I actually completed most of my placements in the public preschool speech and language sector and assumed I would end up there. I didn’t think about private practice too much until after graduation. One of my peers and good friends from the master’s program reached out to me about a position she had just started at an OT private clinic that had recently brought in a supervising SLP and was looking to rebrand and grow as a multidisciplinary clinic. After reaching out to the supervising SLP, I realized she was actually the first SLP I had observed as part of my master’s program. I knew she would be a wonderful mentor, and the position offered a lot of scheduling flexibility, allowing me to build my caseload as a new graduate at my own pace and be part of creating the SLP services and programs at the clinic. Now we have a speech team of 8 SLPs and a communicative disorders assistant (CDA). It’s been an awesome experience being part of that growth.

Working in private practice, for me, has meant the flexibility to choose my days, hours and caseload with the support of the supervising SLP. I work with the supervising SLP to select the available shifts I want to work at the clinic or virtually and can set the maximum amount of clients I am comfortable seeing in that shift. It has given me the control to increase my caseload and days working as I became more comfortable and efficient as a clinician. This was probably one of the most important aspects in protecting my mental health and preventing early burnout when I was first starting. I am grateful to be working for a clinic that promotes clinician well-being and tailoring your caseload to support this. 

Another aspect I absolutely love about private practice is the opportunity to see clients for longer blocks. The bonds you get to build with the child and their family is so special and you really get to watch the child develop and grow - sometimes over years! (I certainly have a few students that started out looking up at me and now it is the reverse!) It’s truly a privilege to have a front row seat to seeing that long-term progress.

For myself, it would be the piece as being an independent contractor. As an independent contractor, you are paid by the client. There can be some inconsistencies and fluctuations with income as a result. And that’s purely because kids get sick or unwell. If you are someone who likes routine, or prefers consistency in your income, then this may be a challenge. Luckily, my clinic has a good cancellation policy that does provide some protection to independent contractors. 

I would recommend trying to carve out an opportunity to meet team members and ask about the team atmosphere, as well as inquire about access to different disciplines in the health sector and available resources and materials. I have found great variability in the resources and materials depending on the private practice. And having a supportive team and a clinic that values supporting clinicians and providing resources has made all the difference.