Dear Dangerously in Love with Finance,
I’m a mental health therapist running a three-clinician private practice, and things are finally feeling less chaotic. That is, until I have to sit down and analyze the numbers
I have a bookkeeper. But lately, I’ve been thinking about hiring a fractional CFO, but I’m not sure if I’m there yet. How do I know when it’s time to bring in a fractional CFO to help me stay on top financial management and cash flow? Also, are there other benefits to having a CFO that I might be overlooking? Help!
Regards,
Teetering on the Edge
Dear Teetering on the Edge,
Congratulations on reaching that sweet spot in your mental health practice where things are running smoothly. At the very least, they’re running smoothly enough for you to start considering the future..
That alone tells me you’re already thinking like a savvy business owner. Now, let’s dive into the signs that it’s time to bring in the big guns, aka a fractional CFO, to help you with financial management for therapists, counselors, and private practices like yours.
1. You’re Flying Blind Financially (But You Don’t Have To Be)
Are your eyes glazing over every time you try to decipher your financial reports? Do terms like cash flow and balance sheet make you want to go back to your therapy textbooks? If so, it’s a giant red flag that you need a financial expert in your corner. A fractional CFO will give you the clear financial picture you desperately need. They’ll help you understand where your money is going, how much you’re really making, and—most importantly—how to use your earnings to grow your private practice.
Hiring a CFO for therapists and private practices ensures you won’t feel lost at sea when it comes to your accounting and bookkeeping.
Without proper financial guidance, you might be steering your practice toward unnecessary risk, especially as you grow. A fractional CFO steps in to keep your financial ship afloat by mapping out strategies for long-term success.
2. You Have No Time for Financial Management (But Can’t Afford Not To)
Between sessions, managing client schedules, and staying on top of paperwork, your to-do list is already overflowing. And when you try to squeeze in financial management—well, it’s a hot mess, right? If managing the cash flow feels like an endless uphill battle that never quite fits into your day, you’re absolutely ready for a CFO.
A fractional CFO swoops in like the superhero you didn’t know you needed. They handle all the nitty-gritty of financial management. This means they’ll take over tasks like budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and maybe even whipping your financial reports into shape so they actually make sense

3. You’re in Growth Mode (and Want to Keep the Momentum)
Here’s the thing: once your private practice starts growing, you’ll notice more clients, more revenue, and—let’s be real here—more expenses. Growth is a great thing, but only if it’s managed properly. Maybe you’re ready to expand your office space, add another therapist, or even grow your client base. While that’s exciting, it also means your financial complexity increases.
This is where a fractional CFO steps in, making sure your growth is sustainable. They’ll work with you to project revenues and expenses, ensuring you don’t overspend on office decor (as tempting as those new therapy couches are) or underbudget for crucial marketing. Growth should feel empowering, not like a financial guessing game. A CFO for therapists and private practices will create a game plan that aligns with your growth goals, turning potential chaos into clarity.
4. You Want To Avoid Tax Season Disasters (Because Who Doesn’t?)
Remember last tax season? Yeah, I bet you’re trying to forget. If tax time sends you into a panic, it’s definitely time to hire a CFO. They will help you implement sound accounting and bookkeeping processes, so you’re not scrambling to get things in order last minute.
A part-time CFO ensures that your practice is organized, compliant, and ready for tax season—without the stress. They’ll make sure you’re maximizing deductions, avoiding penalties, and preparing for tax liabilities long before April comes around. CFO services for therapists, counselors, and private practices will save you time, money, and a whole lot of headache when it comes to taxes.
5. You Want a Clear Financial Plan for the Future (Not Just Surviving Week to Week)
Are you managing your finances just to get by week to week, without a clear roadmap for your private practice’s future? If so, a fractional CFO is exactly what you need to go from surviving to thriving. CFOs are strategic thinkers who will work with you to create long-term financial goals for your practice.
Whether you want to expand your services, open a second location, or save for retirement, a CFO will put together a realistic plan to get you there. They’ll help you with financial forecasting, creating a budget, and mapping out the steps you need to take to reach those big, ambitious dreams. Having a financial strategy in place ensures you’re not just reacting to every week’s ups and downs, but proactively building a stable and profitable future for your practice.
6. You Feel Ready to Invest in Your Practice (But Don’t Know Where To Start)
When you run a private practice, it’s easy to think of the business as something separate from yourself. But in reality, investing in your practice is investing in your future. If you’re ready to take that next step—to scale, to grow, to move beyond simply staying afloat—then hiring a CFO is a no-brainer.
A fractional CFO helps you identify where your practice can grow, whether it’s increasing profit margins, cutting unnecessary costs, or making strategic investments that set you up for long-term success. CFO services for therapists, counselors, and private practices give you the expert insights needed to make the best financial decisions for your practice. In other words, they’re not just watching the pennies; they’re mapping out a future filled with possibility.
7. You’re Not “Too Small” to Think Big
One of the biggest misconceptions in private practices (or any small business, really) is that you need to be a huge operation before bringing in a CFO. Wrong. You’re never too small to think big. Whether you’re a solo therapist or running a team of counselors, your practice is a business that deserves financial leadership.
A fractional CFO can be the key to unlocking growth, no matter your size. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed by finances to take action—get ahead of the game and build a strong financial foundation now. Trust me, your future self will thank you. And don’t forget, CFO services are not a luxury reserved for Fortune 500 companies. They’re essential for therapists, counselors, and private practices who want to grow smart and grow steady.
So, take that leap and give a us a call, as we are fractional CFO’s that specialize in Mental Health Counseling & Specialized Therapy As this is what we do…..
Warm regards,
Dangerous in Love in Your Finance
Mindful Financial Leadership Tips:
If your private practice is at that critical point where growth is happening—or about to happen—you need a financial expert in your corner. Managing financials with just a bookkeeper might have worked when things were smaller, but if you’re ready to take your practice to the next level, a CFO will help you get there. They’re like a therapist for your business finances, offering clarity, guidance, and the occasional tough love that makes all the difference.
Hiring a fractional CFO isn’t just about numbers; it’s about freeing yourself to focus on your passion and your clients. It’s about having peace of mind, knowing that your practice’s financial future is in expert hands. So go ahead, take that leap. Your practice is ready—whether you know it or not.

Contact Healthy Bodies of Finance today and take the first step towards falling dangerously in love with your finances.
This article is designed to provide information only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Because of the complexity of the law and the variables in your own personal tax and accounting situation, you can’t rely on our advice specifically related to your unique circumstances. In order to get the best tax savings and legal advice available to you, you should consult with your own accountant, attorney or advisor regarding your particular facts and circumstances. Healthy Bodies of Finance is an accounting firm that specializes in working with health and wellness providers. We provide monthly accounting & bookkeeping services and financial education. For more information on our specialized services for health and wellness providers please contact us at [email protected]