Let’s face it, contracts are not everyone’s favorite thing (although they are mine!). I know that good legal contracts can seem like they’re hidden behind the expensive doors of a law firm. It’s time that you get access to them!
This Guided Contract: Independent Contractor Agreement for Therapist was created by an experienced business attorney (me!) who has written many of these for counseling practices. This Guided Contract is specific to your profession, unlike those general (and incomplete) templates that are floating around online.
By the way, this is not actually a “template” like you normally find. It’s more of a contract builder with all the terms available for you to consider. I walk you through each section of the contract giving you video instructions on how to use it and customize it to your practice.
If you ask other practice owners what you need to hire an independent contractor and they say you don’t need a written contract, then they haven’t been given good advice (or received any advice). Having a written independent contractor agreement in place is one of the essential business practices that is required to keep you out of trouble. **To get more of an explanation on why that is, check out our GuideBook on Hiring Independent Contractors.
First, it has all the details of what the therapist is supposed to do (and what not to do). For example, it has things like where they can work, whether they can provide telehealth services, how they’re supposed to provide documentation, scheduling of sessions, who provides the computers, who is responsible for intake forms, how to handle insurance credentialing, and what happens in the event of an emergency. There are things in here that you probably didn’t even think of! I’ll walk you through it and show you where you can make your choices.
Second, it sets out all the terms of payment - amount, when, how, what’s required. And of course, the payment of taxes.
Third, it covers insurance, establishes credentials and contains restrictions (like keeping things confidential) and a non-solicitation if you want to use it. Don’t worry, some of these terms may be new to you so we’ve included a Contract Terms Dictionary that’s written just for this contract and uses everyday language that’s easy to understand.
Last, it has the protections in there that help you in case something goes wrong.
With this Guided Contract, I’ve blended in the ethics rules with the legal rules, so it’s all inclusive. You’ll see those areas during the video instructions and in the template we include for policies and procedures. Yes, we’ve included that too!
This Guided Contract is designed to give you power over how you structure the relationship with the therapist you hire, all while including legal and ethical requirements for your profession. It’s meant to give you confidence in building your practice. It’s meant to bring those hard to find rules into something easy and accessible to use.
I’m so proud of how good this Guided Contract is and I love being able to share it with you at a fraction of the cost it would take an attorney to write this for you.
P.S. This contract is only for people who know that they are hiring a therapist as an independent contractor and not an employee. You have to do the analysis because hiring an independent contractor is the riskiest way to hire! If you’re not sure, go to our GuideBook on Hiring Independent Contractors to do the analysis and learn the process of selecting, hiring, engaging, managing and then terminating your independent contractor.
(You receive instant access to all materials.)
Introduction Video - How to Use the Materials
Guided Contract - Independent Contractor Agreement for Therapists (Download)
File can be used in Microsoft Word or Google Docs
Fully customizable
Exhibit A - Practice Policies and Procedures (Download)
To be attached to your Independent Contractor Agreement
Includes Operational Policies and Procedures (customizable)
Includes Policies and Procedures to Ensure Compliance with Ethics Rules
Video Instructions - Part 1: Setting Up Contract
Helps you get the contract set up for your practice
Video Instructions - Part 2: Selecting Services Provisions
Helps you select the options to fit your practice
Video Instructions - Part 3: Selecting Payment Terms
Sets out how payment will be done
Video Instructions - Part 4: Terms About Insurance and Credentials
Explanations on insurance coverage
Covers the need to show credentials
Video Instructions - Part 5: Setting Out Terms of Restrictions
Covers behavior and actions that are prohibited
Explains options you can include based on your preferences
Video Instructions - Part 6: Terms Covering Protection of Your Business
Explains how your business can be protected if something happens
Video Instructions - Part 7: Practice Policies and Procedures
Allows you to choose your operational policies and procedures
Covers policies and procedures to help you comply with ethics rules
Contract Term Dictionary (Download)
Specific terms from this contract
Checklist: Required Terms (Download)
Lists the terms that are required and explains why
Checklist: Optional Terms (Download)
Lists the terms that are optional and gives considerations
Termination Notice (Download)
Template to be used as a termination notice when needed
Helps to prompt items to include
Disclaimer for Guided Contracts
Information in our Guided Contracts is for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in the Guided Contracts should be taken as specific legal advice for your individual situation. Purchase and/or viewing of the Guided Contracts does not create an attorney-client relationship. The information in the Guided Contracts was created or curated by Laurie Lee, who is a Florida licensed attorney.
While we try to update the information in the Guided Contracts on a regular basis, the law can change quickly and therefore, the information in the Guided Contracts may not always be up to date. It is important that you seek professional advice for a specific issue or question. Some information in the Guided Contracts may be financial in nature. It is important that you have a licensed CPA and/or licensed financial advisor assist you with your specific financial situation or decisions.
The Guided Contracts are intended to educate you about the issues and help you identify what to discuss with your individual professional advisors. They are not intended to be a substitute for professional legal or financial advice. We do not make any representations or warranties about your use of, or results after obtaining, the information contained in any of the Guided Contracts.
You must use your own judgment and discernment in using the information provided in the Guided Contracts, all of which is done at your own risk. You assume the responsibility for conducting due diligence and a risk assessment with making your own business decisions. If any of the Guided Contracts contain links to third-party sites, such links are only for your convenience. We cannot recommend or endorse the contents of any third-party sites.
There are no refunds for the purchase of this Guided Contract.