From Burnout to Balance: Why Independent Practice is Key for some School Psychologists
By Juliana Ramirez, EdS NCSP ABSNP
Owner and Founder of PERA Services®
Independent School Psychology
Private Practice for School Psychologist
Work-life Balance
Achieving Work-Life Balance as an Independent School Psychologist
As a school psychologist, you might find yourself caught in the relentless grind of the traditional school system—long hours, overwhelming caseloads, endless paperwork, and little time left for yourself or your family. If you've ever felt trapped by the demands of your job, undervalued, or simply burned out, you’re not alone. Many school psychologists are exploring a different path—one that offers greater flexibility, autonomy, and a better work-life balance. Let’s talk about the benefits of becoming an independent school psychologist and how this shift can help you reclaim your time, passion, and career.
The Benefits of Independent Life
1. More Time with Family
One of the most significant benefits of becoming an independent school psychologist is the ability to spend more quality time with your loved ones. When you’re no longer tied to the rigid schedules of a school district, you can create a work routine that suits your life. Whether it’s attending your child’s school function, spending more time with a partner, traveling at anytime during the year (not just during summer break) or just having the freedom to enjoy a leisurely morning, independence allows you to prioritize what truly matters.
2. More Autonomy with Cases
As an independent practitioner, you have the autonomy to choose the cases you take on. You’re no longer limited to the assignments given by a school district. Instead, you can focus on the areas of school psychology that you’re most passionate about, whether it’s working with bilingual learners, specializing in trauma-informed care, or providing behavioral interventions. This freedom not only enhances your job satisfaction but also allows you to make a more significant impact in the areas you care about most.
3. Ability to Specialize in an Area within Our Field
Independence gives you the flexibility to carve out a niche in your practice. You can specialize in areas like psychoeducational assessments, consultation services, or specific student populations such as those with learning disabilities or emotional disturbances. This specialization can set you apart in the field, allowing you to build a reputation as an expert and attract clients who need your specific skill set.
4. Ability to Set Your Fees and Get Paid Per Evaluation
One of the most empowering aspects of independent practice is the ability to set your fees. No more being restricted by district salary scales or being underpaid for your expertise. You can determine your worth and charge accordingly, whether you’re billing per evaluation, consultation, or session. This control over your income not only provides financial freedom but also ensures you’re fairly compensated for the high-quality services you provide.
5. Freedom to Choose Where to Work and What Cases to Pick
Independence also means you’re not tied down to a specific location or school district. You have the freedom to work remotely, provide virtual school psych services, or travel to different districts and regions if that’s what you prefer. Additionally, you can choose which cases to accept based on your interests, expertise, and values, allowing you to build a practice that truly aligns with your professional goals.
6. Freedom to Exit a District if You're Not Happy
Let’s face it—not all work environments are created equal. Sometimes, you might find yourself in a district that doesn’t align with your values or doesn’t appreciate the expertise you bring to the table. As an independent school psychologist, you have the flexibility to exit a district if you’re not happy, thanks to well-drafted contracts that allow for such exits. This freedom can protect your mental health and ensure that you’re always working in environments that support and value your contributions.
7. Reclaim Your Time and Avoid Burnout
Many school psychologists find themselves overwhelmed by the bureaucratic red tape, lack of autonomy, and the repetitive cycle of testing and report writing. This often leads to burnout and a loss of passion for the field. Independent practice allows you to reclaim your time, focus on meaningful work, and create a harmonious balance between your professional and personal life. You get to decide how much you work, when you work, and what you work on, reducing stress and preventing burnout.
You Deserve Independence and Flexibility
You should not apologize for wanting a change. You should not feel bad for wanting to become independent. You should not feel guilty for wanting to make more money and have more flexibility. Money and time are vehicles for doing amazing things for you, your family, and your community. Choosing to pursue independent practice is about reclaiming your time, avoiding burnout, and creating a life that reflects your values and priorities.
Join a Vibrant Community and Continue to Grow
Independent practice isn’t just about working alone. It’s about joining a community of like-minded professionals who are also eager to evolve in the field, connect with others, and grow together. As an independent school psychologist, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with peers, find mentorship, and be part of a vibrant community that shares resources, knowledge, and support. If you are ready to take the leap, check out my comprehensive course, Increasing Your Independence: Making the Big LEAP from Public to Independent School Psychologist. This course is designed to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to succeed in independent practice. Don’t wait to start your journey to independence—your success story is waiting to be written!
Overcoming Challenges to Become Independent
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, undervalued, or uncertain about how to start your journey toward independent practice, know that you’re not alone. Many school psychologists face challenges when transitioning to private practice, from branding and legalities to networking and business management. But with the right guidance and support, you can overcome these obstacles and build a thriving practice that aligns with your vision.
Ready to Achieve Work-Life Balance?
If you’re ready to explore the path to independence and achieve a better work-life balance, I invite you to Download my free guidebook, The Guidebook: Action Steps to Starting Your Independent Business in School Psychology, which provides a step-by-step plan to help you get started in business.
Don’t wait to take control of your career and create a life that brings you joy, flexibility, and fulfillment. Your journey to a balanced, independent practice starts here! 🚀
Let’s Connect
I’d love to hear from you and support your journey. If you’re a DIY type school psych and are ready to start your journey to independent practice, I’ve got just the thing for you.
And if you’re looking for more in-depth support, schedule a 1:1 coaching call with me. Together, we can dive deeper into your unique situation and tailor a plan specifically for you. Trust me, this could be the start of something amazing!
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Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take control of your career and find the professional joy you’ve been searching for.
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About Juliana
Juliana is a bilingual school psychologist in Independent Practice and the owner and founder of PERA Services Inc. Her business supports school districts in the state of Ohio with the evaluation of bilingual learners for Special Education. She also coaches and mentors school psychologists wanting to become independent and start a business. To learn more about her business and Juliana visit www.peraserivcesinc.com
