---
title: blog | Laurel Eby, LMHC
description: I’m a licensed therapist with a background in crisis response and community mental health, and I’ve been in private practice since 2017. Along the way, I saw a growing need for support among fellow clinicians, which led me to begin consulting in 2019 and supervising LMHCAs and LMFTAs in 2021. In addition to my clinical work, I’ve continued teaching, first at Cal Poly State University and now in the Human Services Department at Western Washington University. Through years of supporting therapists navigating the challenges of private practice, I’ve developed a deep passion for helping others build sustainable, independent careers. Coastline Counseling Association was created to offer a more accessible, community-driven path to private practice, and I’m excited to be part of that journey with you.
---

![Phone](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Academia/images/icons/phone.svg)

(360) 389-2587

![Message Icon](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Academia/images/icons/envelope-white.svg)

 info@coastlinecounselingassociation.com

[Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/people/Coastline-Counseling-Association/61561978021089/)

[![CCA+-+Black](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hubfs/CCA+-+Black.png)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com)

![menu](https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/7479797/menu.png)

![close\_24px](https://7479797.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7479797/close_24px.svg)

- [About](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/about-us)
  
  Show submenu for About 
  
    - [About](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/about-us)
    - [How it Works](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/how-it-works)
    - [FAQs](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/counseling-association-faqs)
    - [Contact](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/contact)
- [Supervision Training](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/supervision-training-program)
- Become a Member
  
  Show submenu for Become a Member 
  
    - [Membership Process](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/become-a-member)
    - [Apply](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/apply-now)
- [Coastline Members](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/find-a-counselor-in-wa-state-0)
- [Events](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/counselor-events-in-bellingham-wa)
- Resources
  
  Show submenu for Resources 
  
    - [Counseling Organizations in WA](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/list-of-counseling-organizations-in-washington-state)
    - [Private Practice Checklist](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/private-practice-checklist)
    - [Blog](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog)

- [About](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/about-us)
  
  Show submenu for About 
  
    - [About](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/about-us)
    - [How it Works](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/how-it-works)
    - [FAQs](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/counseling-association-faqs)
    - [Contact](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/contact)
- [Supervision Training](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/supervision-training-program)
- Become a Member
  
  Show submenu for Become a Member 
  
    - [Membership Process](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/become-a-member)
    - [Apply](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/apply-now)
- [Coastline Members](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/find-a-counselor-in-wa-state-0)
- [Events](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/counselor-events-in-bellingham-wa)
- Resources
  
  Show submenu for Resources 
  
    - [Counseling Organizations in WA](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/list-of-counseling-organizations-in-washington-state)
    - [Private Practice Checklist](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/private-practice-checklist)
    - [Blog](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog)

Our Blog

# Opening a Private Practice Resources

 

[Discover More](https://www.hubspot.com/) [Get Started](https://www.hubspot.com/)

- [Home](https://www.hubspot.com/)
- Blog

![Laurel Eby, LMHC](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hubfs/Laurel%20Eby.jpeg)

# Laurel Eby, LMHC

I’m a licensed therapist with a background in crisis response and community mental health, and I’ve been in private practice since 2017. Along the way, I saw a growing need for support among fellow clinicians, which led me to begin consulting in 2019 and supervising LMHCAs and LMFTAs in 2021. In addition to my clinical work, I’ve continued teaching, first at Cal Poly State University and now in the Human Services Department at Western Washington University. Through years of supporting therapists navigating the challenges of private practice, I’ve developed a deep passion for helping others build sustainable, independent careers. Coastline Counseling Association was created to offer a more accessible, community-driven path to private practice, and I’m excited to be part of that journey with you.

