(888) 435 8206 GET STARTED

# How to Find the Right Name for Your Private Practice

Susan Day
0 Comments
June 16, 2017

## How to Find the Right Name for Your Private Practice

We’ve heard many passionate therapists referring to their practice in terms of: “It is my baby!” That is how much you’ll become to care about it!

Similar to children, you want to take some time to decide on the name of your practice. The implications are serious: it can affect your marketing, the growth of the practice, and possibly have legal implications if you aren’t careful.

## Questions to Consider

The answers to following questions can be helpful in deciding on the right name for your Private Practice:

Can the name grow in line with your ambitions for your therapy practice?

You might start off as one type of counsellor - so the specification should definitely show up in the name, as niche practices perform well. However, think about where you see yourself in five years’ time, and whether you’d like to expand your services in the future. Make sure the name reflects these ambitions.

How to Find the Right Name for Your Private Practice

Are you taking the path of a specific legal entity?

If you have decided to become a PLC or LCC, your name should include these abbreviations. Your lawyer should be able to explain the necessary guidelines to you in detail.

Does the name cause any confusion or issues?

If you consider using your surname, think about how marriage might affect that, and research whether there are already existing practices that adopted the same name.

Furthermore, do your homework and check if the name you have in mind is registered as a trademark. The United States Patent and Trademark Office database can help you with that.

Finally, you need to find out whether or not you need to liaison with the local government according to a DBA - “Doing Business as” name rule or law.