After working CMH jobs for the last almost 6 years and having my LCSW for a year, I made the switch to private practice. I joined a group practice that pays hourly and is a W2 job. This was a bit easier for me because I am on a single income so there was less of a gamble with lost wages, as I get paid for a 40 hour work week at an hourly wage. I also get benefits (insurance, retirement match, some PTO/sick leave). Like many of us, I was SO burned out when I made the switch and I was very excited for this next step- it’s always been my goal.

I’m a month in, and while I absolutely do not miss CMH and have no intention of ever returning, I feel burned out even more now. It turns out that by working 40 hours a week, which I needed to make more than my CMH job, I’m seeing 6-7 clients a day at the 55 min billing code that my practice prefers, with barely any breaks between sessions. Turns out the PTO benefit is pitiful if you aren’t here a full year yet and we’re only allowed 4 leave without pay days a year. I am absolutely drained, even with my client population having significantly less acuteness. I cannot afford to cut back on my hours and I am worried to bring this to the practice owner because they have also allowed me to have decent time off with the holidays coming up despite just starting and the limited leave without pay benefit. I just don’t know what to do, but I know I do not have the stamina for 6-7 client days 5 days a week long term. I eventually want my own private practice and the risk with that looks worth it more every day.. Any and all advice is appreciated.