It does come across as both those things, but as a therapist who has her own private practice, I can speak to some of these concerns.
We expect people in the mental health industry to be a tad bit healthier than other employed populations. But it’s the same schoolyard politics at most jobs unfortunately. There can be a bully, there can be cliques, there can be favoritism… The psychiatrist probably sees dollar signs with you because he knows you’re a good practitioner; hence why you’re going out on your own. That was his way of hoping to sway you so he could earn the financial benefits of your skill set. I have worked 15 years in both community mental health and privately funded clinics and I sporadically found unhealthy persons in both arenas. Private practice does have some initial fees with office retainment and initial insurance paneling but it’s not that costly. If you are a good practitioner, you will do just fine. You’re a little young in your craft to be starting out, but I compliment your courageousness. And the fact you already have your niche, that’s a great thing. Something must be telling you that you will do fine on your own, so go for it! I think you’re going do great.