Brick-and-Mortar Dreams: One Path to Independence for School Psychs (But Not the Only One)

Written By PERA Services Inc.

By Juliana Ramirez, EdS NCSP ABSNP
Owner and Founder of PERA Services®

  • Can school psychologists open a private practice without a doctorate?

  • States where school psychologists can practice independently

  • How to become a licensed educational psychologist with an EdS

  • Independent practice for school psychologists by state

  • Private practice requirements for school psychologists without PhD

YOU DON’T NEED A DOCTORATE TO START A PRIVATE PRACTICE, AT LEAST NOT IN THESE STATES

Let’s rewind for a second.

When I first flirted with the idea of private practice, I nearly ghosted the whole dream. Not because I lacked passion or experience—but because I assumed I lacked the “right” credentials.

I thought I needed more letters after my name, another degree, maybe even a magical PhD to make it official.

But here’s the plot twist nobody shares in grad school:

You don’t need a doctorate to open a traditional, brick-and-mortar private practice. And yep—Ohio is proof.

So is California. And Florida. And a handful of other states that are quietly clearing the path for school psychologists with EdS or MA degrees to go fully independent in the traditional sense.

Let’s break it down.

States Where You Can Open a Brick-and-Mortar Practice Without a Doctorate

These states offer licensure or credentialing routes that empower non-doctoral school psychologists to hang their own shingle:

  • California – Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP)

  • Florida – Licensure through the Department of Health

  • Indiana – Independent Practice Endorsement

  • Virginia – Pass the EPPP (yes, the same exam psychologists take)

  • South Carolina & Massachusetts – Also have viable routes worth exploring

And of course, shoutout to my fellow Buckeyes—Ohio is very much in the game. In Ohio, after three years of practice in the public schools, you can take the Oral Jurisprudence exam through the Ohio Board of Psychology and get your Independent License.

Each of these states has its own flavor of requirements. Most expect you to clock some time in the schools. Some require additional testing (looking at you, EPPP). But here’s the big idea:

If you’re in one of these states—or open to relocating—you can absolutely pursue the classic private practice model you might have imagined back in grad school.

But Let’s Be Real… That’s Just One Way to Go Independent

Here’s the truth most grad programs don’t mention:

Private practice doesn’t have to mean an office, a waiting room, and a landline.

There are so many other ways to become independent:

  • Virtual evaluations from your laptop (yes, even in your favorite hoodie)

  • Niche consulting for schools or districts

  • Consulting, parent coaching, advocacy services

  • Hybrid models that let you blend brick-and-mortar with remote work

  • Contracting with Districts or agencies as a 1099

In fact, the LEAP Method—my signature roadmap for stepping into independent school psychology—shows you how to build a sustainable practice that fits your life, not the other way around.

So, What’s the Best Way Forward?

That depends on your state, your goals, your season of life.

But here’s what I want you to know: you are not under qualified. You are not “missing” anything. You can go independent with the skills and heart you already have.

Want the full breakdown of what’s possible in your state? I’ve got you.

Tools to Help You Get Started

Check out these free resources if you are ready to start your school psychology private practice.

Whether you’re dreaming of a corner office or calling the shots from your kitchen table, independence is closer than you think.

The path is real. The time is now.

 
 
 

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

 
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How to Diversify Your Income Stream as a School Psychologist in Independent Practice