Complementary Therapist in a Shared Clinic Room

Local residents who find you through the clinic, other practitioners' referrals and online searches, as well as returning clients.

Session fees, with the room rent as your main fixed cost. Growing a regular client list, packages and a few related products can make income steadier.

• Formal training in your chosen therapy
• Marketing yourself and building referrals
• Managing bookings, records and money

• Regulated therapies and protected titles vary by province, so check with your provincial regulator
• Read the room rental agreement for notice periods, minimum hours and who handles insurance
• Professional and commercial general liability insurance, and rules for keeping client records and privacy
• Rent is due even in slow months, such as summer or after the holidays, so plan a cash buffer
• GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check whether your services are exempt

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on room rental terms, equipment, insurance and marketing. Rent is due even in slow months, so a cash buffer is worth planning.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on your hours, prices, referrals and how quickly you fill your diary. Estimates assume at least about 20 hours a week.

Check which therapies and titles are regulated in your province, and read the rental agreement for notice periods, minimum hours and who handles insurance. Also check liability insurance, client records and privacy rules, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.