Clinical Practice Consultation for Therapists: Build a Thriving Private Practice

Guidance from an Experienced Clinical Leader

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Guidance from an

Experienced Clinical Leader

Sharon Elise Prager (CEO/Founder) Calm Seas Psychotherapy, LCSW, PLLC

Starting a private practice is an exciting yet overwhelming journey. Whether you're transitioning from an agency setting, finishing licensure hours, or launching your practice from the ground up, expert guidance can make all the difference.


At Calm SeasIntegrative Services, I offer one-on-one clinical practice consultation to help you navigate the complexities of starting and sustaining a successful private practice. With over 10 years of experience, I have built and expanded a thriving practice across multiple locations while maintaining clinical excellence. Now, I want to help you do the same."

    • New York University, Master of Social Work

    • John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Master in Forensic Psychology

    • Widener University, Post Masters, Military Behavioral Health

    • Trauma Research Foundation Post Masters in Neuroscience and Trauma

    • Trauma Research Foundation’s Certification Traumatic Stress

    • American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress

    • Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work

    • American Academy of Forensic Science

    • NYS Troopers Surgeons group

    Training

    • Certified PET-Prolonged Exposure Therapy

    • Certified EMDR-Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing

    • CPT- Cognitive Processing Therapy

    • Certified Facilitator and trainer for the Duluth Domestic Violence Batterers Intervention Program 

    • corrections

    • probation

    • parole

    • NYS Guard

    • Research endeavors (PhD at Texas Tech University)

  • Sharon is a Board-Certified Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience specializing in trauma and forensic evaluations. As the founder & CEO of Calm Seas Psychotherapy with locations in Mount Sinai and Buffalo, she’s dedicated to serving first responders, military personnel, and their families with compassionate, evidence-based care. Sharon holds advanced degrees from John Jay College and NYU, and continues to innovate in the field of trauma therapy through her ongoing research and teaching.

How I Can Help You Succeed

Practice Foundations

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  • How to legally structure your business (PLLC, PC, or sole proprietorship)

  • Understanding licensure, insurance credentialing, and compliance

  • Selecting an electronic health record (EHR) system

  • Selecting phone/email systems that are HIPAA Compliant

  • Understanding the expectation of growth- how to prepare for a group practice later or hiring team members

Marketing & Branding

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  • Creating a professional website that attracts your ideal clients- Planning for growth, costs and what website developers do not know about mental health websites

  • Leveraging social media and SEO for organic growth

  • Establishing your professional brand and niche

Building a Steady Client Base

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  • Ethical marketing strategies that work

  • The importance of networking and referrals

  • Staying within your scope, niche or specialization

  • Strategies for setting competitive rates

Insurance vs. Private Pay Models

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  • Navigating insurance paneling & reimbursement, knowing when to hire a biller or agency

  • Setting fees for private pay & sliding scale clients. Understanding the navigation between private pay vs private pay with insurance

  • Understanding telehealth laws and billing.

Time & Case Management

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  • Balancing client loads and avoiding burnout

  • Effective documentation & progress note strategies

  • Managing administrative responsibilities

Expanding Your Practice

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  • Hiring & supervising associate therapists

  • Managing group practice dynamics

  • Developing additional income streams (workshops, speaking engagements, consultation services)

Benefits

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  • Planning for your retirement, 401k, IRA

  • Medical

  • Time off

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Why Choose Clinical Consultation with Sharon Prager

1. Expertise in Trauma, First Responders, and Complex Cases

2. Proven Experience Running a Multi-Location Private Practice

3. Guidance Tailored to Your Unique Goals and Clientele

4. A Realistic, Ethical, and Sustainable Approach

Who Is This For?

  • Ready to lay a strong foundation for your private practice from day one? Learn everything from legal structures to initial marketing, so you can start off on the right foot.

  • Feeling stuck or overwhelmed as you juggle client care, billing, and practice management? Let’s streamline your operations and fine-tune your services for long-term sustainability.

  • Thinking about hiring associates or opening additional locations? Benefit from proven growth strategies that balance ethical, high-quality care with a profitable business model.

Ready to Build Your Dream Practice?

Get the clarity and confidence you need to launch, grow, and sustain a successful private practice.