Let’s call it what it is: a systemic failure. We take bright, compassionate young clinicians, immerse them in rigorous academic programs, internships, and agency placements — all designed to forge masterful psychotherapists. However, the moment they step out, we throw them into the deep end of private practice without a single lesson in how to swim.

The Critical Operational Gap

Suddenly, the highly trained clinician is handed a 1099 contractor agreement, often with zero understanding that this piece of paper transforms them into an entrepreneur. We, practice owners, clinical directors, and senior clinicians, then—whether ignorantly or negligently—perpetuate an employer/employee dynamic, all while failing to truly equip them for the business of psychotherapy.

This critical gap is unique compared to other growth sectors:

• A Threat to the Future: While other industries, especially the tech sector, explode with accelerators and incubators that explicitly nurture entrepreneurial talent, we in traditional healthcare have watched them slowly but surely infiltrate our space, squeezing us out of the business and innovation conversation.
• Outdated Curriculum: The blunt truth is that many of our psychotherapy training programs are critically outdated. They must immediately integrate comprehensive business and healthcare innovation courses.
• Evolving Internships: Our agency-based learning and internships need to evolve, focusing equally on the attainment of indispensable business skills alongside clinical excellence.

Anything less than this systemic change is a disservice to our emerging professionals and, frankly, a threat to the future and accessibility of quality mental healthcare.

Join the Movement to Redefine Practice

Do you agree that we’re failing our own? If your answer is a resounding ‘YES,’ then consider this your invitation to be part of our solution.

Our private practice business Incubator for Therapists isn’t just an incubator; it’s a movement to redefine what’s possible for clinicians in private practice. It is designed to equip you with the business foundation you were never given.

Join the Movement: Explore Our Therapist Business Incubator.

(Disclaimer: This content provides general information regarding practice development and is not individualized clinical advice.)