BOP: My "GPS" for Choosing a Private Practice: A 17-Dimension Framework

Presented by: 

Dr. Deanna Drahovzal, C.Psych. (Gilmour Psychological Services)

Overview:

Guidance, Professional Identity, and Support (GPS) for systematically evaluating private practice models and protecting professional identity. The session moves beyond simple fee comparisons to examine the factors that shape day-to-day satisfaction and long-term career success across four common business models: solo, fee-split, cost-share, and licensing.

Choosing a practice model is one of the most consequential career decisions a psychologist makes, yet most available information focuses narrowly on financial arrangements, employment contracts, etc. This session gives members a systematic tool to evaluate options in a way that protects professional identity and long-term satisfaction.

About the presenter:

Registered Clinical Psychologist, College of Psychologists of Ontario (#4387); Clinical and Health Psychology — assessment, treatment, teaching, and research with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

Co-Director and Co-CEO, Gilmour Psychological Services, Ottawa (associate since 2007; now co-owner of the practice). GPS is a PhD-level group private practice established in 1983, the largest of its kind in Canada.

Education: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Dalhousie University (APA/CPA accredited); predoctoral internship, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (APA/CPA accredited); B.Sc., Biopsychology, University of British Columbia.

Teaching & supervision: Part-time Clinical Professor, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa (2022–present). Extensive supervision of psychologists in supervised practice, PhD practicum students, and psychometrists (over 50 supervisees thus far). Chair of Oral Exams / Oral Examiner, College of Psychologists of Ontario (2017–present). Recipient, Award for Excellence in Clinical Supervision, University of Ottawa (2023).

Speaking: Regularly delivers professional-development sessions and workshops, including recent talks on choosing a private practice model and on the ethical use of AI in psychological practice (CPA, OAP, and CHEO/Ottawa school boards).

This session is only available to active OPA members.  

This webinar has been accredited by the Ontario Psychological Association for 1 CE credit. Members must RSVP through OPA Communities to receive CE's. 

A copy of the recording will be made available to members 1 week post-webinar.