All Posts

- [All Posts](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog)
- [Coastline Counseling Association](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/coastline-counseling-association)
- [starting a private practice](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/starting-a-private-practice)
- [fears of opening a therapy practice](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/fears-of-opening-a-therapy-practice)
- [private practice therapist support](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/private-practice-therapist-support)
- [building a therapy caseload](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/building-a-therapy-caseload)
- [private practice efficiency](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/private-practice-efficiency)
- [Insurance](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/insurance)
- [boundaries](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/boundaries)
- [networking for therapists](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/networking-for-therapists)
- [EHR](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/ehr)
- [digital tools](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/digital-tools)
- [home office](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/home-office)
- [private practice marketing tips](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/private-practice-marketing-tips)
- [private practice peer consultation](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/private-practice-peer-consultation)
- [therapist peer support](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/therapist-peer-support)
- [therapist referral network](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/therapist-referral-network)
- [continuing ed](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/continuing-ed)
- [marketing for therapists](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/marketing-for-therapists)
- [professional networking for therapists](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/professional-networking-for-therapists)
- [therapist collaboration opportunities](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/therapist-collaboration-opportunities)
- [therapist imposter syndrome](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/therapist-imposter-syndrome)
- [AI](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/ai)
- [AI Tools](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/ai-tools)
- [artificial intelligence](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/artificial-intelligence)
- [cancellations](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/cancellations)
- [fees](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/fees)
- [knowing when to refer](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/knowing-when-to-refer)
- [private practice marketing for therapists](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/private-practice-marketing-for-therapists)
- [remote](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/remote)
- [self-care](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/self-care)
- [sliding scale](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/sliding-scale)
- [summer](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/summer)
- [telehealth](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/telehealth)
- [therapist burnout](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/therapist-burnout)
- [therapist networking tips](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/therapist-networking-tips)

 Search

- [Coastline Counseling Association](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/coastline-counseling-association)
- [starting a private practice](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/starting-a-private-practice)
- [fears of opening a therapy practice](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/fears-of-opening-a-therapy-practice)
- [private practice therapist support](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/private-practice-therapist-support)
- [building a therapy caseload](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/building-a-therapy-caseload)
- [private practice efficiency](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/private-practice-efficiency)
- [Insurance](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/insurance)
- [boundaries](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/boundaries)
- [networking for therapists](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/networking-for-therapists)
- [EHR](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/ehr)
- [digital tools](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/digital-tools)
- [home office](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/home-office)
- [private practice marketing tips](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/private-practice-marketing-tips)
- [private practice peer consultation](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/private-practice-peer-consultation)
- [therapist peer support](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/therapist-peer-support)
- [therapist referral network](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/therapist-referral-network)
- [continuing ed](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/continuing-ed)
- [marketing for therapists](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/marketing-for-therapists)
- [professional networking for therapists](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/professional-networking-for-therapists)
- [therapist collaboration opportunities](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/therapist-collaboration-opportunities)
- [therapist imposter syndrome](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/therapist-imposter-syndrome)
- [AI](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/ai)
- [AI Tools](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/ai-tools)
- [artificial intelligence](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/artificial-intelligence)
- [cancellations](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/cancellations)
- [fees](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/fees)
- [knowing when to refer](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/knowing-when-to-refer)
- [private practice marketing for therapists](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/private-practice-marketing-for-therapists)
- [remote](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/remote)
- [self-care](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/self-care)
- [sliding scale](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/sliding-scale)
- [summer](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/summer)
- [telehealth](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/telehealth)
- [therapist burnout](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/therapist-burnout)
- [therapist networking tips](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/tag/therapist-networking-tips)

###### Popular Posts

- [When to Refer Out: Knowing Your Limits as a Clinician](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/when-to-refer-out-knowing-your-limits-as-a-clinician)
- [Why Joining Counseling Organizations Matters: Building Connection, Credibility, and Community](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/why-joining-counseling-organizations-matters-building-connection-credibility-and-community)
- [Continuing Education Requirements for LMHCs, LMFTs, and LICSWs in WA State (2025)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/continuing-education-requirements-for-lmhcs-lmfts-and-licsws-in-wa-state-2025)
- [Health Insurance for Private Practice Therapists in WA State](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/health-insurance-for-private-practice-therapists-in-wa-state)
- [Why Every Therapist Needs a Professional Network](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/why-every-therapist-needs-a-professional-network)

