Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Boer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

Although I had the desire to open my own practice for many years, I finally pursued this goal in 2017. At that time, I was working as a school social worker at the elementary/middle school levels, but wanted to be able to work more clinically with kids and teens. I dropped down to part-time in the schools so that my schedule could accommodate opening a practice. I remember making several to-do lists and reading books about how to begin a private practice, but the thing that helped me the most was meeting with other professionals who already had established practices. I offered to buy them a coffee and “talk shop.” I spent the majority of my time either networking with colleagues or setting up the business. I met with an attorney, CPA, and got to work on my website.
The challenges that arose consisted mainly of decisions that had to be made: who would my client demographic and specialty area be? What trainings did I want to take to further my clinical scope of practice? Where did I want to have an office? Did I want to rent or sublease? Did I want to get paneled with insurance or private pay?
My advice to anyone considering starting their own practice: it’s scary, but you are capable. Do it scared. It’s a long learning process, so ask questions and network with those who have been there. Trust yourself and your abilities. It is SO worth it. You got this!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi! I’m Sarah. I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and certified perinatal mental health professional (PMH-C) supporting moms and moms-to-be through all stages of their parenthood journey. I am passionate about working with moms who have been met with the unexpected, including post-abortion support and pregnancy loss, hyperemesis gravidarum, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders such as postpartum OCD or postpartum depression. I especially enjoy supporting parents who are parenting special needs or medically fragile children. I am licensed and able to work with clients in Colorado, Arizona and Illinois.

I became a social worker because as a young teen, my high school social worker impacted my life in a very influential way. She helped me through numerous hardships and helped me become a better version of myself. When I left high school I knew I wanted to help others in a similar way.

I originally worked primarily with children and adolescents for 10 years. Once I became a mom, which is a highly rewarding AND challenging experience, my focus shifted to helping other moms and moms-to-be. I support parents by providing in-person and virtual individual therapy sessions. I strive to offer therapy in a judgement-free zone where it feels safe to talk about all of the challenges and joys that come from raising tiny humans. I think what sets me apart from others is that I’ve been there, both as a mom and a client on the other side of the therapy room, and that gives me a unique understanding as a therapist.

I am most proud of my clients. They show up, vulnerable, ready to talk, and do the work. I am forever grateful when they invite me into their transformative process. and it’s not something I take lightly. They are truly unbelievable human beings and I love working with them.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Networking! Especially in solo private practice, which can be isolating, working alongside your colleagues is key. Word of mouth is how many of my clients find me. Find your niche, then network within that niche (colleagues in a similar practice demographic, hospitals, schools, meetup groups, doctor offices, etc). Join local facebook groups for therapists to share your availability and make sure your online appearance is kept up to date. Put yourself out there!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I pivoted (in both business and life) when I adjusted my business demographic from primarily kids/teens to the perinatal population. This was after becoming a mom myself. Although I still work with kids and teens and love it, I felt a pull to also become trained and certified in perinatal mental health.

One of the things I love about the field of social work is that there are many options when it comes to career path, and more specifically within private practice. I was hesitant at first after spending so much time with one population, but when I inquired more, I was cheered on by colleagues who had also changed demographics midway through their careers- it’s more common than you realize! There are so many great trainings and certification programs out there and it’s NEVER too late to switch gears in order to help more people. As we experience more life growth and changes on a personal level, naturally our treatment areas may follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sarahmarieboerlcsw.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmarieboerlcsw/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahmarieboerlcsw

Image Credits
T.Mak Photo + Film