Supporting the Business Side of Practice

A Holistic Approach to Professional Development

One of the greatest gaps in our field isn't clinical—it's business. While psychologists receive years of training in research, ethics, and therapy modalities, few programs dedicate time to the practical knowledge needed to establish and sustain a successful practice. As a licensed psychologist and Deputy Director at The Trust, I've seen this gap firsthand across the entire career spectrum—from graduate students to seasoned professionals. 

That's why we introduced The Business of Practice (BOP) Webinar Series and its accompanying Practice Bundle—a comprehensive, evolving resource designed to meet the practical needs of clinicians at every stage of their professional journey. 

Why We Created the BOP Series 

The idea was simple: provide real-world guidance beyond what traditional training programs cover. Psychologists need accessible, relevant, and evidence-informed content about the "how-tos" of private practice—from launching a solo practice to managing growth, marketing ethically, handling billing, and navigating abrupt interruptions in care. 

The BOP series also addresses topics rarely covered in formal education, such as how to build financial stability in private practice, prepare for unanticipated absences or practice closure, and grow a group or specialty practice with sound infrastructure and support. 

Bringing Practical Tools to Life 

The BOP Series brings these tools to life through expert-led discussions grounded in real clinical examples. We tackle topics ranging from succession planning to billing and documentation, and delve into the latest trends in technology, including the role of AI in practice. We approach AI not as a threat to clinicians but as a powerful aid that can support supervision, improve documentation workflows, streamline training, and ultimately enhance the therapeutic process. 

Upcoming sessions in the series will explore evolving digital tools, effective marketing strategies tailored for mental health professionals, and ways to future-proof your practice in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. 

Supporting All Career Stages 

What makes this series unique is its relevance across all phases of professional development. Whether you're a student curious about your future options, an early career psychologist navigating licensure and your first clients, a mid-career clinician scaling a group practice, or a senior professional preparing for transitions or retirement, the BOP series is designed to support your journey. 

The bundle format ensures you're not just attending a one-off webinar—you're gaining a toolkit that grows with you, offering immediate takeaways and long-term guidance. 

Looking Ahead 

We're excited to continue expanding the BOP Series with timely content, risk management insights, and strategies for building sustainable, ethically sound, thriving practices. Upcoming topics will include building a multidisciplinary team, understanding insurance paneling trends, improving patient communication, and handling practice finances with confidence. 

At The Trust, we remain committed to equipping our community with the tools and resources needed not just to survive, but to lead with confidence in an evolving professional landscape. 

Explore the current series and Practice Bundle here, and stay tuned for more in 2025 and beyond! 


 

Dr. Andrea Chisolm, The Trust Insurance Dr. Andrea Chisolm is Deputy Director and Chief Development Officer for The Trust, where she plays a central role in both internal and external organizational development. Internally, she oversees Human Resources, Operations, Information Technology, and enterprise risk management, ensuring optimal performance across departments.

Externally, she leads efforts to develop programs and strategic partnerships that support practicing psychologists and align with The Trust’s Strategic Plan. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing initiatives such as the National Practice Conference, the Business of Practice webinar series, and early career advocacy programming.

Dr. Chisolm brings over 15 years of combined corporate and academic experience to her role. Prior to joining The Trust, she served as Program Director and Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Maryland, where she led a master’s program in Clinical Psychological Science. Her academic background continues to inform her work supporting students, early career professionals, and training efforts across the field. She holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from West Virginia University and is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at the University of Maryland, College Park, with anticipated graduation in May 2026. Dr. Chisolm remains deeply engaged with the profession through her service and leadership with the Maryland Psychological Association.


NOTE: This information is provided as a risk management resource and is not legal advice or an individualized personal consultation. At the time this resource was prepared, all information was as current and accurate as possible; however, regulations, laws, or prevailing professional practice standards may have changed since the posting or recording of this resource. Accordingly, it is your responsibility to confirm whether regulatory or legal issues that are relevant to you have since been updated and/or to consult with your professional advisors or legal counsel for timely guidance specific to your situation. As with all professional use of material, please explicitly cite The Trust as the source if you reproduce or distribute any portion of these resources.