How to Start an Online Counseling Business: Build Your Online Therapy Practice and Private Practice

Feb 10

Telehealth isn’t new. But over the last two years, it’s become extremely popular. Many therapists have switched to online counseling. But for some, the main question is “How to start an online counseling business?”

The transition to an online practice doesn't have to be daunting. In fact, for many therapists and clients, teletherapy has become the preferred mode of engagement. The convenience it offers is unparalleled—therapists can conduct sessions from the comfort of their own homes or offices, while clients can participate in therapy sessions without the hassle of commuting and waiting room discomfort.

How to Start Your Own Online Counseling Business

When you decide to start an online therapy practice, you're not just a therapist; you're a business owner. This perspective is crucial, as it will shape how you approach every aspect of your practice. From practice management to effective marketing, understanding the entrepreneurial side of your profession is essential.

First, you’ll need to have a business plan. This is true for any private practice. When you start an online therapy practice, you become an entrepreneur. With that comes responsibilities. You work for yourself now, you call the shots, but there are legal and ethical considerations you need to follow. Just like a traditional private practice, online therapy comes with legal and ethical considerations. Make sure you're well-versed in the laws and regulations governing online therapy practice in your jurisdiction. This includes understanding licensure requirements, privacy laws, and ensuring HIPAA compliance.

Part of having a business plan is thinking about who you’re doing business with. Have your potential clients in mind. What do they do? How old are they? What’s their gender expression? What hobbies do they have? What are their values? All of these questions (and more) need to be part of what you think about when you start an online therapy practice.

You also need to think about what your fees are going to be and how many clients you can realistically work with. Reverse engineer how many clients you want to see by how much money you want to make during a week. This will be based on how much you’re going to charge. If you want to see three clients a day, work five days a week, and you want to make $2250 per week, then you need to charge $150 per session. You can even work backward from how much you want to make in a year.

Unless you already have a space you prefer to work out of, one of the beautiful things about having an online therapy practice is that you don’t have to pay rent on an office. However, creating a professional website and comfortable environment for your online practice is essential. Ensure good lighting, minimal distractions, and a clutter-free background. A well-designed online space enhances the therapeutic experience for both you and your potential clients.

In addition, overhead costs will be less. You don’t need to pay an assistant or receptionist. All you have to worry about is taxes and whatever your extra expenses are, like webinars, courses, outsourcing your website design, writing, or joining group practices like the Therapist Network. You will need to look into the right technology. Selecting the right technology platform for online therapy practice is critical. There are several options available, ranging from video conferencing software to dedicated telehealth services. Choose a platform that’s secure and reliable, HIPAA-compliant, and user-friendly.

Another thing you’ll have to think about is what you’re going to call your online practice. You’ll also need to think about your logo and design for your professional website. A strong online presence is a cornerstone of any successful online therapy practice. Create a website that showcases your expertise, mental health services, and approach. Your professional website is your digital storefront, so ensure it reflects your brand and resonates with potential clients. You can outsource the website if it’s too overwhelming for you, but you can design a logo in Canva for free.

Start an Online Therapy Practice: How to Market Your Online Therapy Practice

You didn’t learn how to market your online therapy practice in grad school. With the rise of social media platforms, marketing your online therapy practice has changed dramatically.

So many therapists are on Instagram and TikTok creating videos, reels, stories, and posts relevant to the work they do. We highly recommend having your own social media platforms to keep up with the changing times and market your online therapy practice.

Another way to market your online therapy practice is through search engine optimization (SEO). SEO-optimized websites and blogs are a great way to market your online therapy practice without having to do much work. Once you’ve optimized your site, it does the work for you because Google is constantly crawling your site. If you don’t have time to write your website or your blogs, outsource them!

Use LinkedIn as a way to connect with other therapists. You should have a network of therapists in your life who you can not only talk to about what you do but also get referrals from.

There are also forums online where you can find other therapists. Again, The Therapist Network is a great resource for online counselors to connect. It may feel like it, but you’re not alone, even though you’re sitting in your office in front of a computer screen all day by yourself. Use networks to connect with other therapists who are doing the same thing you are – navigating new territory in the online space.

Pros and Cons of Start an Online Therapy

There are a lot of benefits to having an online counseling business. But there are also some downsides. It’s important to consider what makes the most sense for you. But it’s also important to consider today’s climate. Now that so many people are working from home, many people have discovered that they love attending online therapy as well.

