Busting the Myth: Why You Don't Need a PhD to Succeed as an Independent School Psychologist
By Juliana Ramirez, EdS NCSP
Owner and Founder of PERA Services®
Independent School Psychology
School Psychology Contracting
Education Consulting Business
Private Practice for School Psychologists
School Psychologist Business Model
Are you a school psychologist that holds a Master’s or EdS degree? Have you ever believed or been told that that the only way to succeed independently and to establish your independence is with a PhD? Welp, I’m here to tell you that’s just not true! It’s a common misconception that holds many talented professionals back from taking the leap into independent practice. Let's bust this myth wide open and explore how you can thrive as an independent school psychologist without a PhD.
The School Psychology PhD Myth: A Common Misconception
Let’s start with a little story. I remember chatting with a fellow school psychologist who was brilliant and passionate about her work. She wanted to transition to independent practice but felt she needed a PhD to be taken seriously. This belief kept her stuck in a job that was draining her passion and energy. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. Many school psychologists share this misconception, thinking that a PhD is the only path to credibility and success. But guess what? You already have what it takes!
Why a PhD Isn’t Necessary to Start a School Psych Business
A PhD is not necessary for opening a school psychology business in areas like consulting or contracting. You can provide specialized services to school districts, work as an independent contractor, or offer expert consultations to parents. You can also develop courses, workshops, and promote yourself and your skills via online platforms and. as content creator. However, it’s important to note that in some highly regulated states, opening a private practice may require a PhD.
In some states, the services provided are regulated, while in other states, the title used is regulated. This is why it’s important what you can and cannot do with your current license. While a PhD can be beneficial, offering deeper expertise and potentially broader opportunities, it's not the only path to a successful and fulfilling career.
I’m not discrediting the value of a PhD—far from it. If you see one in your future, it can definitely help by providing advanced knowledge, increasing your credibility, and expanding your professional opportunities. But for those who don’t see going back to school as a viable option, there are plenty of pathways to success.
If you live in a highly regulated state, you may want to consider leaving the traditional role, and embarking on a more progressive and non-traditional path.
Financial Benefits of Starting an LLC or Your Own School Psychology Business
Starting your own school psychology business or forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) can be a game-changer, both financially and professionally. Let’s delve into the myriad benefits this path offers, emphasizing how it provides financial rewards, flexibility, and autonomy.
Financial Rewards
From a financial perspective, owning your own business offers substantial rewards. By setting your own rates and taking on as many clients as you choose, you can significantly increase your income compared to a traditional salaried position within a school district. Additionally, an LLC structure provides various tax advantages. You can deduct business expenses, such as office supplies, travel, and professional development, which reduces your taxable income. As a business owner, you retain the profits after expenses, ensuring a direct correlation between your hard work and financial reward. Furthermore, you can diversify your revenue streams by offering a range of services—consulting, workshops, evaluations, and more—boosting your earnings and making your business more resilient to economic fluctuations.
Flexibility and Autonomy
Beyond the financial benefits, starting your own business grants you unparalleled flexibility and autonomy. You have control over your schedule, allowing you to balance work with personal commitments more effectively. The ability to choose the clients and projects that align with your values and interests leads to greater job satisfaction and professional fulfillment. This autonomy also allows you to deliver personalized services tailored to meet the specific needs of your clients, enhancing client satisfaction and enabling you to work in a way that suits your strengths and preferences. Depending on your business model, you might also have the flexibility to work from various locations, including offering virtual services, providing significant geographical flexibility in today’s digital age.
Professional Growth and Satisfaction
Professional growth and satisfaction are other compelling reasons to consider this path. Running your own business requires you to develop a wide range of skills, from financial management to marketing, leading to continuous learning and personal and professional growth. Owning your business allows you to build something that reflects your vision and values, offering the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the field of school psychology. Additionally, when you work for yourself, you’re not subject to the same risks as being an employee, such as layoffs or budget cuts, giving you more control over your professional destiny.
Steps to Transition Without a PhD
Starting your own school psychology business or forming an LLC opens up a world of possibilities, offering not only financial rewards but also the flexibility and autonomy to create a career that truly reflects your passions and values.
Capitalize on your skillset and become an Independent School Psychologist:
Experience Matters: Your years of hands-on experience working with students, parents, and teachers are incredibly valuable. Real-world experience often trumps theoretical knowledge when it comes to providing practical, effective solutions in independent practice.
Specialized Skills: Whether it’s bilingual evaluations, trauma-informed care, or behavior interventions, your specialized skills set you apart. Clients seek out expertise, not just credentials.
Professional Development: Continuing education, workshops, and certifications can enhance your knowledge and skills without the time and financial commitment of a PhD. Keep learning and stay current with the latest in your field.
Networking and Community: Building strong professional relationships and being an active part of the school psychology community can open doors and establish your reputation. Networking can be just as powerful as any degree.
Exploring Non-Traditional Business Ventures
If you’re a school psychologist looking to leverage your expertise in a non-traditional way, there are numerous business opportunities that don’t require you to use the title of school psychologist but still allow you to capitalize on your skills and knowledge.
You can venture into educational consulting, where you provide expert advice to schools, parents, and educational organizations on best practices and strategies for student success. Another exciting option is starting a coaching business, focusing on areas such as executive functioning, emotional intelligence, or social skills development. Additionally, you could create and deliver professional development workshops and training programs for educators and administrators, helping them to better support their students' mental health and learning needs. These types of businesses enable you to make a significant impact in the educational field while enjoying the flexibility and autonomy of independent practice.
Real Success Stories: Embracing Independent Contracting
Still not convinced? Let’s look at some real success stories. Many school psychologists have found that the best option with a Master’s or EdS degree is to open a contracting business. This model allows you to leave the traditional school employment structure but remain within the field you love.
Here's how it works: You set up your own business or LLC, effectively becoming an independent contractor. Your business serves as a third-party agency to the schools, securing independent contracts directly with school districts. This means your business becomes a vendor or 1099 contractor for the district, and you, as the owner, are an employee of your own business.
This approach offers significant advantages:
Greater Independence: You gain the autonomy to choose the schools and contracts that align best with your professional goals and values.
Better Negotiating Leverage: As an independent contractor, you have more power to negotiate terms, ensuring that your expertise is appropriately valued and compensated.
Flexibility: You can tailor your services to meet the specific needs of each contract, allowing for a more personalized and impactful approach.
Professional Growth: Running your own business provides opportunities for growth and development that go beyond the typical school environment.
Many school psychologists have successfully transitioned to this business model, enjoying greater freedom, enhanced professional satisfaction, and improved financial rewards. These professionals are proof that with the right approach, you can achieve your goals and thrive in an independent contracting business.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to bust the PhD myth and start your journey to independent practice, 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 get started.
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! What myths have held you back from pursuing independent practice? Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to me directly. Let’s support each other on this journey to professional freedom and fulfillment.
Remember, you don’t need a PhD to create a career that supports you and reignites your passion for helping others. Here’s to a future filled with flexibility, fulfillment, and financial freedom! 🎉
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
