Information and Resources for Independent Practice

		Read the latest information, tips, and resources about independent practice (private practice) for art therapists. Bookmark this page and check back frequently to find the current information on reimbursement, starting a private practice, regulations affecting independent practice, and marketing yourself as a private practitioner. Also see the AATA Governmental Affairs Committee page on Independent Practice at for additional information. 2007 Independent Practice Survey: Preliminary Results(PDF 72KB) Cathy A. Malchiodi, ATR-BC, LPCC, HLM, AATA Professional Relations Results gathered from AATA members who work in private practice, as supervisors, and consultants on individual and group reimbursement, contract work, supervision, and consultant fees to help define how and what art therapists are paid for independent services. Committee on Professional Practice-2007 AATA Conference Panel (PDF 88KB) Privately Contracting: Alternatives to Managed Care (PDF 568KB)

Frequently Asked Questions About Independent Practice

What are CPT codes?

The acronym stands for Physician's Current Procedural Terminology and is used for provider billing. To date, there are no CPT codes related to art therapy services and providers using this system must have a current mental health license for the state they are practicing in. On occasion, art therapy can be billed as part of other treatment-related services by contacting governmental programs (e.g. state hospitals) familiar with art therapy. For a chart of commonly used CPT codes used by independent practitioners, please download the Reimbursement Survey Results from 2004.

What forms do I need to start a private practice?

Contact your state grievance board to obtain a copy of mental health statutes, disclosure form requirements, and database information before considering private practice. Supervision with a licensed therapist is recommended, and in some states mandatory, while in private practice. Consult with a psychotherapy attorney before implementing contracts, forms, and releases; don't assume that copies from other therapists meet the criteria for your state regulations.

How do I negotiate a contract with an agency?

Request a meeting with the agency's CEO or an administrator to discuss what their requirements are before submitting a contract. You may want to consult with a psychotherapy attorney before signing the final contract. You will be required to have malpractice insurance, a disclosure form and be current with your CPR and first aid certification (unless stated otherwise by the agency's policies). You may also be required to register on your state grievance board's database, if unlicensed, or be supervised by a licensed therapist.

Peer Recommendations Regarding Independent Practice

• Do not work without a signed contract
• Clarify time frame
• Submit in advance
• Make certain you have adequate time to terminate if your contract is discontinued

Peer Recommendations Regarding Marketing Your Independent Practice

• Brochure
• Business Cards
• Description of services provided
• Advertisement in therapist referral list
• Databases/referral sources
• Volunteer for community-based programs
• Pro bono programs
• Yellow page ads
• Mass Mailing

Recommended Resources

Building Your Ideal Private Practice: How to Love What You Do and Be Highly Profitable Too, Lynn Grodzki (2000).

Twelve Months to Your Ideal Private Practice: A Workbook, Lynn Grodzki (2003).

The New Private Practice: Therapists-Coaches Share Stories, Strategies and Advice, Lynn Grodzki (ed.),(2002).

E-Groups

Independent Practice for Art Therapists E-Group on Yahoo!

Recommended Web Sites

American Psychological Association

American Counseling Association

Marriage and Family Therapy

Psychotherapy Finances

Reimbursement Survey Results - Download a copy of the 2007 Reimbursement Survey Results and learn more about how art therapists are being reimbursed for independent practice throughout the US.

Read about Alternatives to Managed Care(.doc MS Word 24KB) by Independent Practice Committee Chair, Elizabeth Warson. Download a copy of this helpful article on alternative referral sources.

Submit a Question

Submit a question or recommend a resource for inclusion on this web page! Please complete the following brief form; a member from the Independent Practice Committee will contact you and reply to your submission. This can be a short online form