Private practice psychologist: Practising autonomously, between vocation and entrepreneurship
Becoming a private practice psychologist appeals to many professionals seeking autonomy, flexibility, and freedom in their therapeutic approach. This status is attractive for its independence, yet it also requires managing entrepreneurial, legal, and administrative responsibilities.
Working in private practice means both supporting patients in their psychological journey and running one’s own practice, with all the obligations that entails. This mode of practice stands at the crossroads between clinical vocation and the economic realities of the profession.
How to become a private practice psychologist?
Setting up a private practice involves several steps: initial training, choosing a legal structure, carrying out administrative procedures, and preparing the material conditions of practice.
Required studies and qualification
The title of psychologist in France is regulated by the law of 25 July 1985 (decree of 22 March 1990). To practise, a psychologist must complete five years of higher education recognised by the State, including a master’s degree in psychology.
Specialisations include clinical psychology, occupational psychology, developmental psychology, and neuropsychology.
As ESPÉ is a relatively young institution, its graduates do not yet have access to the protected title of psychologist. Obtaining State recognition will take time, but it remains a top priority for the school (with retroactive effect for previously graduated cohorts). Until this recognition is granted, ESPÉ’s specialised programmes—designed for the private sector—and their strong emphasis on practice ensure excellent employability for graduates in roles where the psychologist title is not required.
Essential skills and qualities
Private practice requires strong listening skills, emotional stability, autonomy, and ethical rigour.
It also involves managing the office, scheduling, accounting, and sometimes communication.
Possible specialisations (children, couples, CBT, etc.)
Private practice psychologists may specialise in particular populations—children, adolescents, couples, seniors—or in specific therapeutic approaches such as CBT, EMDR, relaxation techniques, or mindfulness.
Setting up as a private practice psychologist: key steps
Establishing a private practice requires careful planning, choosing the appropriate legal structure, completing administrative registrations, and preparing the office environment.
Choosing an appropriate legal status
Psychologists may choose the micro-BNC system, which is simple and suitable when starting out, or establish an individual business. Other legal structures may be considered depending on the activity and career goals.
Obtaining an ADELI number
The ADELI number is essential for official recognition as a psychologist. It is issued by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) after declaring one’s diploma and place of practice. This number must appear on all professional documents.
Finding and equipping a practice location
The choice of location is strategic: it must be quiet, accessible, and meet professional standards. The psychologist must plan for furniture, work tools, and the confidentiality conditions required for consultations.
What is the legal and ethical framework?
Private practice is strictly regulated. The psychologist must comply with the professional code of ethics, ensuring the integrity of the therapeutic relationship, the protection of confidentiality, and respect for patients’ rights.
Respecting the code of ethics
The code governs the practice: professional secrecy, responsibility, beneficence, and boundaries of competence. It is an essential reference guiding daily decisions.
Confidentiality and informed consent
Before beginning any intervention, the psychologist ensures that the client understands the framework of the consultation. They obtain the client’s informed consent and commit to protecting all shared information.
Professional insurance and liability
Private practice psychologists must hold professional liability insurance. This coverage protects them in case of dispute or professional error and is indispensable for practising safely.
How much does a private practice psychologist earn?
Income varies depending on the client base, geographical area, and the practice’s fixed expenses. The activity can be very profitable when well developed, but it remains subject to appointment fluctuations and client retention.
Consultation fees in France
Fees are set freely. On average, a session costs between €50 and €80. Some psychologists adjust their rates depending on income or specific situations.
Income according to client base and location
A psychologist practising in a large city benefits from greater visibility but faces more competition and higher rent. In rural areas, demand may be more stable, though establishing a practice can take more time.
Expenses and financial viability
Private practice psychologists must factor in rent, insurance, social contributions, supplies, taxes, and various services. A solid financial forecast helps determine the break-even point and ensure long-term viability.
Pros and Cons of independent practice
Private practice offers many advantages, such as freedom of therapeutic choice, flexible organisation, and direct relationships with clients. However, it also involves significant responsibilities related to management, taxation, and financial stability.
Freedom of organisation and therapeutic approach
Private practice psychologists can choose their schedule, therapeutic tools, and areas of specialisation. This flexibility is often a key motivation for entering independent practice.
Administrative management, accounting, and taxation
The other side of this autonomy is the responsibility of handling accounting, legal, and fiscal matters independently. This requires constant rigour or support from an accountant.
Risk of professional isolation
Working alone can lead to feelings of isolation. Peer groups, clinical supervision, and professional networks are valuable resources to maintain exchange, support, and ethical reflection.
What is a private practice psychologist?
A private practice psychologist is a professionally trained psychologist who works independently in their own office, without being employed by an institution. They see a diverse range of clients and provide psychotherapeutic support tailored to each person’s needs.
This mode of practice allows them to organise their schedule, choose their therapeutic approaches, and set their fees. A private practice psychologist must also manage the administrative, legal, and financial aspects of their activity, which requires strong versatility.
Definition and specific features of independent practice
Independent or private practice refers to working autonomously under one’s own professional responsibility. The psychologist charges for consultations, pays their expenses, manages their office, and complies with the ethical requirements of the profession.
They may choose to work alone or within a multidisciplinary practice.
Differences between private practice and salaried employment
Unlike a salaried psychologist, who works under an employer, the private practice psychologist has no hierarchical supervisor. They enjoy full organisational freedom but do not benefit from job security or paid leave associated with employment contracts.
However, they have the flexibility to align their therapeutic work with their own vision of care and professional values.
Psychologist profiles concerned
Any qualified psychologist may consider working in private practice, provided they have solid clinical training. This mode of practice often appeals to professionals who want to specialise in a particular approach or who seek greater autonomy in their work.
What are the main responsibilities of a private practice psychologist?
The private practice psychologist supports clients of all ages and backgrounds through a relationship based on trust, active listening, and confidentiality. They conduct assessments, design treatment plans, and adapt their support as needs evolve.
Clinical work with clients in the office
The psychologist conducts individual, couple, or family sessions. They help clients identify sources of distress, gain insight into their thought patterns, and develop sustainable solutions to their difficulties.
The frequency and duration of sessions are adjusted according to the issues presented.
Personalised psychotherapeutic support
Each intervention is individually tailored to the client’s therapeutic goals and expressed needs. The psychologist may rely on various approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, systemic therapy, or humanistic methods.
Collaboration with other health professionals
The private practice psychologist may collaborate with general practitioners, psychiatrists, speech therapists, or educators. This interdisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive, coordinated care—especially in cases involving complex conditions.