Mentoring for Grad Students and New Clinicians

If you’re seeking support on your next steps, you’ve come to the right place. If you recently graduated from your master’s program and feel overwhelmed with the decisions ahead or the potential paths to take, I’m glad you’re here too.

Hi! I’m Alexa. I completed my MSW at Smith College in August 2024 and after much back and forth (and nearly a full year of truly recovering from burnout), I opened my private practice as a Social Work Candidate here in Boulder, CO.

It hasn’t been easy, but so far, it’s been worth it. I don’t know about your program and internships, but in mine, we got very little support and training on how to go about life in a way that honors wellbeing and alignment after graduation. For me, there were so many questions:

  • Is it best to get a W2 position and just crank out those hours toward licensure?

  • What’s a fair rate split in a group practice? How can I find one to apply to?

  • Could I actually go out on my own and start a private practice right away? How do I take insurance/find a biller, or go private pay? What about building a caseload?

  • Where do I start with forming an LLC, creating a business bank account, getting malpractice insurance, setting up an EHR, etc.?

  • Should I keep investing in clinical trainings or rather marketing and business development?

  • What is a fair rate for supervision, and what kinds of qualities should I prioritize in finding a supervisor?

  • How can I balance paying off student debt with investing for the future and also just living my life (finally!) after surviving grad school?

Bring your questions, your worries, your to-do lists (or we can work on one together). We can discuss topics from any of the questions I listed above, or something else that’s been on your mind. I’ve learned a lot in the messy middle of forging a path that feels right as a newer therapist. I hope speaking to someone who has so recently been in it will save you serious time, stress, and overwhelm. Even if you aren’t trying to open your private practice right away like I did, I went through so many layers of decision-making before this step (including nearly signing a contract with a popular group practice in town) that I have a good sense of the options out there and what each entails. I’ve seen friends and classmates go their various ways and it’s been great to hear back about what areas like school social work, group practice, and being a 1099 contractor vs. W2 are like.

Since I am still figuring out if I want to expand my services into coaching, consulting, and mentorship more fully, I’m offering 5 free 30-minute mentoring sessions (one per person) to grad students or new clinicians seeking a little support in this season of career. In return it will give me a chance to see if I enjoy this work as much as I think I will, and get a sense of what’s most helpful to you all. The next step might not have to be as daunting as it feels right now.

If you're interested in connecting, complete the form with a few details about what you’re seeking support or insight on. I’ll get back to you within 48 business hours.