The Biggest Challenges in Independent Mental Health Practice & Potential Solutions

SimplePractice, a practice management platform, has released their Annual State of Private Practice Report, drawing on data from more than 245,000 practitioners and survey responses from over 2200 clinicians. The report shares that independent clinicians collectively delivered 113.6 million sessions of mental health care over the course of the year, and 87.9% of clinicians surveyed indicated they intend to remain in the field of mental health through 2026.^1,2

The report establishes baseline metrics about independent mental health clinicians and their practices. Lindsay Oberleitner, PhD, a full-time faculty member at the Yale University School of Medicine and head of clinical strategy at SimplePractice, shared what she believes are the biggest challenges facing independent practice.

These challenges include:

• Independent practice can be isolating, and clinicians often lack access to resources and support.
• The transition to using insurance in private practice adds additional burdens, such as billing and credentialing.

“In bigger systems, like hospital systems and community mental health, they provided the resources and structures to run a practice. They also allow access to people you can collaborate with when you felt stuck on a case, or if billing is not working—they might have even managed it for you. However, in an independent practice, all of a sudden you are the only answer,” said Oberleitner. “It is really isolating at times, so connection is important.”

There is also a need for better tools and support to help clinicians navigate these challenges. New technological tools may be the solution.

Dr Oberleitner is a full-time faculty member at the Yale University School of Medicine and head of clinical strategy at SimplePractice.

References

1. SimplePractice releases first-of-its-kind report on independent mental health practice. News release. May 13, 2026. Accessed May 13, 2026. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260513758800/en/SimplePractice-Releases-First-of-Its-Kind-Report-on-Independent-Mental-Health-Practice

2. Annual State of Private Practice Report: 2025 in Review. SimplePractice. May 13, 2026. Accessed May 13, 2026. https://www.simplepractice.com/resource/state-of-private-practice-2025-report/?utm_source=press-release&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=private-practice-report-25&utm_content=announcement