VALUES: Building a Successful Private Practice in Phoenix

Your values are the guiding principles that help you make decisions and stay true to what really matters as a therapy practice owner.

Starting or growing a private practice is an exciting journey, full of potential and possibilities, and PTH is here to support you along the way. This is why we’re developing a series on Building a Successful Private Practice in Phoenix. You’ve already thought about your vision—your roadmap to the future of your practice. Now, it’s time to think about the values that will guide you along the way. 

While your vision paints a picture of where you want to go, your values are the guiding principles that help you make decisions and stay true to what really matters. In this post, we’ll dive into why defining your values is essential, even if it seems like something you could skip. 

Spoiler: Building a therapy practice is a difficult, challenging endeavor. Would you want to start any difficult journey without guiding principles?

What Are Private Practice Values, Really?

Think of values as your practice’s North Star. They’re the core beliefs and principles that keep you grounded and on course, even when things get busy or challenging. Your values shape how you interact with clients, how you make decisions, and even how you feel about the work you do every day. While your vision is all about the future, your values are all about the here and now—guiding your actions and ensuring that every step you take is aligned with what truly matters to you and your practice.

Why Establish Values for Your Therapy Practice?

Sure, defining values might sound like something you can tackle later, but here’s the deal: setting your values early on sets you up for long-term success. When you know your values, making decisions becomes a whole lot easier. Whether you’re deciding on a new client policy or figuring out how to grow your practice, your values act as a filter, helping you choose the path that feels right. The journey of running a private practice has its ups and downs and twists and turns. Having well-defined values keeps you grounded during those challenging times, helping you stay focused on what’s important and navigate changes with confidence.

Creating a Vibe for You and Your Practice

Your values ultimately define the culture of your practice. They help create the vibe that makes your practice unique and attracts the right clients and colleagues. Sound familiar? Yep, values function in a similar way as the vision for your therapy practice. They actually work alongside your vision to help distinguish your practice in a crowded market. They create a point of connection and can compel others to join you, whether clients or partners. And if you live the values and use them to guide your decision making –if you embody the values–they demonstrate consistency and build trust. These are two important business concepts that determine whether others sustain their relationships with you.

A Case Study: Values at Phoenix Therapists’ Hub (PTH)

At Phoenix Therapists’ Hub (PTH), we’re all about creating “better connections for better mental health in Phoenix.” Our vision is big, bold, and ambitious—and it’s supported by three core values: Connected, Appreciative, and Uplifting.

1. Connected: We believe that connections are the heartbeat of mental well-being. Whether it’s building strong relationships with clients or fostering a supportive community among therapists, connection is our top priority. At PTH, we’re all about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
2. Appreciative: While we cherish the connections we build, we also celebrate the differences that make each of us unique. We’re a community that values diversity and believes that our differences are what make us stronger. Being appreciative means we’re always open to learning from one another and growing together.
3. Uplifting: At PTH, we don’t just want to connect and appreciate—we want to lift each other up. We believe in the power of positivity and support, and we’re committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Whether it’s a word of encouragement or a helping hand, we’re here to uplift each other, every step of the way.

How Our Values Guide Us (The Simplified Group Practice Program)

Our values aren’t just ideals—they’re the compass that guides our decisions and actions at PTH. A great example of this is how we developed our Simplified Group Practice Program (SGPP). This program was designed to support private practice therapists interested in starting or growing a group practice by lowering overhead costs and reducing administrative and business development responsibilities. This not only alleviates stress for group practice owners but also increases the earning potential for associate-level clinicians they bring on board.

When we were designing SGPP, we evaluated the program through the lens of our core values:

• Connected: We asked ourselves how SGPP could enhance connections among therapists within our community. By reducing the administrative burden on group practice owners, SGPP allows them to focus more on mentoring and connecting with their associates, creating a more cohesive and supportive work environment. This connectedness extends to clients as well, as a well-supported team can provide more consistent and high-quality care.

• Appreciative: In developing SGPP, we recognized the diverse needs and challenges faced by both group practice owners and their associate clinicians. We made sure to appreciate these differences by creating a flexible program that meets the unique demands of various practices, whether they’re just starting out or looking to expand. By appreciating the different stages and goals of each practice, we ensured that SGPP is adaptable and responsive to the needs of all our members.

• Uplifting: One of our main goals with SGPP was to uplift everyone involved. For group practice owners, this means providing the support they need to thrive without getting bogged down by administrative tasks. For associate clinicians, it means offering them better earning potential and opportunities for professional growth. By creating a program that uplifts both the leaders and the team members, we’re fostering an environment where everyone can succeed and feel valued. And PTH is uplifted by expanding its community and membership. Win-win-win.

By carefully considering how SGPP aligns with our values of being connected, appreciative, and uplifting, we were able to develop a program that not only supports the business needs of our community but also enhances the well-being and success of everyone involved.

Wrapping It Up

Defining your values isn’t just a checkbox on your to-do list—it’s the foundation for building a private practice that’s not only successful but also meaningful and fulfilling. Your values are what make your practice uniquely yours, guiding your decisions and shaping your culture. So, take the time to define them. Embrace them. And watch how they help you create something truly special.

Additional Resources

“Aligning Values: The Foundation of Your Private Practice,” a podcast episode by Jeanene Wolfe, LCSW

“How to Write Your Company Values,” a video from Private Practice Workshop