Breaking Free: How to Transition from Public School Psychologist to Independent Practitioner
By Juliana Ramirez, EdS NCSP
Owner and Founder of PERA Services®
Independent School Psychology
Transitioning Careers
Building a Private Practice
Work-Life Balance
Professional Development
Are you feeling trapped by the constraints of the public school system, overwhelmed by endless meetings, and drowning in paperwork? If the answer is yes, you're not alone.
Many of us entered this field with a passion for making a difference, only to find ourselves bogged down by administrative tasks and systemic constraints. But what if there was a way to break free and reclaim your passion?
Let’s talk about how you can transition from being a public school psychologist to an independent practitioner.
Breaking Free from the Public School System: A Common Struggle
Many school psychologists find themselves feeling stuck in the rigid structures of the public school system. The constant juggling of responsibilities and unrealistic deadlines can leave you feeling exhausted and unfulfilled.
Sound familiar? It’s a common struggle among school psychologists across the country. But here's the good news—you don't have to stay stuck. There’s a path to autonomy and fulfillment, and it starts with understanding that transitioning to independent practice doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing leap.
Eliminate the All-or-Nothing Mentality
One of the biggest barriers to making this transition is the all-or-nothing mentality. Many believe that to start an independent practice, they need to quit their job and dive in headfirst. But that’s not true! You can start building your practice slowly, taking your time to ensure a smooth transition.
That’s what I did and it helped me so much. I started working after school for 3 years before I went fully independent. It allowed me to really familiarize myself with the role of independent practitioner and gave me the time I needed to get my business going.
Starting the Transition to Independent Practice as a School Psychologist: Practical Steps
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you transition from a public school psychologist to an independent practitioner without overwhelming yourself:
1. Start Small and Build Gradually
- Pick Up Cases Outside Your Contract Hours: Begin by picking up a few cases outside your regular school hours. This allows you to get a feel for independent work without quitting your day job. But first check your current employee contract with your school district to make sure you aren’t violating any terms established by your district—this is the best practice approach. I don’t want you to get in trouble with unions or districts.
- Part-Time Work in an Established Practice: Assuming your current employee contract allows for this, consider working part-time in an already established private practice. This gives you valuable insights into private practice life and helps you build your network.
- Offer Consulting and Specialized Services: Start offering consulting services or more specialized services to districts. This can be done on a part-time basis and helps you build your reputation and client base. You can do this virtually to districts in remote areas seeking support for professional development.
- Foundation Work: Even before you take on clients, start with foundational work such as understanding your licensing requirements, determining your business entity, and working on your brand. These are crucial steps that can be done for free and at your own pace.
2. Work on the Business Side
- Do Your Homework: Research what you can and cannot do with your current license. Consider getting licensed in other states to expand your network and opportunities. Call your state licensing agency and ask if you can work under someone else’s license, if you can provide contract services to districts, or what are the limits of your license. Stop assuming you can’t do any other type of work. Go ask!
- Determine Your Business Entity: Decide on the best business structure for your practice, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, LLC, or another entity. Consider a consult with a lawyer, or seek guidance from your local CPA. Even better, network with other practitioners and see what they have and how they established their businesses.
- Build Your Brand: Work on creating a strong brand that reflects your values and expertise. This includes creating a professional website and engaging on social media. Think of your future business name, think of the colors and fonts you would want, and consider the type of clients you will serve. The more decisions you have made the easier it will be to register your business.
3. Transition to a 1099 or Contract Position
- Contract with a Virtual Third-Party Agency: If you haven’t done so, then maybe start to consider transitioning to a 1099 or contract position with a virtual third-party agency. This allows you to get familiarized with the concept of independent contract work while still having the security of a steady income.
Benefits of Starting Small
When you start small and ease your way into independent work, you:
- Learn the Ropes: Gain experience and see what independent practice life is like without the pressure of immediate success.
- Grow Organically: Build your practice slowly and sustainably, allowing for organic growth.
- Support Established Practices: Gain experience by supporting other clinics or practices in your area, helping you build a strong professional network.
- Establish Contracts Gradually: Take your time to establish contracts and understand the business side of things.
- Offer Consulting Services: Provide consulting services to schools and districts, further establishing your expertise.
- Maintain Job Security: Continue working your day job while building your independent practice on the side.
- Choose Your Cases: Pick up cases that interest you, allowing you to focus on your passions.
- Build Credibility: Establish your credibility and brand as an expert in your field.
- Earn Extra Income: Earn additional income which you can reinvest into your growing practice.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to break free from the public schools and transition to independent school psychology I've got just the thing for you. 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 begin your journey.
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!
If you want all the answers to all your school psych business questions, and want community, mentorship, feel that you would benefit from an entire course on how to start your very own school psychology business, then check out the course Increasing your Independence: making the big LEAP from public to independent school psychologist.
Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you! Let me know what is holding you back from leaving the public schools?
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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
