Lately, I’ve had several dietitians reach out to me in what I’d call the contemplative stage—asking themselves that big question:
Do I really want to start a private practice?
If that’s you, I get it. You’re not alone. Just like many of our clients sit in that space of contemplation before making a change with food or health, you might be sitting in that same space with your career—wondering if private practice is right for you.
Here’s the truth:
It’s not my job to convince anyone to start their own practice.
My role as a coach is to support you in figuring out if private practice is actually a good fit for your goals, your lifestyle, and your values.
Because—let’s be honest—private practice isn’t for everyone.
And that’s completely okay.
The Reality Behind the Dream
From the outside, private practice can look dreamy—flexible hours, being your own boss, seeing your ideal clients. But behind the scenes? There’s a whole lot of administrative work that comes with it:
- Insurance billing and follow-ups
- Scheduling and rescheduling
- Late fees and no-shows
- Marketing yourself (yes, you’re the face of the brand)
- Invoicing and bookkeeping
…and did I mention marketing yourself?
This year, I hired a fantastic dietitian who had made the leap from residential treatment into private practice. But after a short time, she realized she missed the structure, the collaboration, and the security of her previous role—and went back. She’s now a valued team member in my group practice, thriving in the role that fits her best.
That story is a good reminder: just because private practice isn’t your thing doesn’t mean you’re not a great dietitian. It just means you’ve got to find the work environment that lights you up.
My Own Journey
I knew I had an entrepreneurial streak early on. I once signed up to be a consultant for a wellness product I believed in. I loved the excitement of making sales, connecting with customers, and seeing growth—but I quickly realized I hated the pressure of selling to friends and family. I didn’t want to be “that person.”
But what did light me up was pediatric nutrition—something people genuinely needed, and something that was often covered by insurance.
So when I was unexpectedly laid off from my full-time job, I took it as a sign and went for it. I opened my own practice, and I haven’t looked back. It was a leap—and yes, the learning curve was steep (marketing, billing, taxes, choosing EHRs… none of that was taught in school!). But I had the drive, and more importantly, the willingness to figure it out.
Eventually, I realized billing wasn’t for me, so I outsourced it the moment my schedule could support the expense. And that’s something I always tell dietitians I coach—know your strengths, know your limits, and hire out when it makes sense for you.
So… Is Private Practice Right for You?
If you’re in that contemplative phase, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do I want the freedom to create my own schedule—and am I okay with the unpredictability that might come with it?
- Am I energized by learning new systems, marketing myself, and wearing multiple hats?
- Do I have the patience (and support) to grow slowly in the beginning?
- Can I handle uncertainty and still stay motivated?
If you’re not sure yet—that’s okay. Sometimes the best thing you can do is get curious, ask questions, and explore your options. Coaching can help you get clarity, but remember, this isn’t about being pushed into something that isn’t a fit. It’s about finding your version of fulfillment.
And if you do decide private practice is for you? I’m here to help guide you through those early steps, cheer you on, and offer real talk along the way.
Ready to explore whether private practice is right for you?
Let’s connect for a clarity call and talk it through. No pressure—just support. 💬
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