Being Known as a Generalist Will Position My Practice Well in the Community

Abstract

Although mental health clinicians share a range of general clinical skills, and although each of these skills is important to providing excellent clinical care, such skills are not sufficient for success in the business of private practice. This chapter addresses this myth and shares how mental health clinicians must position themselves in their local market in order to be successful. Specific guidance is provided on how to develop specialty areas and niche areas of practice. It is made clear how these will assist private practitioners to differentiate themselves from local competitors and to better meet the treatment needs of their local community. Concrete steps for developing and building a successful niche practice are provided along with useful resources that may be consulted and utilized to help ensure success in developing and running a niche or specialty practice.