FIT to Practice: Foundations

Starting a private practice? Build your plan before you open your doors.

Work through the business, financial, ethical and operational decisions involved in starting a private practice, with practical tools to help you turn your ideas into an implementation plan.

Designed for health professionals preparing to start a practice, and new owners strengthening their foundations.
Whether you're planning your first private practice or want to ensure you're building on solid foundations, FIT to Practice Foundations provides a step-by-step roadmap through the business, governance, ethics, systems, and financial decisions that every practice owner needs to make.

  • Self-paced online program
  • Approximately 15-20 hours of learning
  • Workbook and implementation plan included
  • Private Facebook community
  • 12 months access

Who is FIT to Practice Foundations For?

This program is designed for:
  • Health professionals considering private practice
  • Solo private practitioners
  • New practice owners wanting to build strong foundations
  • Professionals who want practical guidance rather than trial and error
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This program focuses on the business, ethics, governance and operational aspects of private practice. It does not teach clinical interventions.

Practical tools to build your practice

Expertise

Meet your trainers

Dr Aaron Frost

Clinical Psychologist
Dr Aaron Frost is a Clinical Psychologist, AHPRA-approved supervisor, educator and researcher with extensive experience across clinical practice, leadership, supervision and professional training.

Together with Dr Rebecca Frost, he founded and led one of Queensland's largest and most successful psychology private practices before selling the business in 2024. Aaron is also the Program Lead of the nationally recognised Supervisor Training Approval Program (STAP) which has trained over 5000 board approved supervisors.

Through PractAus, he is committed to supporting psychologists, practices and organisations to build safe, ethical and sustainable services through high-quality education in governance, professional standards and business operations.

Dr Rebecca Frost

Clinical Psychologist
Rebecca is the Director of Benchmark Psychology, an accredited supervisor and an expert in leadership and strategy, clinical governance, risk management and practice management, whose opinion is sought and valued at the highest levels.

Together with Dr Aaron Frost, she founded and grew one of Queensland's largest and most successful psychology private practices before selling the business in 2024. Rebecca is also the founder of the nationally recognised Psychology Registrar Endorsement Program (PREP).

Through PractAus, she is passionate about helping psychologists, practices and organisations strengthen governance, ethics, professional competence and sustainable business systems through practical, evidence-informed education.

Kaye Frankcom

Clinical and Counselling Psychologist
Kaye is a highly accomplished businesswoman, and leader in the health sector. She is an endorsed clinical and counselling psychologist, consultant and business coach to psychologists, in-demand speaker and trainer and has held national roles in psychology regulation and professional standards.

She built a successful group psychology practice in Williamstown, Victoria which she sold in 2018.

She has a special interest in supporting private practice. She has co-authored two books on private practice – Fit for Practice: Everything you wanted to know about starting your own psychology practice in Australia but were afraid to ask (2016); and in 2022, Creating Impact: The four pillars of private psychology practice.

What's Included

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FIT to Practice Foundations Online Program

Complete access to all modules, videos, activities and resources.

FIT to Practice Workbook

Your practical guide for planning, documenting and implementing key decisions.

Creating Impact Book

Receive a complimentary copy of Creating Impact.

Private community

Join our private Facebook community to connect with other practice owners and share ideas.

Get a free copy of Creating Impact with every enrolment

Based on the foundational books Fit to Practice and Creating Impact and developed by experienced Australian private practice owners.

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Why this Program is Different

University teaches clinical skills.

Private practice requires additional capabilities and FIT to Practice Foundations provides a structured framework to help you build these skills with confidence.

  • Business planning
  • Governance
  • Financial management
  • Marketing
  • Technology
  • Compliance
  • Vision

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this course before I start my private practice?

Yes. FIT to Practice: Foundations is designed to help you work through the decisions involved in starting a private practice before you commit to arrangements such as premises, software or operating systems.
You do not need to have a business name, established client base or completed business plan. The course helps you clarify your direction and develop an implementation plan as you progress.

Is this suitable if I have already started my practice?

