The Private Practitioner and Family Issues
Independent practice can provide an opportunity for practitioners who are parents to maximize flexibility and work/life balance. It can allow them to carry on a meaningful and financially sustainable career while at the same time being available for their children and family in developmentally appropriate ways. The author proposes that by understanding their dual role as clinician and small business owner early in their career, mental health practitioners who are parents can plan for practice activities and niches that coordinate with the availability of their partners and the developmental needs of their children at any stage. The experiences of mothers versus fathers in practice are compared. Recommendations for effectively addressing these issues are provided.