Understanding School Contracts

SLP Coffee Talk

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we chat with Elise Mitchell, the founder of the Therapy Support Network, who shares her journey from burnout to thriving as an independent contractor. Elise, who graduated from Missouri State University in 2013 with an M.S. CCC-SLP, initially spent six years working for virtual staffing companies. She took on various roles, including an SLP, school salesperson, and manager.

However, after years of managing virtual services and dealing with provider management, Elise experienced burnout and low job satisfaction, prompting her to stay away from the school staffing industry. It was then that an unexpected opportunity to directly contract with a school presented itself. Elise found a renewed passion for working with schools, but this time as an independent contractor rather than an employee, allowing her to fully enjoy her work and maximize her career potential.

In 2019, Elise established The Therapist Support Network with the mission of equipping school-based SLP, OT, and PT contractors with essential resources, a supportive community, and ongoing assistance. She developed key tools such as “The School Contractor Packet,” “School Contractor Training,” and "The School Staffing Packet and Training."

Here’s what we learned:

• Transitioning from staffing agencies to independent contracting.
• Benefits of earning 100% of contract profits.
• Importance of entrepreneurial mindset.
• Pricing services competitively and sustainably.
• Unique challenges faced by SLPs compared to OTs and PTs.
• Building local relationships and exploring hybrid private practice models.
• Growing trend of therapists hiring other therapists, especially in underserved rural areas.
• Establishing fair rates that reflect experience and ensure sustainability.
• Practical aspects of calculating service minutes and billing for direct and indirect time.

Learn more about Elise Mitchell:

Elise's Website: The Therapist Support Network

Instagram: @thetherapistsupportnetwork
Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolcontractors

Free School Contractor Checklist: www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP:

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