It takes a community to care for a community.

Managing your own business can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Practice Better Together is a blog dedicated to the realities of starting and running your own private counseling practice. Specifically focused on the the logistics of self employment, here you will find tips, tools, wisdom and advice on how to care for your one employee — you!

Even though we are stepping out on our own, we still need help and a community to lean on. It is my sincere hope that the lessons I have learned and continue to learn will help you in your journey as well.

From the blog

Starting a private practice

Thinking about stepping out on your own? This essential series is designed to walk you step-by-step through the process. You’ve got this. Trust me.

Recent posts

Blog
Therapists and Client Interactions in Public: Did I Break Confidentiality?
Therapists and Client Interactions in Public: Did I Break Confidentiality?

Mental health therapists and other medical professionals are well versed in the rules of confidentiality and HIPPA while in the workplace. But what happens when you run into a client in public?

Caricature of a Therapist: the Double Standard of How our Looks Determine our Success.
Caricature of a Therapist: the Double Standard of How our Looks Determine our Success.

The world we live in holds women and minority groups at a higher standard for looking presentable than it does men. I hate to say it, but there are negative repercussions for your career if you do not look the part.

How much does it cost to start a private therapy practice?
How much does it cost to start a private therapy practice?

Early in my career if I shared my dream of starting a private therapy practice, naysayers would often point out that my overhead would be too high. Here are some common fears around private practice overhead costs and what to realistically expect.

Taxes for Sole Proprietors: What to Bring to an Appointment with your Tax Preparer
Taxes for Sole Proprietors: What to Bring to an Appointment with your Tax Preparer

Hiring a tax preparer is very important if you are a new business owner. Here you will find a list of things to consider and important documents to gather as you prepare to do your taxes this year.

Tax Deductions and Write Offs for Private Practice Therapists
Tax Deductions and Write Offs for Private Practice Therapists

The first time you consider tax write offs and deductions, it can be overwhelming. Here you will find a comprehensive list of all possible deductions as a private practice therapist.

Charging Deductibles, Copays and Coinsurance in your Private Therapy Practice.
Charging Deductibles, Copays and Coinsurance in your Private Therapy Practice.

When you work for yourself as a private practice therapist you have to wear all the hats; you are now the billing department. This is your guide for navigating the confusing world of deductibles, copays and coinsurance.

About

Image of Ashley sitting in her office with her dog Freya.

Ashley Diehl is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor practicing in Danvers, Massachusetts. She has a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Counseling; allowing for unique insight into running and maintaining a private practice business. She has been practicing since 2017 and specializes in both individual and group therapy settings. Certification in EMDR in progress.