Planning a Private Practice Blending Pediatric Assessment and Parent Management – Documenting My Thinking (and Seeking Feedback)

[borne_before]

Hi everyone,

I’m in the early stages of planning a private practice and thought I'd document my thinking here — partly to organize my ideas, and partly to invite constructive feedback.

My background is in pediatric assessment psychology, with extensive experience in neurodevelopmental evaluations (autism, ADHD, learning differences, etc.) and parent management training for disruptive/oppositional behavior, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and related challenges. For the last seven years, I've worked with some of the most medically complex kids in my state.

Unfortunately, my current clinic is closing, and I’m at a crossroads. I’m not sure I want to play by someone else’s rules again - or if I even have the flexibility to adapt to another system. I’m also not sure I want to risk experiencing that same sense of failure (through no fault of my own) that I felt during the layoff meeting a week and a half ago.

Still, I'm wrestling with doubt and the thought of going from zero to one is terrifying.

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[borne_before]

The Model I’m Envisioning (because it seems to be what I do best):

• Comprehensive neurodevelopmental/psychological assessments for children (ages toddler–18 or 21), with a strong focus on clear, functional recommendations for families and schools.
• Behavioral consultation for parents (and some older children directly) grounded in evidence-based models like Barkley’s Parent Management Training, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), RUBI Autism, and just good ole behavioral consultation.
• Some counseling and therapy for older kids.

The Vision:

• Assessment and therapy/consultation under one roof: a place where stressed-out parents can reach out easily and feel supported.
• Strong emphasis on empowering parents to manage behavior and emotional challenges at home.
• Focus on early intervention, but with flexibility to see older children and adolescents.
• Lean, family-centered practice - less about chasing every insurance contract, more about thoughtful, effective care.
• Private pay only - I’m not sure I have the organizational bandwidth to deal with insurance (and the battles that come with it). I'm also not convinced that reimbursement rates for assessment would make it worthwhile.

Marketing Thoughts:

• Is being a male child psychologist a marketing strength? (It seems relatively uncommon.) Though I wouldn't directly market that, I do think it separates me significantly.
• Reaching out to pediatricians, emphasizing that I do more than autism/ADHD assessments - I also offer parent training/behavioral consultation. I'm sure pediatricians are always getting bugged by providers, but stressed out parents with kids who don't listen are also a headache for them.
• Reaching out to adult clinical psychologists and couples therapists, letting them know I provide parenting-focused services.
• Also, I want to be nonjudgmental. I don't have everything figured out. But, I do have experience professionally, and with my own kiddos, and my own experiences with undertreated adhd/dysgraphia.
• @Doctor Eliza: network with other child psychologists. In addition to being a helpful community, many don't do assessment and are looking for places to send their patients for a quality evaluation with a quick turn around. Also people to send their overflow clients. I see kids and I wish I had you as a resource in my community to send folks to!

Potential Niches:

• Behavioral consultation for things like potty training and separation anxiety in toddlers can be a nice niche. @Sanman did some of this in cash PP my first few years out.

From Chat GPT: Summary of what you have already hit on (which is gold):

• Your real product is not just assessment reports or skills training.
• Your real product is hope + direction when parents feel scared and guilty.

 

[Doctor Eliza]

Sounds like an in-demand area. I think you will be able to get by not taking insurance given your focus and experience.

For marketing, I'd also network with other child psychologists. In addition to being a helpful community, many don't do assessment and are looking for places to send their patients for a quality evaluation with a quick turn around. Also people to send their overflow clients. I see kids and I wish I had you as a resource in my community to send folks to!

Good luck with it. I have found having my own solo PP to be an extremely rewarding experience.

 

[Sanman]

Some thoughts:

Limit the medically complex cases to a portion of practice at least for a few years. Solo practice is often not the best place for these cases.

Behavioral consultation for things like potty training and separation anxiety in toddlers can be a nice niche. I did some of this in cash PP my first few years out.

 

[borne_before]

Behavioral consultation for things like potty training and separation anxiety in toddlers can be a nice niche. I did some of this in cash PP my first few years out.

Great idea, I'm gonna put this under potential niches!

