10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Private Practice Office Space
Choosing an office space for your private practice means considering everything from location to budget. Plus, there are so many other things in between. Check out our top ten list of considerations for your private practice office space.
Location, location, location — We know when it comes to real estate, this is the primary consideration always. But why is it so important when looking for an office for your counseling, therapy, medical, or wellness practice? So many reasons —
When your ideal client searches for a doctor or therapist using Google or any search engine, the algorithm prioritizes nearby providers on the results list. And where do most people conduct their searches? That’s right - from their homes.
People are coming to you already feeling vulnerable. Your office should be in a safe and inviting building. Is the outside well-lit? Is parking close to the building entrance? Is there security or a security system?
People won’t come to you if they can not get to you easily. Is your office easy to get to using different types of transportation? Is it centrally located or way off the beaten path?
If you live in a small or rural community, are people in your area more likely to seek you out because they know and trust their neighbors or would you be better off setting up shop in the next county over to provide a level of anonymity?
Quality/aesthetic — Does your office suite scream, “A successful professional works here!!”? As a social worker, I have worked in my fair share of basements and offices the size of closets (because they were actually meant to be closets!). These spaces never made me feel very good and I know my clients deserved better too. You don’t need Italian leather couches and crystal chandeliers, but consider hiring a designer or a friend with a good eye for decor to help you fengshui your space.
Natural Light — You are a wellness professional and your space needs to foster wellness as much as you do. Does any organic being grow or thrive in the dark? Ok, there may be some deep water fish or worms or something, but you are not treating them. You are treating humans and humans need Vitamin D. Don’t forget, you are a human too and spending 8 hours or more a day in a poorly lit environment does not serve you either.
Space to move — If you see an advertisement for a “cozy office space”, you know that is code for small. Now that everyone is suggested to be spaced 6 feet apart or more, I have never been so grateful for my large office. Many of the offices in our suite are oversized to accommodate therapists who like to get clients up to move around during session. It also helps to not feel so trapped if your client can rise up and pace a bit.
Reception or waiting area — Is there an inviting entrance to your practice’s office? Is there space enough to accommodate at least one client waiting for each office? Is there a place for a coffee or tea service? Is there good wifi for those waiting for sessions to start?
Know your neighbors — I love a good co-op office model where wellness professionals of various specialties share space (which is why I started one of my own in St. Louis). It is great for consultation, morale, referral sharing, and diversity. If you don’t have a co-op option in your area, does the office building at least house a variety of professionals? Are there too many of the same kind of professional in one building? Does your practice fit well or stick out like a sore thumb? Consider your client — i.e. don’t house your recovery practice right over a bar.
Parking — Just blocks away from my office building is Clayton, MO. In Clayton, office space is a premium and a parking space is even more prized than a decent view. Meanwhile, our co-op is in a beautiful building with windows looking out at Clayton and flanked on both sides by free parking garages. I can not tell you how much I love secure covered parking on a snowy or rainy day in St. Louis! Consider how convenient the parking situation is when choosing your office space.
Soundproofing — Before you commit to a lease, check the sound situation. Have a friend tour with you and roam the neighboring spaces while speaking in a normal volume. If you can clearly hear everything through the walls, make sure you are getting the landlord’s commitment to remedy that prior to signing.
*Muffled sound is likely going to be the best you can hope for when sharing walls. I will write another article soon on how to mitigate sound in shared spaces.
Length of commitment /flexibility of the contract or lease — Are you just starting out and not entirely sure if private practice is your thing? Are you unsure of where your clients reside or are willing to travel to? Perhaps you are just wanting to open a part time practice so you don’t need a full time space. In any of these cases, you don’t want to sign a 5 year lease on a private office that you aren’t going to inhabit full time or for the long term. Consider a co-op, shared office space, or sublet a therapy office. If you are ready to take the full time leap, make sure your lease is reviewed by a lawyer and/or commercial real estate agent prior to signing it.
Budget — You don’t want to over shoot your budget but also, don’t cheap out. If you want to attract high paying self-pay clients, you aren’t going to entice them into the free room in your church’s basement. Look for a professional therapy or wellness space to rent and consider the cost of the amenities and add-ons that may be included in an A-rated building. For example, our office fees include janitorial services, a security guard, free parking, a gym for tenants, use of the conference rooms, a great cafe in the lobby, and so many other perks, it’s hard to list them all. I may pay a tiny bit more in rent, but those features also save me money, time, and provide comfort and convenience.
Written by Casey Limmer, MSW, LCSW, owner and founder of St. Louis DBT, LLC and Gateway Wellness Associates, LLC. Casey has a passion for helping wellness professionals, therapists, and counselors to access their inner entrepreneur and start the practice of their dreams. If you are interested in Business mentorship with Casey, click here for more information.