### Subscribe Here!

[![The Myth of the Completely Independent Therapist](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Designer%20%283%29.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Designer%20%283%29.png)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/the-myth-of-the-completely-independent-therapist)

###### [The Myth of the Completely Independent Therapist](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/the-myth-of-the-completely-independent-therapist)

[Laurel Eby, LMHC](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1)

[Read More](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/the-myth-of-the-completely-independent-therapist)

[![Common Mistakes Therapists Make When Starting Private Practice in Washington](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Designer%20%282%29-1.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Designer%20%282%29-1.png)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/common-mistakes-therapists-make-when-starting-private-practice-in-washington)

###### [Common Mistakes Therapists Make When Starting Private Practice in Washington](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/common-mistakes-therapists-make-when-starting-private-practice-in-washington)

[Laurel Eby, LMHC](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1)

[Read More](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/common-mistakes-therapists-make-when-starting-private-practice-in-washington)

[![Can Associate Therapists Start a Private Practice in Washington?](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Designer%20%281%29.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Designer%20%281%29.png)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/can-associate-therapists-start-a-private-practice-in-washington)

###### [Can Associate Therapists Start a Private Practice in Washington?](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/can-associate-therapists-start-a-private-practice-in-washington)

[Laurel Eby, LMHC](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1)

[Read More](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/can-associate-therapists-start-a-private-practice-in-washington)

[![From Associate to Fully Licensed Therapist: How to Prepare for Independent Practice](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Designer.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Designer.png)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/from-associate-to-fully-licensed-therapist-how-to-prepare-for-independent-practice)

###### [From Associate to Fully Licensed Therapist: How to Prepare for Independent Practice](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/from-associate-to-fully-licensed-therapist-how-to-prepare-for-independent-practice)

[Laurel Eby, LMHC](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1)

[Read More](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/from-associate-to-fully-licensed-therapist-how-to-prepare-for-independent-practice)

[![Openings in Your Practice Do Not Mean You Are Failing: A Therapist's Guide to Staying Steady](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Therapeutic%20Office%20with%20Calming%20Art%20and%20Greenery.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Therapeutic%20Office%20with%20Calming%20Art%20and%20Greenery.png)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/openings-in-your-practice-do-not-mean-you-are-failing-a-therapists-guide-to-staying-steady)

###### [Openings in Your Practice Do Not Mean You Are Failing: A Therapist's Guide to Staying Steady](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/openings-in-your-practice-do-not-mean-you-are-failing-a-therapists-guide-to-staying-steady)

[Laurel Eby, LMHC](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1)

[Read More](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/openings-in-your-practice-do-not-mean-you-are-failing-a-therapists-guide-to-staying-steady)

[![Crisis Pathways: Coordinating With Local Resources While Staying Within Scope](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20serene%20and%20organized%20office%20space%20designed%20for%20a%20mental%20health%20therapist%20Sunlight%20filters%20through%20large%20windows%20casting%20a%20warm%20glo-1.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=The%20image%20depicts%20a%20serene%20and%20organized%20office%20space%20designed%20for%20a%20mental%20health%20therapist%20Sunlight%20filters%20through%20large%20windows%20casting%20a%20warm%20glo-1.png)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/crisis-pathways-coordinating-with-local-resources-while-staying-within-scope)

###### [Crisis Pathways: Coordinating With Local Resources While Staying Within Scope](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/crisis-pathways-coordinating-with-local-resources-while-staying-within-scope)

[Laurel Eby, LMHC](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1)

[Read More](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/crisis-pathways-coordinating-with-local-resources-while-staying-within-scope)

