2006 ACSW CONFERENCE
PRACTICAL APPROACHES
FOR STARTING A
PRIVATE PRACTICE
Presented by:
Thomas Baker, MSW, RSW
Bill Cunes, MA, RSW

THOMAS BAKER, MSW, RSW
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Background in Clinical Social Work,
Program Management & Teaching
Operating Private Practice since 1998
Personal & Relational Counselling
Contracts with Child & Family Services,
EAP Companies, MSB/Native Affairs and
Private Referrals
Mount Royal College Instructor

BILL CUNES, MA, RSW
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Background in Clinical Social Work,
Program Management & Teaching
Part-time Private Practice since 1981
& full-time since 2002
Focused on Individual, Family and
Couples Counselling
Contracts with Juvenile Probation, EAP
Companies, and Private Referrals
Part-time University of Calgary
Instructor

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Myths of Private Practice
Formulating a Business Plan
Establishing a Financial Plan
Developing a Marketing Plan
Professional Development
Self Care
Panel Discussion

STARTING A
PRIVATE PRACTICE
Analyzing the Pros and Cons of
Starting a Private Practice
Complete the Self-Assessment
Questionnaire during the
Presentation

MYTHS AND REALITIES OF
PRIVATE PRACTICE
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Independence
Lifestyle
Work Schedule
Income
Security
Personal Growth

IDENTIFICATION OF
SERVICES
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Professional Qualifications
Professional Interests
Professional Reputation
Market Assessment
Scope of Practice

LEGAL STATUS OF
BUSINESS
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Name of Organization
Sole Proprietorship
Limited Corporation
Corporate Registry
Tax Status

OFFICE SPACE
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Location
Size
Accessibility & Parking
Soundproofing
Costs
Sharing Space

OFFICE SET-UP
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Office Furniture
Office Equipment
Office Supplies
Telephone Service
Promotional Items

CLIENT FILES
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Client Information
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Client Involvement
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Client Billing

FILING SYSTEM
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Organization
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Security
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Retention of Files
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Access to File Information

FINANCIAL PLAN
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Start Up Costs
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Operating Costs
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Realistic Income Expectations

OPERATING COSTS
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Office Operation
Office Upkeep
Personnel
Vehicle
Insurance
Business Promotion
Taxes
Professional

BOOKKEEPING
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Bookkeeping System
•Accounts Payable
•Accounts Receivable
•Systematic Record Keeping
Computer Software Packages
Business Accountant

MARKETING PLAN
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Recruiting and Maintaining Referral
Sources
Networking
Contracting
Business Promotion
Developing a Client Base
Know Your Strengths and
Weaknesses

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
AND SELF CARE
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Professional Training
Peer Consultation and Support
Professional Supervision
Networking
Personal Time Out
Personal Supports and
Relationships