & Branding

✓

Professional Website Essential

Website design and hosting (~$500-1,500 setup, $20/month ongoing)
✓

Online Directories Essential

Psychology Today, TherapyDen profiles (~$30/month each)
✓

Business Cards & Brochures Recommended

Professional printing services (~$100-200)
✓

Networking Budget Recommended

Professional association dues, meeting expenses (~$300-500/year)

5. Financial Management

✓

Business Banking Essential

Separate business checking and savings accounts (often free with minimum balance)
✓

Accounting Software Essential

QuickBooks, Wave, or FreshBooks (~$15-50/month)
✓

Payment Processing Essential

Stripe, Square, or payment processor in EHR (~2.9% + $0.30 per transaction)
✓

Accountant/Tax Advisor Recommended

Professional tax preparation and planning (~$500-1,000/year)

6. Professional Development

✓

Clinical Supervision Recommended

Ongoing supervision/consultation (~$100-200/session)
✓

Continuing Education Essential

Required CEUs for license maintenance (~$500-1,000/year)
✓

Professional Memberships Recommended

Relevant professional associations (~$150-300/year)

7. Client Management

✓

Intake Forms & Documentation Essential

Client forms, policies, informed consent (included in EHR or ~$200 for templates)
✓

Assessment Tools Recommended

Standardized assessments and screening tools (~$200-500)
✓

Scheduling System Essential

Online booking system (often included with EHR)
✓

Insurance Credentialing Recommended

Application fees and/or credentialing service (~$500-1,500)

This customized checklist was generated for an Individual Therapy practice in an Office Space setting with a Medium budget range. Adjust specific items based on your unique practice needs and local requirements.

Private Practice Setup Checklist Generator