Medical Malpractice

Stress has become a part of our modern day society and is showing its toll on the younger generation or the elderly alike. It is here that mental health professionals help in providing their services to such beings. In a recent report by National Institute of Health has found out that one in every four adult nowadays suffer from mental disorder of one form or other. This should sound as alarming considering the fact that this study did not include stress that children and adolescents face. It is thus not difficult to understand the necessity and importance of mental health practitioners who can extend their services to people suffering from such mental ailments. It should be noted that such mental health professionals can setup their private practice in the comforts of their own clinics or home as such a practice gives the freedom of flexible hours and salary for such practitioners. However, one should note that there are lots of decisions to be made before setting up a practice as a mental therapist. There are various tips and pointers which mental health experts can extend to establish their own practices.

# Licensing requirements: One of the first requirements for mental health professionals before they can start their own private practice is to meet the state licensing and education requirements. Most states require that one has to have a minimum of a master's degree in counselling, psychology or social work before starting the practice. So make sure one completes the state recognised exams and other requirements before one can obtain the license.

# Setting up a clinic: Make sure to think about a legal business name and get it registered with the state. This might require paying up the fees for registration as is required. A proper research of the laws and registration rules for the regions where setting up of clinic is decided should be studied properly. Staying in contact with experienced colleagues for guidance and assistance might sometimes serve as a boon in disguise. Get a professional hired to create a brand presence such as logo and banners might help in creating a conducive environment. Such professionals also help in selection of right furniture which promotes a comfortable and soothing atmosphere for patients. One might think of investing in a computer and a desk so that electronic data might be stored for patients who might be coming to the clinic.

# Purchasing Malpractice insurance: Such liability insurance is of utmost importance for practitioners who opt for practicing on their own and might be very important at times when a client files a lawsuit and decides to sue. Proper thought and talks with experienced practitioners in this field about the choice and insurance companies goes a long way.

# Place for clinic: Prior research and time should be devoted in finding out areas and locations which might serve beneficial from a business standpoint. Proper thought should be given before setting up a clinic in an area. Choosing an office space that has easy accessibility to individuals especially those with disabilities, might serve as a step or move in the right direction.

# Proper Management: Such practitioners should always keep in mind that a flourishing and profitable private practice might dwindle into the red if small minor events are not checked due to mismanagement. It is a common practice for health professionals to start working in larger clinics which are owned by others. Such professionals may then decide to setup their own clinics and may think of retaining the clients from their previous work. It is important to note that such a practice is not unethical, but one should always strive to properly manage his new practice as it is very easy to get one's reputation destroyed if practices are mismanaged.

# Advertising: Now that the clinic is setup and the office stationery is in proper place, one can concentrate in drawing patients to your practice clinic. Giving advertisement in local newspapers and distributing business cards might serve as a great start in this direction. One may also benefit by widening his network of practitioners in the same field because there is no denying of the fact that word of mouth serves as the best medium of advertising for health professionals. Such medical practitioners may refer their patients that may need mental diagnosis to your business which may serve as quite beneficial. One may also opt for advertising through internet and campaigns such as pay per clicks. Such campaigns help in targeting specific audience who really need the services of mental health professionals belonging to a specific geographical location. The effect of yellow page advertising needs no justification as many traditional businesses have risen to success through advertising on yellow pages. One should not forget to send a letter of appreciation, once a referral is received from another medical practitioner.