When starting up your own private practice, you probably would go to friends or colleagues for help and advice. You may even look into LegalZoom to get the information you need. And then, when you finally think you have everything set up and you apply to be a Medi-Cal provider–it happens. You get the dreaded denial letter. It feels like you are at the end of your line.

But getting a Medi-Cal provider denial letter doesn’t need to be the end of the world for you. This rings true for Shari Gilbert of Gilbert Advent Marriage and Family Counselling Services.

LegalZoom and others failed to provide detailed information on how private practice should operate in California, which was important when applying for Medi-Cal. This challenge was frustrating but did not stop them. After finding Incorporation Attorney, they knew just who to talk to to get them on the right track. And now Shari hopes that budding private counseling providers can learn from her story and take the right path from the start.

Can You Avoid the Medi-Cal Provider Denial Letter, Temporary or Permanent?  

The Medi-Cal provider denial letter was huge for Shari and her husband. Aside from the fact it’s a state mandate, it exposed a much bigger issue. These major private counseling practice requirements in California that they failed to accomplish could have prevented them from practicing legally.  

But this can be avoided if you start off the proper way. And yes, there is an improper way to do it. So, if you are wondering how to start your own marriage counseling private practice in California, Shari recommends that you seek help from reliable sources. While the “learn from your own mistakes” applies in many aspects of life, it is safe to abide by a different principle when a lot of money and a huge amount of time are at stake.   

How to Start Your Own Marriage Counselling Private Practice in California – Shari Gilbert Shares Her Insights Based on Experience  

Before becoming a family and marriage counselor, Shari Gilbert was a registered nurse who cherished her profession. Her perspective gradually changed as her desire to minister to people on a deeper level intensified over the years.  

It was in the late 90s when she considered going back to school to explore her options. She knew with life circumstances that she may not be able to put her plans into action right then. But she kept the path and ideas in the back of her head.    

Shari’s husband was unexpectedly laid off from work in 2001. As there was no plan B set for him yet, he focused on creative outlets until a new plan began to brew in the air. He wanted to go into therapy, which Shari thought was a great idea as well. This seemed to fit well with her vision that was put on hold.  Both started looking in different schools to take their master’s degrees together and they graduated in 2006.  

The Gilberts’ Journey to Becoming Marriage and Family Counselling Providers  

Learn how to start your own marriage counseling private practice in California based on the experience of Gilbert Advent Counseling.

Switching from different professions to therapy is no walk in the park. Their master’s degree was only the beginning. Accumulating 3000 clinic hours is one of the requirements for getting licensed and the couple accomplished it in only two years. It helped that Shari was already a practicing nurse and her husband was involved in social work.   

In 2011, the couple got licensed. Now, they were ready to take the next step.  

Shari went full-time with marriage counseling in 2016. While setting up their private practice, the couple met a lot of challenges. The absence of proper help was a huge factor that affected their start-up. Friends and acquaintances were among the most reliable people they could count on but later learned didn’t have all the legal information they needed. 

And the Gilberts learned a few important lessons as they go through the process of establishing their private practice. The couple hopes to share their insights with aspiring private counselors who consider making it in California.

Go straight to the source of information 

Although they appreciated the help and encouragement of those close to them, including a couple who was in a situation like theirs, it was not enough. If you are wondering how to start your own marriage counseling private practice in California, going straight to the source of information is the right and best way to go.  

Instead of asking friends or family members, head over to the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California, which is the licensing agency for private counseling practice. You should also consult an attorney that deals with this type of private practice issue to guide you with the legalities of the business.  

Remember that LegalZoom does not tell you the whole story  

LegalZoom seems to be the go-to website for individuals who wish to set up their businesses in California. Although useful initially, the help it offers is limited. For one thing, it falls short when it comes to providing professional assistance with private counseling practice requirements in California. 

As Shari puts it: “It looks easy from the outside.” But the process took longer than she thought with LegalZoom. Relying on the information that the site set for them only put them in an awkward position. It was not revealed to them that they must be registered as a professional corporation before they could start their own marriage counseling private practice in California.  

Don’t Panic When Something Goes Wrong, Just Get Help from a Professional   

Shari filled out the application provided on the Medi-Cal website, which was hours to accomplish and required several attachments: work history, personal uploads, licenses, etc. The waiting time for approval, or denial, is three months. This was when they found out that their company must operate as a professional corporation. 

Thankfully, they received a temporary denial letter and not a permanent one. They can submit their re-application after fixing the issue that caused the Medi-Cal provider denial letter. Had a permanent denial letter been issued to them, they would have lost their client base insurance pay for whatever plans their clinic offers.   

It was an intense moment for Shari, but instead of panicking, she quickly took a step forward and reached out to Andy at Incorporation Attorney. With Andy’s help, it did not take long to accomplish all the necessary requirements to register her private practice as a professional corporation.  

How the Medi-Cal Provider Denial Letter Changed the Way They Do Business 

Medi-Cal’s denial letter made a huge impact on the couple’s business progress. But with Incorporation Attorney’s assistance, everything worked out.  They learned to appreciate the usefulness of business lawyers who had the knowledge to understand how to straighten out the paperwork. 

Having Incorporation Attorney as their partner makes them feel confident that they can comply with the state standards, rules, and laws, while they attend to their clients’ needs.  

Gilbert Advent Marriage and Family Counselling Services is here to help   

Today, Gilbert Advent Marriage and Family Counselling Services continue to provide professional guidance to those who struggle with family issues. And she hopes to help more people overcome the challenges they face in their married and family life.  

There are issues that can be worked through with a pep talk, but there are more complicated matters that need intervention to be resolved. If you are one of the many who need a licensed professional to help sort things out for you and your spouse or family, reach out to Gilbert Advent Marriage and Family Counselling Services. Shari and her team will provide the proper guidance to help restore lost relationships and better communications with the people you love.  

You Can Sail Your Own Ship but Hiring a Seasoned Captain Can Get You to the Next Shore Faster  

The Medi-Cal provider denial letter disclosed the vital information that Shari and her husband missed: registering as a professional corporation. They realized how professional assistance could have saved them a huge amount of time. If they had forgone the idea of Medi-Cal registration, they would be practicing against state standards. This can eventually lead them to close until they have accomplished all private counseling practice requirements in California. This would also mean going back to square one.  

There are basics on how to start your own marriage counseling private practice in California that can best be explained by a professional team of legal advisers, who can also take care of the rest.  Our legal services are available to aspiring service providers who have little to no idea how to start. 

We will provide you with all the information that you need. Our seasoned team of business attorneys will help you with the paperwork and legwork to ensure that your company is compliant with California’s state standards. We aim to make you feel 100% confident that your business operates legally with updated documentation.  

Don’t give yourself a hard time. With our help, you can focus on the most important aspects of your business as we do our work in the background. Know your options, requirements, and how we can help. Call us today and let’s get down to business!