 

[borne_before]

What’s In a Name? (Trying to Make Sure Parents Can Find Me)

I'm realizing that if I want to survive (and hopefully thrive) in private practice, I can’t just pick a name that sounds nice - it needs to be easy for parents to find through Google and AI search tools.

I'm sort of imagining a parent that's stressed out. Maybe they think everything is a battle with their kid, maybe they feel bad because they lost their cool and yelled, or the teachers are on their case, or they're worried and they're googling some solutions, or maybe they have some concerns are losing sleep because they're worried about their kid's future, and they pull out their phone and google certain terms (chat help me come up with ideas), and they find me and like a candle in the night, I start offering them some hope.

Goals for the name:

• Clear and search-friendly: Parents should immediately know it’s about kids, assessments, and/or parenting help.
• Professional but not stuffy. I’m working with families, not law firms.
• Unique enough that I’m not buried under 10 other "child psychology" results.
• Bonus points if it leaves room for growth (e.g., if I eventually bring on a second provider or offer workshops).

Words I'm considering weaving in:

• Child / Pediatric / Kid
• Neurodevelopment / Assessment / Evaluation
• Parenting / Behavior / Growth
• Development / Learning
• Psychology / Therapy / Consultation

Also curious about one more thing:

• What do people think about using your last name or username in the practice name?
  Right now, since I'm posting under "bornebefore," I'm considering something like:

The current frontrunner is: Bornebefore Center for Neurodevelopmental Assessment, Child Psychology, and Parent Management Training

• It’s a bit long, but I like that it captures the full scope of what I want to offer.
• Is that too wordy? Would parents care? Would a shorter name be more findable?
• Also wondering: is it weird (or good) to not use my real name in the brand if I eventually want this practice to grow beyond just me?

Thanks again for any feedback — naming feels surprisingly high-stakes, and you all are helping me think through angles I might have missed.

EDIT: here is some stuff to consider from chatgpt:

Potential search terms:

• Child behavior help near me
• How to help my child with meltdowns
• Child psychologist autism ADHD assessment
• Parent coaching for child behavior
• Child tantrums anxiety when to worry
• Parent training child therapy
• Child emotional outbursts school problems
• Testing for ADHD autism near me
• Pediatric psychologist for behavior issues
• Why does my child get angry so fast
• How to stay calm parenting difficult child
• Child not listening what to do
• Neuropsychological testing for kids
• Help my child struggling school behavior

Vibes:

• Calm.
• Competent.
• Reassuring without being patronizing.
• Clear path forward — not just validation but action.
• Empowerment, not judgment.
• Warm light in a confusing tunnel (your "candle" metaphor is perfect).
• maybe throw shade at instagram parenting gurus who have it all figured out... (or about how there are so many competing voices out there)

You want a name that sounds calm, not corporate. Something that feels like a guide or a steady hand.

So "Bornebefore" works if you pair it with clear descriptors underneath it, like:

Bornebefore Center
Neurodevelopmental Assessment • Child Psychology • Parent Coaching

 

[psych250]

The Model I’m Envisioning (because it seems to be what I do best):

• Comprehensive neurodevelopmental/psychological assessments for children (ages toddler–18 or 21), with a strong focus on clear, functional recommendations for families and schools.
• Behavioral consultation for parents (and some older children directly) grounded in evidence-based models like Barkley’s Parent Management Training, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), RUBI Autism, and just good ole behavioral consultation.
• Some counseling and therapy for older kids.

The Vision:

• Assessment and therapy/consultation under one roof: a place where stressed-out parents can reach out easily and feel supported.
• Strong emphasis on empowering parents to manage behavior and emotional challenges at home.
• Focus on early intervention, but with flexibility to see older children and adolescents.
• Lean, family-centered practice - less about chasing every insurance contract, more about thoughtful, effective care.
• Private pay only - I’m not sure I have the organizational bandwidth to deal with insurance (and the battles that come with it). I'm also not convinced that reimbursement rates for assessment would make it worthwhile.

Marketing Thoughts:

• Is being a male child psychologist a marketing strength? (It seems relatively uncommon.) Though I wouldn't directly market that, I do think it separates me significantly.
• Reaching out to pediatricians, emphasizing that I do more than autism/ADHD assessments - I also offer parent training/behavioral consultation. I'm sure pediatricians are always getting bugged by providers, but stressed out parents with kids who don't listen are also a headache for them.
• Reaching out to adult clinical psychologists and couples therapists, letting them know I provide parenting-focused services.

