So, to help you on your journey, here are five essential steps to go through in setting up your therapy business, so that you can have the strongest foundations in place for success from the very start.  

1.Formulate your business plan

When you are attempting to start a new business, a well thought out and detailed plan is always recommended as a great way to ensure you have strong financial fundamentals in place, and stand the best possible chance of success in the therapy field.

Ensure firstly that you're fully aware of the paperwork involved, any expenses you may incur, and your time management and organisation skills. There will also be various legal requirements to account for in your plan, alongside financial goals, funding options, a marketing plan, and your goals for the future.

2. Choose your areas of therapeutic practice

The next step of setting up a therapy business is to think about and choose the type of therapy you and your business will be offering to your clients.

There are many different types of therapist career route that you might look to branch out into and specialise in, encompassing the likes of behavioural therapy, child therapy, divorce therapy, and even social therapy.

Once you have figured out which therapy discipline best suits your business vision and your pre-existing knowledge and passion, you can begin to determine the rest of your plans for your business. 

3. Research and expand your knowhow

Thirdly, you have to make sure you're fully prepared and adequately knowledgeable about the specialisation you chose in the previous step.

There are many places both in person and online that offer help, training, and even diplomas to ensure your clients know that you are correctly qualified to be trusted with their therapy needs.

Professional development organisations such as Nscience offer specialist therapist training in the UK, both online and offline. Always make sure you've done research into where you choose to take courses to ensure your own satisfaction, and that of your future clientele.

4.     Hire help and choose an office location

The fourth step is to decide on whether you wish to hire any help, such as an office administrator, more therapists to join you in your work, a manager to ensure your focus is on your clients and your business, and maybe some cleaning staff too to guarantee a healthy, clean, and safe location for all your business endeavours.

The location of your office should be a safe and inviting space for clients. Any office furniture, decorations, and technology should still enable your space to not be overly cluttered and if needed, security should also be carefully considered.

Potentially try to find a spacious and clear office space that won't take all of your business's funds, in an easy-to-reach place in your chosen town or city.

5.     Market your business

Last but not least, and possibly one of the most important ways to expand your business and your client list:

Marketing.

Advertise, talk to friends and family, build a website, make business cards and flyers, invest in online advertising, and maybe even try and get some radio adverts broadcast. Pass out materials to clients for referrals and potential future clients in your office, and constantly network with other therapists and doctors' practices.

Other good steps include attending seminars with other therapists, investing in social media, and if you can, even posting useful answers on therapy subjects on some online message boards and forums. Most importantly, make it simple and easy for doctors and other businesses to schedule appointments and refer their own clientele base to try your clinic for themselves.

Life as a therapist may not be ‘easy', but it can certainly be immensely rewarding, given the direct benefits you will have the chance to bring to people's lives. If you have any questions about our training options here at nscience, and how they could aid you in becoming a more effective mental health professional, please do not hesitate to enquire today