The first guide to cover all aspects of therapeutic practice, The Therapist's Starter Guide: Setting Up and Building Your Practice, Working with Clients, and Managing Professional Growth provides new practitioners, and those in the first few years of establishing a practice, with the skills needed to succeed, thrive, and grow professionally as well as personally. This vital guide recognizes the practice of psychotherapy as a unique blend of science, art, and business. It equips new mental health professionals with the knowledge they need to transition to their first job out of school or the start of their own therapy practice.

Written by two seasoned mental health professionals with both clinical and managerial experience operating a network of behavioral health providers, this hands-on book is designed for those seeking realistic advice on how to manage a successful career as a therapist—be it working on one's own or as part of a larger organization or practice. Filled with relevant case studies and self-test questions, it presents solid, practical answers to questions including:

• How should you recognize ethical dilemmas and handle them when they occur?

• How can you position your practice for success in a very competitive marketplace?

• How do you recognize when your clients are ready for change?

• How will you handle working with insurance companies?

• What issues are important in the beginning and during treatment?

• How do you end treatment gracefully?