Kim Robinson is a Social Worker with Asheville City Schools. She earned her Masters of Social Work at the University of South Carolina. She plans to open her own private practice in the near future.
Interview with Kimberly Robinson
2/26/2016
So Mrs. Robinson, can you please tell me a little but about yourself?
How much time do you have? Just kidding. I have been working with the school system for 23 years now. In my current position as a social worker…it’s been 11 years. I obtained a Master’s of Social Work from the University of South Carolina, Columbia in 2010. Currently I am working towards my LCSW…License Clinical Social Worker. I now hold a provisional license which allows me to provide clinical therapy with a limited population. Once I obtained full licensure I can work and bill various insurances and individuals. I’m a mother and wife of loving individuals who support my passion of working with others.
Can you please tell me how you plan to start your private practice?
Currently I’m working with the mental health agency at the school in which I work. I’m trying to learn the billing process. I already work with students as far as therapy. My plan is to work under an already established provider part time and then one day venture out on my own.
How long do you think it will be before your practice is up and running?
Ideally it will most likely take 3 years for me to become completely established. It should take another year to complete my licensure and then 2 or 3 years for me to begin working on my own.
Have you faced any challenges in the planning process of starting your business?
I haven’t yet. I have friends who have discussed how difficult it is to venture out on your own. Therefore, I plan to team up with them to establish our own therapeutic practice.
How many employees do you plan to have in your company?
My dream practice is to create a business with a variety of therapeutic entities. . Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and so on. I imagine starting out small and then expanding.
What positions will be available once your company is up and running?
Intake worker, assistant, bookkeeper/billing specialist, other therapist
How will the experiences that you have had during your entire career influence the way you will run your company?
My experiences have taught me the importance of establishing positive relationships and respecting others.
How will you encourage and support your clients?
I believe in supporting clients in a way that will empower them.
How will your company be different from other private practices?
I’m not sure how different it will be but the set up of the various therapies will be unique.
What do you think will be the hardest obstacle for your private practice?
Getting started and creating a solid referral process for clientele.
How will you be able to keep up with best practices in your industry?
Continuous trainings and experiences.
While I am here I wanted to get a brief overview of what it is like to work in your profession. Can you describe what you think a typical day will be like considering you already do what you will be doing at your private practice?
A typical day…ironically I’m not a morning person so once I begin my day in a normal business most things would be routine; however, it’s difficult to plan for a crisis. A normal day: follow up with messages /emails, meet with clients, most of the time there is always one meeting but normally multiple meetings (child and family team meetings ) to meet with individual clients support team including family.
What made you want to plan to open a private practice?
Well I’ve been working with children and families for years. I see how difficult it is for some to access the much needed services they deserve. I want to be the one who is able to come into the schools and homes to provide that additional ounce of hope.
What advice would you give someone that is planning open up a small business as well?
To do the research and make sure you yourself has support and encouragement.
How do you plan to keep up with current events in your industry, and as a business person in general?
Reading and research along with trainings.
What kind of formal education and additional specialized training would you acquire someone to have if they were helping you to manage your finances within your business?
Medical Billing for sure and bookkeeping
