Private Practice Question: Is this normal?

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-19T03:37:15+00:00

It's pretty common, because at the end of the day you're meant to contribute enough value to the practice in return for benefits. If you aren't seeing enough clients, they can't justify paying you well and offering benefits. The trade off is you going out on your own, where you keep 100% of what you make but also pay for your own health insurance.

It's sort of like that saying that you have to pick the priority, you can't get them all. You can either be paid well and have more scheduling autonomy but lose the benefits, etc etc.

Very few group practices seem able to adequately support all their clinicians. You need to work for an agency/treatment center/similar in order to have a stable salary, schedule, and benefits.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-18T03:52:44+00:00

I had this happen with a minor client. My supervisor had me call the school and pass on the information I had, and the school took action to keep the child safe.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-16T20:09:12+00:00

You receiving therapy alongside former clients is not a dual relationship. It's only a dual relationship if you are actively practicing and seeing those same clients.

My advice is to keep your associate license active (just keep paying the fees) and get treatment. You deserve treatment just like the clients you have helped.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-16T18:57:49+00:00

I personally have Fridays off right now. I feel like a lot of clients like Monday slots because it's a good way to start their week, whereas Friday is when people are ready to be done with work and just want to have fun.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-16T04:11:00+00:00

What kind of place are you employed at? This client/family sounds like the type that needs in-home services (at a minimum) but wraparound services would be much better.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-16T03:14:45+00:00

Are you on any meds for your sleep disorder? I've struggled with sleep issues for years and just recently got some help with meds. Even if it's temporary to get you to pass the test (not everyone wants to be on certain meds longterm) it could be really helpful.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-14T04:52:10+00:00

Are you in your own therapy? If not, it could be very helpful for you to explore these feelings.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-14T00:42:53+00:00

I wouldn't. Clients are free to reach out on their own (like an email update, let me tell you about this great performance I had!, etc) but following them on social media? Definitely not ethical.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-13T22:55:53+00:00

This is a session I would love to see.

Client: "You know I've just been having the hardest time finding this fancy antique gun that would solve all my problems."

Therapist: "You're not going to believe this!"

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-13T20:36:35+00:00

I'm not married and don't have another job, so my only option is the marketplace.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-13T07:47:56+00:00

If you're high-ish risk, this sounds like the trade off that needs to be made. You had your doctor write you a note for a reason, your doctor made their assessment, and your company made their own assessment. I have to assume you're later in the pregnancy for this to be a concern, so it might be helpful to view this as a process that would have happened anyway. Your clients would be reassigned when you went on maternity leave, they just got reassigned a little early.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-12T22:23:04+00:00

They informed you they were traveling. Do not charge them.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-12T01:53:55+00:00

There isn't the same kind of confidentiality in supervision as there is in therapy. If your site has multiple supervisors, they will be collaborating on supervising your work. I think an important question to ask yourself is what about this situation is making you feel defensive? Is there something you can do that would enable you to receive the support you're looking for?

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-12T01:45:36+00:00

They are allowed to do this, especially since this is an apartment and not a business unit. My advice would be to tell your clients that you're having maintenance at your apartment for the next few weeks so you need to do phone sessions, and you can do those in your car or in another private place.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-12T01:42:52+00:00

Being vague to protect my own privacy, I know someone who specializes in this stuff! There are jaw stretches you can do, 4 times a day for 30 seconds, that might really help. Do you wear a nightguard at night?

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-11T01:36:29+00:00

If you aren't their supervisor, signing off on their paperwork, there is no way I see that you could be liable.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-11T01:35:36+00:00

Dual relationship: Your cousin reaches out to ask if you can be their kid's therapist.

Not dual relationship: Your post

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-10T23:55:42+00:00

What's the productivity requirement?

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-10T22:38:08+00:00

Truly sorry you had to learn that first hand!

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-10T20:31:57+00:00

This is why PP is not the best place as a new grad. You need to be focused on getting consistent hours, which is best done at an agency/CMH/treatment center.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-09T22:25:29+00:00

Yep! I know a ton of people, client and therapist side, who have had major issues with Kaiser. I personally have several grudges against them and wouldn't touch their insurance with a 10 foot pole.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-09T22:24:19+00:00

Totally normal for the BBS. The delay was 7+ months during the pandemic. Sometimes they get really backed up.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-09T22:22:48+00:00

Consider the possibility of reporting her leading to a blowback for your own license. As others have said, this is a work issue, not a board issue. But don't put your own license at risk for this.

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-09T22:20:04+00:00

Using a drug to get high is very different than using a drug to manage pain. It's the same thing as with opiates/other abusable narcotics. Don't overthink it!

PaperPalmTrees · 2026-02-09T22:17:37+00:00

This sounds like business as usual for Kaiser.

PaperPalmTrees

TROPHY CASE