Potential Niches:

• Behavioral consultation for things like potty training and separation anxiety in toddlers can be a nice niche. @Sanman did some of this in cash PP my first few years out.

I would consider being on insurance panels, just in-case. At least in my area of the country (NM), accepting insurance isnt that big of an issue

 

[borne_before]

I would consider being on insurance panels, just in-case. At least in my area of the country (NM), accepting insurance isnt that big of an issue

I love NM - I almost took a job in Las Cruces!

 

[PsyDr]

1) There is a delay between initiation of marketing and results. It is wise to plan accordingly. Use 1-2. Wait a few months, Try another. You don't want to aggressively market, fill up your panel, and lose potential sources of referrals.

2) Keep a fair amount of operating capital on hand. The pandemic destroyed a bunch of practices that did not have enough reserves.

3) As soon as you can: BUY A WATERPROOF/LEATHER COUCH. You know who pees their pants, and gets sticky things all over everything? The young and the old. You know who doesn't want to sit in a peepee couch? Your next patient.

4) Sent PM.

5) Always thought you were a lady.

 

[borne_before]

market, fill up your panel, and lose potential sources of referrals.

1) There is a delay between initiation of marketing and results. It is wise to plan accordingly. Use 1-2. Wait a few months, Try another. You don't want to aggressively market, fill up your panel, and lose potential sources of referrals.

2) Keep a fair amount of operating capital on hand. The pandemic destroyed a bunch of practices that did not have enough reserves.

3) As soon as you can: BUY A WATERPROOF/LEATHER COUCH. You know who pees their pants, and gets sticky things all over everything? The young and the old. You know who doesn't want to sit in a peepee couch? Your next patient.

4) Sent PM.

5) Always thought you were a lady.

I love this point about panic marketing at first.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

1) There is a delay between initiation of marketing and results. It is wise to plan accordingly. Use 1-2. Wait a few months, Try another. You don't want to aggressively market, fill up your panel, and lose potential sources of referrals.

2) Keep a fair amount of operating capital on hand. The pandemic destroyed a bunch of practices that did not have enough reserves.

3) As soon as you can: BUY A WATERPROOF/LEATHER COUCH. You know who pees their pants, and gets sticky things all over everything? The young and the old. You know who doesn't want to sit in a peepee couch? Your next patient.

4) Sent PM.

5) Always thought you were a lady.

Just adding my support for all of these tips, and particularly #1. It's usually easier to open the spigot more than to close it off. Plus, once a subset of referral sources and patients finds out about you and that you do good work, odds are, word-of-mouth will result in more and more people finding you on their own. If not, then you can add more marketing efforts.

And in my experience, the most important thing for many/most referral sources, even more than the quality of work, is how quickly you can see their patients (and get them a report, if applicable).

 

[DoubtfulDoc]

What’s In a Name? (Trying to Make Sure Parents Can Find Me)

I'm realizing that if I want to survive (and hopefully thrive) in private practice, I can’t just pick a name that sounds nice - it needs to be easy for parents to find through Google and AI search tools.

I'm sort of imagining a parent that's stressed out. Maybe they think everything is a battle with their kid, maybe they feel bad because they lost their cool and yelled, or the teachers are on their case, or they're worried and they're googling some solutions, or maybe they have some concerns are losing sleep because they're worried about their kid's future, and they pull out their phone and google certain terms (chat help me come up with ideas), and they find me and like a candle in the night, I start offering them some hope.

Goals for the name:

• Clear and search-friendly: Parents should immediately know it’s about kids, assessments, and/or parenting help.
• Professional but not stuffy. I’m working with families, not law firms.
• Unique enough that I’m not buried under 10 other "child psychology" results.
• Bonus points if it leaves room for growth (e.g., if I eventually bring on a second provider or offer workshops).

