Online private therapy practice

Adults, teens (with parent consent) and couples paying out of pocket, or using insurance if you join insurance panels.

A fee per session, usually 45 to 55 minutes. You can charge a private-pay rate or accept insurance reimbursements. Some therapists add a sliding-scale slot or a few group sessions.

• Clinical training and a graduate degree in a mental health field
• Listening and building trust
• Careful note-keeping and organization
• Setting boundaries with clients

• A state license is required to practice, and associate or pre-licensed clinicians often can't open an independent practice, so check your state licensing board
• Clients usually must be located in a state where you're licensed when you see them, so check interstate compacts and each state's telehealth rules
• Professional liability (malpractice) insurance, plus any general liability cover you need
• HIPAA privacy rules: use a secure platform, sign business associate agreements and protect records
• Insurance credentialing can take months, and reimbursement rates vary
• Emotionally demanding work, so plan for supervision or peer support and regular time off

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your platform, insurance and setup. These are estimates, and your own costs will depend on your state and how you run the practice.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your caseload and whether you take insurance or self-pay clients. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week of work.

A state license is required to practice, and pre-licensed clinicians often can't open an independent practice, so check your state licensing board. Also check that clients are in a state where you're licensed, and review interstate compacts and telehealth rules.