Why Transitioning to Independent Practice is the Best Gift You Can Give Yourself This Year
By Juliana Ramirez, EdS NCSP ABSNP
Owner and Founder of PERA Services®
Why Transitioning to Independent Practice is the Best Gift You Can Give Yourself This Year
Debunking the Myth: Independent Practice is Too Risky
How I Took the Leap
The LEAP Method: Your Roadmap to Independence
Let’s Make This Your Year
Let’s talk about you. Yes, you—the school psychologist who has spent years juggling IEP meetings, calming nervous parents, and advocating for students while balancing a never-ending caseload. You’ve poured your heart and expertise into your work, but lately, it feels like the system is working against you. The paperwork piles up, the hours stretch on, and the burnout is real.
So let me ask you: What would it look like to finally put yourself first? To take back your time, energy, and passion, and build a career on your terms?
If you’re feeling unfulfilled and burned out in your current role, staying in that space is far riskier than stepping into independence. Let’s debunk the myth that independent practice is too risky and explore how taking the leap can bring you more freedom, fulfillment, and financial stability than you ever thought possible.
Debunking the Myth: Independent Practice is Too Risky
For many school psychologists, the idea of transitioning to independent practice feels as tantalizing as it does terrifying.
The most common fear I hear? It’s too risky. I get it—I’ve been there. When I first started dreaming about stepping away from public schools, my brain went into overdrive with all the what ifs.
What if I don’t get clients?
What if I can’t pay my bills?
What if I fail?
But here’s what I learned: Most of those fears are based on myths, not facts.
The truth is, with the right strategies, independent practice is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding. Let’s address the top concerns head-on, so you can see why the leap is worth it.
One common worry is, “What if I can’t find clients?” It’s natural to feel anxious about building a client base from scratch, but the demand for school psychologists has never been higher. Parents, schools, and communities are actively searching for professionals who can provide tailored services like psychoeducational evaluations, counseling, and consultation. You already have the expertise they’re looking for.
Starting small by networking in your community or building relationships with private schools and homeschool groups can help you establish your practice more quickly than you might think.
Another fear is financial instability. Let’s be real: transitioning to independent practice does require planning. But here’s the silver lining—once you set your rates strategically, you can often make more per client than you ever could in a salaried position.
Tools like the School Psych Fee Calculator can help you determine the rates that reflect your value while covering your expenses.
The final myth is the belief that you need to know everything about running a business before you start. I used to believe this too, and it almost stopped me from pursuing my dream. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Resources like Your Legal Era Contract Templates can help you set up client agreements with confidence, and my Free Masterclass LEAP TO LIBERTY provides the guidance to ensure your success.
How I Took the Leap
When I decided to start my own business, it wasn’t a straight shot. I wrestled with self-doubt, stayed up late researching what I could do with my licenses, and second-guessed every decision. But I also felt something I hadn’t felt in years: hope. For the first time, I could picture a career that fit my life instead of the other way around.
The day I landed my first contract, and when that first school district said Yes, I felt like I had stepped into a whole new world. No more squeezing in quick bathroom breaks between back-to-back meetings. No more answering emails at 9 PM because I didn’t have time during the workday. No more report writing on the weekends...Instead, I got to choose who I worked with, set my own schedule, and finally take a deep breath.
It wasn’t easy, but it was worth every step.
The LEAP Method: Your Roadmap to Independence
That’s why I created the LEAP Method, a step-by-step framework to help school psychologists transition from public schools to independent practice. The LEAP Method isn’t just about logistics—it’s about transforming your mindset and building a career you love.
With the LEAP Method, you’ll learn how to set up your business, evaluate your unique skills, align your goals with your lifestyle, and prosper by creating a sustainable, fulfilling practice. You’ll move from feeling stuck and undervalued to confident and in control of your future.
Let’s Make This Your Year
If you’re still worried about the risks, you’re not alone—but you don’t have to face them alone either. Join my LEAP TO LIBERTY Masterclass, where I’ll teach you how to navigate these challenges and set yourself up for success.
Imagine waking up excited about your work, setting boundaries that stick, and finally having the freedom to build a career that aligns with your values. It’s not just a dream—it’s a choice.
Let’s take that first step together. What excites you most about going independent? What’s holding you back? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.
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