Words I'm considering weaving in:

• Child / Pediatric / Kid
• Neurodevelopment / Assessment / Evaluation
• Parenting / Behavior / Growth
• Development / Learning
• Psychology / Therapy / Consultation

Also curious about one more thing:

• What do people think about using your last name or username in the practice name?
  Right now, since I'm posting under "bornebefore," I'm considering something like:

The current frontrunner is: Bornebefore Center for Neurodevelopmental Assessment, Child Psychology, and Parent Management Training

• It’s a bit long, but I like that it captures the full scope of what I want to offer.
• Is that too wordy? Would parents care? Would a shorter name be more findable?
• Also wondering: is it weird (or good) to not use my real name in the brand if I eventually want this practice to grow beyond just me?

Thanks again for any feedback — naming feels surprisingly high-stakes, and you all are helping me think through angles I might have missed.

EDIT: here is some stuff to consider from chatgpt:

Potential search terms:

• Child behavior help near me
• How to help my child with meltdowns
• Child psychologist autism ADHD assessment
• Parent coaching for child behavior
• Child tantrums anxiety when to worry
• Parent training child therapy
• Child emotional outbursts school problems
• Testing for ADHD autism near me
• Pediatric psychologist for behavior issues
• Why does my child get angry so fast
• How to stay calm parenting difficult child
• Child not listening what to do
• Neuropsychological testing for kids
• Help my child struggling school behavior

Vibes:

• Calm.
• Competent.
• Reassuring without being patronizing.
• Clear path forward — not just validation but action.
• Empowerment, not judgment.
• Warm light in a confusing tunnel (your "candle" metaphor is perfect).
• maybe throw shade at instagram parenting gurus who have it all figured out... (or about how there are so many competing voices out there)

You want a name that sounds calm, not corporate. Something that feels like a guide or a steady hand.

So "Bornebefore" works if you pair it with clear descriptors underneath it, like:

M

1. Growing Minds Assessment Center
2. Bright Path Pediatric Psychology
3. KidScope Neurodevelopmental Services
4. MindSpring Pediatric Assessment Group
5. The Developmental Insight Clinic
6. Pediatric Brain & Behavior Clinic
7. Child Neuropsych & Parenting Center
8. Early Minds Neuropsychology
9. Child Development & Assessment Group
10. NeuroNest: Pediatric Brain & Behavior
11. MindBloom Kids
12. Thrive Neuropsych for Kids & Families
13. BrainBridge Pediatric Psychology
14. NeuroKind
15. ThinkPlay Grow

 

[WisNeuro]

What about "The Bornebefore Center for Kids Who Can't Read Good?"

 

[borne_before]

What about "The Bornebefore Center for Kids Who Can't Read Good?"

Only if it's not for ants.

 

[borne_before]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share an update and ask for some advice. I’m currently in talks with a hospital that might be an excellent fit. They initially offered the position I applied for to someone else, but the division chief received approval to either create a new role or restructure an existing one around my background. It’s been a surprisingly energizing process.

It's been really hard to work on shutting this place down - I worry about our patients and I just don't think the local system, which is already operating at capacity, can handle the influx of complexity. I particularly worry about med management, navigating systems, etc. I hate telling families that still want to come in for intakes that I can't test their kid or do any treatment. But, I can offer some advice and make appropriate referrals. (As an aside, our admin and the insurances we work with got called into the governor, which I think might have been a result of some letter writing and advocating that I have organized). Unfortunately, I think advocacy is the best option for helping our patients now.

So to feel like this place might be a great fit, and they want me, has been really nice.

This opportunity would allow me to continue building my focus on neurodevelopmental assessment for children with chronic medical, genetic, or sensory-related conditions. There’s also potential for planning clinics, teaching, research, and even academic appointments—all areas that have been missing from my current clinic.

One part I’m especially excited about is that this role isn’t under a developmental pediatrician, rather it'd be similar to my current role where I am housed in behavioral health. Also, I’ve been really impressed by the division chief, there’s a clear sense of competence and leadership that stands out. Honestly, I'm kind of excited to not be in charge of a department anymore.

So far, I’ve met with the division chief (really impressive position), reviewed salary and benefits with the recruiter, and completed a leadership assessment (hopefully I didn’t bomb it). I’ve been invited for a full-day interview and dinner, which I assume is partly to make sure I’m not difficult or strange to work with.

With the closure of my current clinic, I wonder if they’re already somewhat familiar with my reputation (which I think is positive enough?) and whether that’s helped move things forward. It feels a little like the process is happening in reverse.

