Opening a Counseling Practice in California (Greater Los Angeles)

Hello Dr. Centore,

Thank you for educating us about private practice! I am just beginning to get set up with a paid-internship under a psychologist in private practice in the Greater Los Angeles Area. I have already hit some bumps in the road. My question is this: Can I advertise my services and also list certain insurance companies (Beacon, Magellan, UHG, Medical) since these companies are the only ones thus far who will accept my PCCI services under my supervisor’s license? If so, can I also advertise on your free
advertisement (like the Psy. Today) and should I also advertise on Psy. Today? I am seeking to build my clientele on Tuesday evenings and Sundays since I am a full-time employed public-school educator for a few more years and I am able to use my supervisor’s office when he is not there. The challenge is getting clients to the office on Sundays (Greater Los Angeles Area); well with the right advertisement, maybe this will not be a challenge.
Thank you for your time and advice,

Jessica

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Jessica

Good questions. Answers are below!

Can I advertise my services and also list certain insurance companies (Beacon, Magellan, UHG, Medical) since these companies are the only ones thus far who will accept my PCCI services under my supervisor’s license?

Yes, I don’t see any problems with this at all. It’s not unusual for providers to say that they’re in network with specific insurance companies, when promoting their practices.

If so, can I also advertise on your free advertisement (like the Psy. Today) and should I also advertise on Psy. Today?

I would try to advertise on Psy Today. It’s $30 a month, and can work well. Upload a good image, and write a compelling bio (see mistake #6 and #7 in this article: https://twx.atlantacounseling.com/blog/counselors-top-10-marketing-mistakes/). For advertising on Thriveworks, what you can do is submit an article to our blog (see our guidelines here: https://twx.atlantacounseling.com/guest-post-contributor-article-guidelines/) and if the article meets the standards, at the bottom you can talk about your practice, and post your phone number, and even a link to your website.
I am seeking to build my clientele on Tuesday evenings and Sundays since I am a full-time employed public school educator for a few more years and I am able to use my supervisor’s office when he is not there. The challenge is getting clients to the office on Sundays (Greater Los Angeles Area); well with the right advertisement, maybe this will not be a challenge.

Tuesday evenings are very popular times. Sundays can be good also!

Thank you for your time and advice,

Anytime Jessica!