Let's delve further into the benefits and considerations of running an online counseling business:

Convenience: Online counseling offers unparalleled convenience for both therapists and clients. Clients can access therapy from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for commuting and minimizing disruptions to their daily routines.
Comfort and Accessibility: The familiarity of one's own environment can make clients feel more at ease and willing to open up during sessions. Online therapy also increases accessibility for those with physical disabilities or mobility constraints.
Elimination of Commute: The elimination of commuting not only saves time but also reduces stress and expenses related to travel. Clients can use the time they would have spent commuting on self-care or other productive activities.
Privacy and Discretion: Online therapy provides clients with a discreet option for seeking help. There are no uncomfortable waiting rooms, and clients can choose a private and comfortable space for their sessions.
Insight into Clients' Lives: Therapists gain a unique perspective into clients' lives by observing the environment they inhabit. This can provide valuable insights and help therapists tailor their approaches accordingly.
Technological Challenges: Technology glitches, such as poor internet connections or software issues, can disrupt or prematurely end sessions. It's essential to have contingency plans in place and be adept at handling such situations.
Limited Nonverbal Cues: Reading body language and facial expressions can be more challenging through a screen, potentially affecting the depth of understanding during sessions. Therapists must adapt their strategies to ensure effective communication.
Reduced Eye Contact: While it may seem like you're making eye contact on-screen, it's not the same as in-person interaction. This can impact the connection between therapist and client, necessitating innovative ways to establish rapport.
Digital Literacy: Clients and therapists both need to be comfortable with technology and have access to reliable devices. Technical difficulties can create frustration and hinder the therapeutic process.
Licensing and Regulation: Navigating the legal and ethical landscape of providing online therapy across different jurisdictions can be complex. Therapists must ensure they are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Loss of Tangibility: The absence of physical presence can make interventions involving touch or physical materials challenging to implement effectively.

In the current era where remote work and virtual interactions have become the norm, online therapy has gained significant traction. Its inherent convenience, comfort, and accessibility have led many individuals to embrace this mode of counseling. For therapists, the ability to provide effective support while accommodating clients' lifestyles and preferences is a major advantage. While some challenges exist, the ever-evolving landscape of technology and the growing acceptance of online services suggest that online counseling is indeed a viable and enduring model for the future.

Best Practices for Telehealth Counseling

One of the major components to having a successful online counseling business is being familiar with the technology. Make sure you’re familiar with the platform you choose. A lot of therapists use doxy.me, but there are other platforms out there. It’s also important to be informed about HIPAA compliance when it comes to practicing therapy online.

Some other best practices include:

Connection and Engagement: Establishing a strong connection with your clients is key in an online setting. Maintain eye contact by looking directly into the camera, simulating face-to-face interaction. Modulate your voice and incorporate hand gestures to keep your communication engaging and relatable.
Tech Literacy: Make sure both you and your clients are comfortable using the chosen technology. Offer guidance if needed and address any technical issues promptly to ensure sessions run smoothly.
Comfort and Environment: Create a comfortable and private space for your online sessions. Encourage your clients to do the same. An environment free from distractions enhances the therapeutic experience.
Interactive Tools: Utilize digital tools, worksheets, handouts, and interactive games to facilitate engagement and learning during sessions. These resources can enhance your clients' experience and offer them tangible takeaways.
Embrace the Change: Recognize that online therapy is a new frontier and be open to adapting your approach. Acknowledge the differences from in-person sessions and be ready to embrace the unique benefits that virtual therapy can offer.
Resource Sharing: Provide your clients with a curated list of resources that align with their therapeutic goals. These resources can include self-help books, articles, podcasts, and relevant community support groups.

At the end of the day, having an online counseling business is as good as you make it. Make sure your clients’ experience is a positive one. But also don’t forget your experience as a therapist, Make sure that online counseling is the right avenue for you. Only you know what’s a good fit.

Practicing therapy online can be lonely. If it’s something you’re thinking about, we’re here to help. If you’re interested in learning how to start an online counseling business but don’t know where to begin, we’re here to support you in whatever way we can. The Therapist Network provides an opportunity to make connections with other therapists who have made the leap into teletherapy. Join the network to build relationships with other therapists. You don’t have to go it alone!

Feb 10, 2022