Getting Started in Private Practice: The Complete Guide ... (ISBN 0471426237)

An excellent primer that is concise and to the point:
Unlike most books on starting a private practice, Getting Started in Private Practice, doesn't waste time with nonsensical fluff on whether one should be in private practice and other "touchy feely" irrelevancies. The authors presume you are reading the book because you have already decided private practice is for you and takes off from there. The book is concise and straightforward with information on the financial and legal aspects of starting and running a private practice. Whereas other books tend to focus on complaining about managed care, this books tells you how to effectively deal with it from a business stand point. Whereas other books delve into "getting in touch" with your business self, this book tells you what it takes to actually run a business. The only complaint I have is that some areas are only glossed over and not enough detail is provided; however, that information can easily be obtained from other generalist business books. Overall an excellent starting point and reference for starting a private practice in mental health. Highly recommended.

Must have for new therapists:
I bought three other guides to starting a private practice and this one outshines them all. Everything I needed and nothing I didn't. The information about setting fees was specific and very helpful, unlike many other books that give only a very general overview. Even the small things like business cards and stationary were discussed. Marketing ideas were great as well.

Not thrilled...:
After reading the first 3 chapters of this book, I've closed it for now and am moving on to another book I purchased that I'm finding much more helpful. This book reads like a professor's lecture notes and handouts - choppy - then some parts are way too basic for anyone who's ever worked as a counselor. Some of the information is helpful if you can follow the unwritten connections, or if you need a list of questions or a checklist as guidance. I may come back to other chapters for such resources, but I'm glad it's not my only guide.