Planning and Saving for Vacations as a Private Mental Health Practitioner

As private mental health practitioners, we regularly emphasize the importance of self-care to our clients—but how often do we extend that same advice to ourselves? Running a practice provides freedom and flexibility, yet it also comes with the challenge of taking time off without guilt or financial stress.

Vacations are not just a luxury; they are a necessity for maintaining balance, avoiding burnout, and ensuring the longevity of your practice. With thoughtful planning, you can take meaningful time away while keeping your practice—and your peace of mind—intact.

Define Your Vacation Goals

Before you plan logistics, ask yourself: What kind of rest do I need? Whether it’s a quiet mountain retreat, a week by the ocean, or exploring a new city, being specific about your vacation vision makes budgeting and scheduling much easier.

 

Create a Dedicated Vacation Fund

Financial concerns often hold therapists back from taking time off. Creating a dedicated fund ensures that vacations are planned for, not pushed aside.

• Automate savings by transferring a set amount each month into a separate account.

• Set aside a percentage of income (1–10% weekly is a manageable target that adds up quickly).

• Cut non-essentials and redirect those savings toward your time off.

Plan Your Schedule Early

Client needs and busy calendars can make time off feel impossible unless you plan ahead.

•  Identify slower times of year—many practices naturally dip around the 4th of July, late August, and between Christmas and New Year’s.

• Leverage long weekends—Monday holidays are great for budget-friendly getaways.

• Inform clients well in advance so they can adjust their schedules, which models healthy boundary-setting in itself.

Protect Your Time with Boundaries

Taking time away requires intentional boundaries.

• Limit new referrals in the weeks leading up to your vacation to reduce last-minute scheduling stress.

• Arrange coverage with trusted colleagues or referral partners for urgent needs while you’re out. This not only protects your practice but also strengthens professional relationships.

Budget Beyond Travel Costs

When building your vacation budget, remember to factor in more than just flights and hotels:

• Food, activities, and an emergency cushion

• Lost income from missed sessions

• Office expenses that continue while you’re away

By planning for these in advance, you can truly relax during your time off without worrying about your bottom line.

Stay Flexible

Even the best plans may need adjusting. Flexibility with dates, destinations, and trip length allows you to adapt without feeling discouraged.

Use Technology to Support Your Plan

Budgeting apps, savings tools, and scheduling software can simplify both the financial and logistical aspects of planning time away. Automating as much as possible helps you stay consistent.

Prioritize True Self-Care

Ultimately, your vacation is about restoration. Whether it’s reading by the water, hiking, or immersing yourself in a new culture, choose activities that help you return to your practice refreshed and ready to serve.

Vacations aren’t a professional weakness—they are a professional strategy. By saving intentionally, scheduling mindfully, and setting boundaries with your practice, you can take restorative breaks that sustain both you and your business for the long haul.

Remember: the healthier and more grounded you are, the better you can show up for your clients. So go ahead—plan that next getaway. You’ve more than earned it.

Interested in learning more about starting your own private therapy practice?

If you’re a friendly, professional clinician, ready to take the next steps toward private practice in the south shore, we would love to speak with you.

Please contact Karen Peabody: 774-222-3196 | Email: info@forgewellsolutions.com

Karen Peabody, LICSW is a therapist and business consultant for social workers and therapists interested in starting their private practice. She founded Forgewell Solutions in East Bridgewater, MA. Her office is a great place to start a private practice. Visit her FOR THERAPISTS page to learn more.