Pros
Flexibility - able to create my own work day/week, as an independent contractor I can see as many clients as I would like (balanced schedule for personal/professional satisfaction) to earn a salary that works for my life
Autonomy - able to see clients that I'm most interested in working with and get to create a schedule that works for me in terms of days/times, (week days vs weekends), in person vs. telehealth, etc.
Supportive Admin Team - client referrals and insurance interface are coordinated by staff who are very helpful in their interactions on behalf of the clinicians
Positive Peer Culture - The clinical team have consultation groups w/a variety of focal points that offer varying levels of resonance and feedback to choose from; social connections are prioritized w/monthly activities, team meet ups, and a newsletter as well as birthday announcements
Resources - the EMR system we use is the best of its kind for mental health services; we have access to various HIPAA compliant platforms
to conduct telehealth sessions
Professional Development - there are ample workshops that are scheduled and coordinated w/in the practice as well as emails re: o/s trainings that assist in maintaining licensure obligations
Leadership Opportunities - able to take up additional roles w/in the practice based on interest and expertise that are supported by the Leadership Team who oversee the practice and supportive to other clinicians growth and development (Couples Counseling - mentorship)
Cons
Insurance Rates - while we work to obtain competitive rates these are the parameters that we are working in systemically (dictated by contracts) so "raises" aren't something that occur annually as they may in other fields
Caseload - sometimes there can be a lull in referrals, while at other times there can be lots of inquiries (figuring out how to handle the ups and downs w/o it being a stressor can be an issue)
Professional Expenses - handling taxes (especially City Wage Tax - BIRT) and other expenses like liability insurance and annual licenses renewals are expenses that must be taken into consideration