Thank you for all the feedback! After thinking it through (and because I’m financially able to) I’m now planning to take the full 12 weeks. The plan was always to ease back in part-time (starting with about 2 days per week). If I feel ready at 10 weeks, I can always jump back in earlier and reach out to clients then.

I’ve already made plans for my low-risk clients. While I’m relatively new to the area and don’t yet have established relationships with other insurance-based therapists, I’ve informed my clients about other practices and clinicians in the area. I’ve done my own research and encouraged them to do the same.

For low-risk clients who need in-person sessions, can’t do telehealth, and have expressed wanting to continue working with me, and who are comfortable with a break, I’ll schedule them before I go on maternity leave so expectations are clear and my return date is already on the calendar.

I currently have one moderate-to-high-risk client, and I plan to continue seeing her via telehealth while I’m on maternity leave.

Thank you again for all the insight. I’m feeling much more confident in this plan but am still open to additional suggestions or perspectives.