In-Person counseling in a shared office

Local adults, couples and families paying out of pocket or through insurance, and sometimes employers or referral partners such as doctors and schools.

A fee per session. Renting a room by the hour or day keeps fixed costs low while you build a caseload, and you can take on more office time as clients grow.

• Active listening and empathy
• Clinical judgment and ethics
• Networking with local referrers
• Managing a schedule and records

• State licensing: check your state board's requirements for independent practice and for any business name or advertising rules
• Professional liability (malpractice) insurance, and general liability for your office space
• Lease or sublet terms, and make sure the room offers real privacy and soundproofing for confidentiality
• Privacy and record-keeping rules such as HIPAA, including secure storage of notes
• Empty hours can still cost you rent, so start with a small number of booked hours

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the office you rent or sublet, your furnishings, insurance and marketing. Renting by the hour or day keeps commitments smaller than a full lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many client hours you book and your rates. Empty hours can still cost rent, so start with a small number of booked hours.

Check your state board's requirements for independent practice and any business name or advertising rules. Check professional and general liability insurance, your lease or sublet terms, room privacy and soundproofing, and HIPAA record-keeping rules including secure storage of notes.