If you run your own practice, or are thinking about starting one, there is a good chance that you are in social media groups. Maybe they are for therapists or maybe they are specifically for those in private practice. Either way, they can be a great for quick answers. However, they can also be a source of incorrect or unhelpful guidance which can leave you feeling discouraged, or even lead to costly mistakes. Here are few things to consider before taking advice from someone in a Facebook group.
What is their advice based on?
In a Facebook group, advice is plentiful but wisdom is not guaranteed. Before accepting guidance, pause and ask yourself: What is the advice rooted in? Advice without context can be misleading and it is important to consider if they have actual lived experience and built what you are trying to build or if they are just sharing something they have read or theorizing from the sidelines. You want advice that is based on real results, proven strategies, and an understanding of the complexities behind success. Not every “tip” belongs to your business-especially if the person hasn’t navigated the pat themselves.
Is their practice similar to yours?
Not everyone is going to have the same private practice as you. Factors like whether or not you accept insurance or provide in person or virtual therapy are some significant differences. Just because something works for one person does not necessarily mean it will work for everyone. Before taking their advice, ask yourself: Does their business resemble mine? The best advice is from someone who has experienced success in business and established the same type of practice you plan to build. If you do not have colleagues that meet this criteria, hiring a consultant can be a beneficial option. A good consultant will ask the right questions, highlight blind spots, and translate broad concepts into actionable steps that make sense for your practice.
Has their practice been successful?
Before you take advice from someone, consider the source. Are they speaking from success or theory, opinion, or what should work? It is easy to offer guidance but it is harder to demonstrate results. Look for evidence of success: longevity, growth, systems, stability, and satisfied clients. You want mentorship from those that have done the work, navigated setbacks successfully, and created something that lasts.
Who have they helped?
Experience is valuable but transferable experience is even more powerful. It is important to ask yourself: Who have they supported successfully? Someone may have built a great practice for themselves, but consulting requires an additional skill-the ability to teach the same strategies t others and adapt them to different personalities, markets, and business models. Look for a track record: testimonials, reviews, and real results from real people. The best advisors don’t just talk about what worked for them-they can show how they have helped others achieve success too.
We can help
A good consultant can save you money, save you stress, and save you time. While getting advice from online sources like social media groups can be helpful, it can also sometimes steer you in the wrong direction. By working one-on-one with a consultant, you can get personalized support that considers your goals, structure, team, and unique challenges. We have consultants that help therapists at every stage in business and they each have an upcoming program starting in January:
Clinical Practice Launchpad-with Lucita Clondas
Kick off January with a 4-session, high-impact course that gives you everything you need to open your private practice the right way.
Sign up here.
Scale Smart Mastermind-with Julia Nepini
A 12-week, interactive mastermind designed to help you expand your group practice with clarity, systems, and support.
Sign up here.
The Prescriber Playbook-with Katelyn Martins
A 5-week masterclass that walks you step-by-step through adding prescribers to your group practice—without the overwhelm.
Sign up here.
