Randy J. Paterson - Private Practice Made Simple: Everything You Need to Know to Set Up and Manage a Successful Mental Health Practice

No one learns entirely by trial and error. While setting up my clinic and, much later, writing this book, I consulted more people than I can name. I am particularly grateful to the following friends and clinicians for their invaluable input: Dan Bilsker, Martha Capreol, Anne Howson, William Koch, Susan Mackey-Jamieson, Lisa Shatford, and Adrienne Wang. I am indirectly indebted to Richard Wright for the sailing metaphors and for making a bet that he would finish his book before I finished this one. He won.

Many thanks go to Barbara Fredrickson, who took time from her schedule to provide useful input that found its way into chapter 8. Paul Belserene broke me of the habit of writing rapid replies to e-mail, and he provided feedback on the original title of the book. Alain de Botton inspired me through his writing, and he pointed the way toward a useful quote. David Burns provided comments on passages involving clients commitment to therapy. Marilyn Ransby offered useful clarification on some of the vagaries of U.S. taxes and health insurance. My early mentors Bill Newby, Jack Sweetland, and Jim Neufeld provided many ideas that have survived the years and have found their way into this book.

I would also like to thank participants in the British Columbia Psychological Association Internet forum, who weighed in on issues including the attractions and anxieties of private practice, the dress of psychologists, and personal strategies for avoiding burnout. Those who provided suggestions include Galia Artzy, Robinder Bedi, Catherine Bond, Dianne Chappell, Elsie de Vita, Anne Dietrich, Cam Ellison, Jane Flint, Lynda Grant, Tracy Halpen, Amy Janeck, Peter Johnson, Gary Lea, Jeanne LeBlanc, Joanne MacKinnon, Rachel Mallory, Catherine McLaughlin, Alison Miller, Lynda Murdoch, Rami Nader, Theresa Nicassio, Serena Patterson, Don Ramer, Lara Robinson, Joti Samra, Susanne Schibler, Eroca Shaler, Raymond Shred, Charlotte Sutker, Maria Undurraga, John Wagner, Judy Weiser, and Alina Wydra.

I have offered workshops on practice management for several years and have shamelessly mined attendees comments and observations for material for this book. To all such workshop participants, I give my thanks.

As always, the staff at New Harbinger Publications has been extremely encouraging and helpful. Matthew McKay is surely one of the most accessible and enthusiastic publishers in the business. Melissa Kirk guided the book from a flurry of acceptance e-mails to publication. Nelda Street provided detailed copyediting that markedly improved the tone and flow of the book. Regrettably, I can blame none of them for any failings, inaccuracies, or deficiencies, which are entirely my own contribution.

Geoff Bannoff provided useful input on financial concerns, website design, and computer security, based on his experience managing a much larger organization than most psychologists will ever have to face. His patience and endless support are most appreciated.