[![Write a Home Page That Converts: Essentials for a Washington Therapist Website](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20therapist%20sitting%20at%20their%20laptop%20at%20their%20desk%20looking%20at%20a%20clean%20modern%20therapists%20website%20homepage%20The%20top%20section%20features%20a%20w.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=The%20image%20depicts%20a%20therapist%20sitting%20at%20their%20laptop%20at%20their%20desk%20looking%20at%20a%20clean%20modern%20therapists%20website%20homepage%20The%20top%20section%20features%20a%20w.png)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/write-a-home-page-that-converts-essentials-for-a-washington-therapist-website)

###### [Write a Home Page That Converts: Essentials for a Washington Therapist Website](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/write-a-home-page-that-converts-essentials-for-a-washington-therapist-website)

[Laurel Eby, LMHC](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1)

[Read More](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/write-a-home-page-that-converts-essentials-for-a-washington-therapist-website)

[![Building a Trauma-Informed Practice Culture: Small Operational Choices That Matter](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/markus-winkler-xBiL0Hpulrk-unsplash-1.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=markus-winkler-xBiL0Hpulrk-unsplash-1.jpg)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/building-a-trauma-informed-practice-culture-small-operational-choices-that-matter)

###### [Building a Trauma-Informed Practice Culture: Small Operational Choices That Matter](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/building-a-trauma-informed-practice-culture-small-operational-choices-that-matter)

[Laurel Eby, LMHC](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1)

[Read More](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/building-a-trauma-informed-practice-culture-small-operational-choices-that-matter)

[![From Sticky Notes to Systems: Migrating Legacy Processes Into Your EHR](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/photographic%20The%20image%20depicts%20a%20cluttered%20office%20desk%20belonging%20to%20a%20therapist%20On%20one%20side%20a%20stack%20of%20muted%20colored%20sticky%20notes%20is%20haphazardly%20place.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=photographic%20The%20image%20depicts%20a%20cluttered%20office%20desk%20belonging%20to%20a%20therapist%20On%20one%20side%20a%20stack%20of%20muted%20colored%20sticky%20notes%20is%20haphazardly%20place.png)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/from-sticky-notes-to-systems-migrating-legacy-processes-into-your-ehr)

###### [From Sticky Notes to Systems: Migrating Legacy Processes Into Your EHR](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/from-sticky-notes-to-systems-migrating-legacy-processes-into-your-ehr)

[Laurel Eby, LMHC](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1)

[Read More](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/from-sticky-notes-to-systems-migrating-legacy-processes-into-your-ehr)

[![Continuing education updates for Washington therapists in 2026](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sixteen-miles-out-52zfAOp9wmA-unsplash-1.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=sixteen-miles-out-52zfAOp9wmA-unsplash-1.jpg)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/continuing-education-updates-for-washington-therapists-in-2026)

###### [Continuing education updates for Washington therapists in 2026](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/continuing-education-updates-for-washington-therapists-in-2026)

[Laurel Eby, LMHC](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1)

[Read More](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/continuing-education-updates-for-washington-therapists-in-2026)

[1](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog) [2](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1/page/2) [3](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1/page/3) <https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1/page/2> <https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/blog/author/laurel-eby-lmhc-1/page/3>

[![CCA+-+White+(1)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hubfs/CCA+-+White+(1).png)](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com)

What if we could help clinicians feel more confident in joining the world of private practice? We translated this idea into reality by creating Coastline Counseling Association.

###### Get In Touch

![Envelope](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Academia/images/icons/envelope-blue.svg)

[info@coastlinecounselingassociation.com](mailto:info@coastlinecounselingassociation.com?subject=Question%20from%20website)

![map](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Academia/images/icons/location-blue.svg)

1050 LARRABEE AVE # 470 STE 104 BELLINGHAM WA 98225

[Follow us on Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/coastlinecounselingassociation/)

Copyright © 2026 Coastline Counseling Association. All Rights Reserved.

[Privacy Policy |](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/privacy-policy) [Terms & Conditions](https://www.coastlinecounselingassociation.com/terms-conditions)