Let’s talk about something that rarely gets talked about: shutting down your private practice.

This isn’t something most of us learn in grad school. But sometimes the quiet, most meaningful decisions aren’t written in a textbook.

They come from deep inside—when something’s not working anymore, or when life is pulling us in a new direction.

That’s what happened with my friend, Dr. Jennifer Blanchette.

She built her private practice with care and heart. But during the early pandemic years, she realized she was heading into burnout—and that it might be time to let it go.

In this conversation, Jen shares what she learned through the process of closing her private practice. From emotional challenges to legal steps, she walks us through it all.

1. The Emotional Side No One Prepares You For

Shutting down your practice can bring up a lot. Guilt. Shame. Fear. The feeling that you’re letting people down.

You’re not just saying goodbye to clients—you’re saying goodbye to a part of your identity. Jen described it as “grief,” and I felt that too. The work we do is deeply personal, and closing a chapter like this is hard.

“I wish I had asked for more support,” Jen said.
“I needed someone to bring me a lasagna.”

If you're thinking about closing your practice, give yourself grace. Get support. Talk to friends. Let people know you're in a tough season. You don’t have to carry this alone.

2. How Far in Advance Should You Plan?

Jen recommends starting at least 90 days out—even longer if you're retiring.

That gives you time to:

• Wrap up therapy with current clients
  
• Communicate clearly and ethically
• Handle the legal and logistical stuff

And yes, it might surprise you who stays until the end. Some clients will want a final session. Others may quietly move on. All of it is okay.

3. Legal & Logistical Checklist

Here are a few things therapists often forget:

1. Liability Insurance:
   Don’t just cancel it—ask about a “tail policy.” This protects you in case something comes up after you close.
2. Record Retention:
   Every state is different. Find out how long you need to keep your client records.
3. Notification Requirements:
   Some states require a public notice (yes, even in the newspaper). Check with your board or licensing body.

💡 Pro Tip: Call your malpractice carrier. Many of them have legal support or templates to help with closure.

4. Set the Timeline, Then Communicate

Once you're clear on your timeline (say, 90 days), it's time to communicate with clients.

Jen recommends sending a paper letter for the official notice—it creates a paper trail. But also use secure portals and check-ins. Be ready for different client reactions. Some may feel hurt. Others may feel ready.

You’ll likely be managing your own emotions and theirs at the same time. That’s okay.

“You’re holding space for endings,” Jen said.
“It’s sacred work.”

5. You Can’t Do It All Alone

This is one of those rare moments where you get to ask: “What do I need?”

Support. Margin. Rest.

Jen said she didn’t realize how much she needed support until after the practice was closed. If she could do it over, she’d ask for help sooner.

She’d also give herself permission to slow down.

What Happens After the Closure?

Jen now helps other therapists close their practices with less stress and more clarity. She created a 90-day Quick Start Guide and an Ethical Practice Closure course to walk you through the whole process.

There is life on the other side of your practice.

There is freedom.

There is a version of you that’s not “quitting,” but choosing something new.

If You're in This Season…

If you're in the early stages of thinking about closing your private practice, here are three gentle reminders:

1. You’re allowed to change.
2. You’re not a failure.
3. You can end well—with care, clarity, and courage.

You’ve done good work. Let this next chapter be kind to you.

And if this resonated, I’d love for you to join us at Quiet Builder where I write twice a month about building businesses with soul.

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