If anyone has tips for navigating this kind of academic medical interview day or dinner, I’d love your input. I haven’t received the itinerary yet, but I’m guessing it’ll involve a series of mini-interviews with key stakeholders.

Also, if you’ve ever dealt with impostor syndrome during transitions like this, I’d really appreciate your perspective. It’s exciting, and kind of a dream, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious about measuring up.

Thanks in advance.

 

[szymk1sm]

Be excited about the position. Ask questions about the job / culture of the department, but also indicate what skills / expertise you can bring to the table and how you'll improve the department.

We just did some hiring (new task for me) and I was surprised to hear some of the feedback from other interviewers re: this -- I guess I didn't notice how some candidates were (or were not) excited about the position and the quality of questions they asked. Something I'll think about more in the future as we interview other candidates.

Don't be surprised if some of the people on your itinerary don't make sense -- someone thought they'd be a good person for you to meet, even if it doesn't make sense when reviewing their faculty page.

Good luck!

 

[borne_before]

Be excited about the position. Ask questions about the job / culture of the department, but also indicate what skills / expertise you can bring to the table and how you'll improve the department.

We just did some hiring (new task for me) and I was surprised to hear some of the feedback from other interviewers re: this -- I guess I didn't notice how some candidates were (or were not) excited about the position and the quality of questions they asked. Something I'll think about more in the future as we interview other candidates.

Don't be surprised if some of the people on your itinerary don't make sense -- someone thought they'd be a good person for you to meet, even if it doesn't make sense when reviewing their faculty page.

Good luck!

I have like a million questions/possibilities. I think my enthusiasm came across already but I'm also not one to keep that quiet. Would it be weird if I asked to see the testing kits they have? Asked about funding structures (like any visit codes)? I have a suspicion that I might be the first person like me they've seen outside of neuropsych (which I think is kind siloed in a diff department).

 

[szymk1sm]

I have like a million questions/possibilities. I think my enthusiasm came across already but I'm also not one to keep that quiet. Would it be weird if I asked to see the testing kits they have? Asked about funding structures (like any visit codes)? I have a suspicion that I might be the first person like me they've seen outside of neuropsych (which I think is kind siloed in a diff department).

I think asking to see the current testing supplies is legit -- it may be though that your interviewer doesn't know where they're housed (or if like me, my research office where I interview is in a different building than my clinical space so I couldn't show them even if I wanted to). Either way, if you're coming in as someone who will be doing assessments, it's important to know what materials they have and whether you have an allowance / ability to update old / outdated materials and purchase new materials that will allow you to practice using best standards, etc. (not sure how you'd want to massage the wording, but you want to make sure they will let you purchase what you need to do your job -- may be that you have to slowly accumulate materials over time or can only budget 'x' amount towards this per year, but you need to know this up front IMO).

I think it's fine to ask about billing - and hopefully if your interviewer doesn't know then they can recommend another interviewer who can answer that question (or set you up with an online chat on another date with someone who can).

Other potential things to ask about for a clinical position:
** Do you have support staff for scheduling (i.e., do they have a dedicated person or team who does insurance pre-auth's for your visits, manages your work queue, schedules patients, calls to confirm appts, etc.). If they don't have that in place, then i would request some admin time be built into my schedule since that takes up so much more time than you'd think.

** Professional funds -- do you get an allowance for CE's to maintain your state licensure? Our grand rounds are APA approved CE's, so my dept doesn't offer professional funds for this since we can get them all by attending grand rounds throughout the year (but we do have a small pot of travel money you can apply for if you're going to give a presentation at a conference, etc.).

** What is your productivity metric - RVUs vs billable hours vs something else? I work on RVUs but other colleagues do the latter and it can make a difference for how many patients you're expected to see per week. Do you have to meet those productivity goals your first year or is there some buffer - as in you'll still get your salary even if you go below it? Could also ask if there's a model for incentive pay if you exceed your productivity metrics.

** How long you have to finalize reports in the EMR (we get 2 weeks as neuropsychologists from the date of visit -- my therapy colleagues I think just get a few days).

** Will you get a peer mentor to help you navigate your first year? Think someone to teach you how to enter billing in the EMR, potentially discuss cases or ethics with, navigate politics of the department, etc.