Launch Your PhD into a Purposeful Practice
In 2023, I left academia, moved to a new town, and built a 6-figure practice in 12 months. Now, ELG Advisory helps academic psychologists like you pivot to practice—without the guesswork.
Hi! I’m Dr. Emily L. Gault, PhD
In 2023, I left my faculty job, moved to a new town, and built a private practice from scratch. Why? Despite loving research, I needed to be in control where I lived and to feel like my work had a clear, direct impact on the children and families I wanted to help. My grants and papers weren’t cutting it anymore.
I poured $10K and 6 months of time into learning all things business, piecing together resources not built for academics like me. Still, I grew my niche private practice, the Center for Child Behavior, from $0 to $200K in 18 months—with no professional network in a new town. And, the cool news is I’m still growing!
When several academic friends asked me to show them how I built my fast growing practice— I loved guiding them—I knew I had a knack for helping those like you trying to figure out the next steps. No guesswork, no stress—just a clear, proven pivot plan to launch your practice. I work with academics like you who are in the early phases of exploring private practice or those who have made the decision to launch but need an support from someone who has made the transition.
The Hard Way vs. The Smart Way
When I started, I spent six months planning, strategizing, and poured over $10,000 into business education—coaching, courses, books, and podcasts—hundreds of hours learning about taxes, marketing, networking, and cash flow. I stitched it together myself, but here’s the catch: none of it was built for PhDs like us leaving academia. The resources I used were for all mental health providers, fragmented, and difficult to tailor it to my circumstances. I wanted clear guidance on how my specific PhD skills could translate to success for the business and for my clients.
Along the way, something clicked. I fell in love with entrepreneurship—the strategy, the creativity, the crafting of your story, budget and financial projections, and importantly, the freedom and independence it gave. Now, I’m handing you the academic pivot to practice playbook I wish I had.
Join me Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 10am-2pm EST for
“The Academic Pivot 2 Practice Live Webinar”
$247 early bird special available until March 14th (then $347)
Perfect for psychologists who are either in the early exploratory phases of deciding if private practice is right for you or for those who have made the decision to pivot but are unsure of how.
Don’t spend 6 months planning - or $10K - figuring it out alone.
I’ll show you how to transition fast, smart, and confidently—launching your practice in as early as 8 weeks (if you chose to move quickly).
What You’ll Get: A step-by-step plan to transition from academia into a purposeful practice in 8 weeks – designed by an academic, for academics. Interactive zoom meeting and PDF workbook provided to you. Topics include but are not limited to:
Private Practice Misconceptions: Bust the myths: ‘Selling out,’ ‘I can’t help those in need,’ judgment from colleagues, and identity fears—truths from a PhD who realized her views of private practice were all wrong.
Find Your Niche, Stand Out, and Know Your Market: Craft a unique message that reflects your purpose and sets you apart from the competition. Pinpoint the perfect clients in your city or town and strategize how to connect with them fast.
Write a Business Plan to Ensure Success: Discover why it’s your secret weapon and how to write one that ensures a thriving, sustainable practice.
Master Insurance and/or Self-Pay: Yes, you can accept insurance if you want to—I do and I’m paid every other week. My practice is made up of 55% insurance and 45% self-pay. Learn about the third party companies I use to help me process claims in 30 seconds.
Create your business entity: LLC or S-Corp? What are the differences and tax implications? Learn how I reduced my business tax bill from $24K to $13K by making one key decision in fiscal year 2024.
Navigate Self-Employment Realities: Cut through the confusion of healthcare, taxes, and more.
Marketing and networking: Website design, SEO, google my business, and networking with local providers. There is a lot to know. Hear what strategy worked for me.
Tools and software: Get every step, tool, and software you need to hit the ground running—EHR, phone systems, billing, bookkeeping? No guesswork, just tips on what I’ve found works best.
Start up Budget: Build a tailored start up budget to know what you will need to get your business off the ground and running.
My Practice Financials : See my real revenue growth, month by month—from start until now to learn how I built a $200K practice from scratch, so you can chart your own path.
Plan your Pivot: Map your transition timeline. Consider private practice for full time, part time, or as a side hustle. Take it as fast or as slow as you want.
Interactive: Includes Q&A for those that have questions.
When: Saturday, April 5th, 2025 from 10am-2pm EST via live Zoom webinar. Zoom link sent once registration complete. Limited spots.
Privacy concerns: If preferred, turn camera off and remove zoom last name to maximize your privacy. No one will ask for you for your info or to turn camera on.
Investment:
$247 Early Bird Price (for two weeks only - ending March 14, 2025)
$347 Full Price Starting March 15, 2025
Skip the trial and error. Take the leap with a guide who has been in your shoes.
Let’s build an amazing business and life.