Yes. If you have recently started, or are working as a solo practitioner, the course provides a structured opportunity to review your foundations.
You can use the activities and tools to identify gaps, reconsider decisions and strengthen the systems that support your practice. Some sections may confirm what you already have in place, while others will help you identify your next priorities.

Is the course relevant to a small or solo practice?

Yes. You do not need to be planning a large practice or employing a team.
Business planning, financial sustainability, client processes and governance all matter in a solo practice. You can apply the framework to the size and style of practice you want to build, including your preferred workload and personal goals.

What if I have a question before enrolling?

Please contact PractAus if you would like to clarify whether the course suits your circumstances, what is included, or the enrolment and refund terms.
We encourage you to ask any questions you need answered before making your decision.

Does the course replace advice from an accountant, lawyer or other adviser?

No. The course helps you understand the decisions you need to make and identify where you may need professional advice.
Your business structure, tax arrangements, contracts, insurance and regulatory obligations depend on your circumstances. The course can help you prepare for those conversations and ask more informed questions.

Will I receive a certificate and CPD documentation?

The course includes a certificate of completion and CPD documentation.
Consider how the learning relates to your professional development goals and the requirements of your profession when recording it in your CPD plan. The estimated course duration should not be treated as a blanket statement of approved CPD hours for every profession.

Does the course teach clinical interventions?

The course focuses on establishing and running a practice, rather than teaching treatment approaches for particular presentations.
It also covers the professional responsibilities that sit alongside your clinical work, including supervision, professional development, client-centred care and quality monitoring.

What support is included?

Your enrolment includes access to a private Facebook community where you can connect with other practice owners and share ideas.
The course is designed for self-directed learning, supported by videos, activities, worksheets and practical resources. Individual coaching and personalised review of your plans are not listed as inclusions in the Foundations program. If you would like additional support, contact PractAus to discuss the options available.

How much time should I allow, and how long can I access the course?

Allow approximately 15-20 hours for the learning content. The time you spend applying the activities to your own practice will vary depending on your circumstances and how far you have progressed with your planning.
The program is self-paced, with 12 months' access. You can work through it around your existing commitments and revisit sections as your plans develop.

What will I work on during the course?

You will work through the key decisions involved in building your practice, including your vision, business model, finances, systems, client journey, clinical responsibilities, governance and marketing.
Your Practice Planbook provides worksheets and checklists to help you document those decisions. These include a practice vision worksheet, financial planning tools, a systems self-assessment, a clinical governance checklist and a 90-day launch plan.
The aim is to help you turn your learning into practical next steps for your own practice.

Which health professionals is this course designed for?

The course is designed for health professionals considering private practice, solo practitioners and new practice owners.
It draws on the experience of Australian psychology practice owners. Many of the business planning, financial and operational principles apply across health professions, while some examples and requirements are specific to psychology and the Australian context.
If you are unsure whether it suits your profession or intended practice, contact PractAus before enrolling.

Full online program

  • Full online program
  • Workbook
  • Creating Impact book
  • Resource library
  • Private Facebook community
  • Certificate of Completion

Investment

For less than the cost of a single day of business coaching, you'll gain a practical roadmap for building an ethical, sustainable, and profitable private practice.

Start Building Your Practice

Starting a private practice involves hundreds of decisions. Some will help you build a thriving, sustainable business. Others can cost significant time, money, and stress.

FIT to Practice Foundations is designed to help you make those decisions with confidence. Through practical guidance, proven frameworks, implementation tools, and support from experienced private practice owners, you'll develop the knowledge and systems needed to build a practice that is ethical, sustainable, and aligned with your goals.

Your enrolment includes:

  • Full access to the FIT to Practice Foundations program
  • Comprehensive workbook and practice planning tools
  • Downloadable templates, calculators, and resources
  • A complimentary copy of Creating Impact
  • Access to the private Facebook community
  • Certificate of completion and CPD documentation

Not sure if you're ready for private practice?

Our free Private Practice Readiness Self-Assessment will help you identify where your foundations are strong and where you may need more preparation.
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Governance, ethics, compliance, risk and business training for psychologists, practices and organisations.

PractAus acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work across Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community.

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