Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about Foundations for Practice, our courses, or our assessments? Here are answers to the questions we hear most often. If you don't find what you're looking for, we're always happy to help.
About Foundations for Practice
Who is Foundations for Practice for?
Foundations for Practice provides education for Canadian healthcare professionals who are building or operating independent private practices. Our courses and assessments are designed to help you make confident business decisions while protecting the quality and sustainability of your professional work.
Is this only for mental health professionals?
No. While Foundations for Practice began with mental health professionals, the principles apply across many regulated healthcare professions in Canada. Our content is designed for psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, mental health professionals, and other regulated professionals operating independent private practices.
Are the courses designed specifically for Canadian practice?
Yes. Foundations for Practice was created specifically for Canadian private practice. While every province has its own regulatory requirements, the courses are built around the realities of operating an independent practice in Canada's healthcare system, helping you ask better questions and make more informed decisions.
Is this education or business consulting?
Foundations for Practice provides professional education, not individualized consulting, legal advice, accounting, or supervision. Our goal is to help you better understand the business side of private practice so you can make informed decisions and know when to seek advice from the appropriate professionals.
Courses
Can I purchase individual courses?
Yes. Every course is available individually, allowing you to focus on the areas most relevant to your practice. You can also choose one of our curated bundles for greater value and a more comprehensive learning experience.
What's included in the course bundles?
Each bundle combines courses that naturally complement one another around a specific stage or aspect of private practice. Bundles include the full courses, downloadable resources, and the same lifetime access as individual course purchases while offering additional savings.
Do I have lifetime access?
Yes. Once you purchase a course or bundle, you'll continue to have access for as long as it remains part of the Foundations for Practice library.
Can I complete the courses at my own pace?
Absolutely. The courses are self-paced, allowing you to learn whenever it fits your schedule. You can pause and return to the material as often as you need.
Can I take these courses before I open a practice?
Absolutely. Some courses are designed specifically for professionals preparing to open a private practice, while others help established practice owners strengthen and evaluate an existing practice. The course descriptions and assessments can help you determine the best place to begin.
Do I receive a certificate of completion?
Yes. Upon successful completion, you'll receive a certificate of completion through our online learning platform, Thinkific.
Assessments
What's the difference between the Readiness and Health Assessments?
The Private Practice Ownership Readiness Assessment is designed for professionals who are considering starting an independent private practice. It helps you evaluate whether private practice ownership is a good fit for your goals, circumstances, and readiness.
The Private Practice Health Assessment is for professionals who are already operating a private practice. It evaluates the health of your business by examining areas such as finances, workload, systems, referrals, sustainability, and long-term practice stability.
Are the assessment results confidential?
Yes. Your responses are used only to generate your personalized report. Assessment results are not stored by Foundations for Practice. If you wish to keep a copy of your results, you'll need to print or save your report before leaving the assessment. Once you exit, your responses and report are permanently erased.
Will the assessment tell me whether I should open or close my practice?
No. The assessments are designed to provide objective information, not make decisions for you. They highlight strengths, areas for attention, and patterns that can help you make more informed decisions about your private practice.
How long do the assessments take?
The Private Practice Ownership Readiness Assessment typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The Private Practice Health Assessment is more comprehensive and usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Both assessments generate your personalized report immediately after completion.
Do I need to complete both assessments?
No. Each assessment serves a different purpose. If you're considering opening a private practice, start with the Private Practice Ownership Readiness Assessment. If you're already operating a practice, the Private Practice Health Assessment is the better place to begin. Some professionals complete both assessments at different stages of their practice journey.
Practical Questions
Can these courses be used for continuing education?
Many regulated professions encourage or require ongoing professional development. While Foundations for Practice courses provide valuable continuing education, each regulatory college or professional association determines what qualifies toward its own continuing education or professional development requirements. We encourage you to check with your regulatory body if you plan to claim credit.
What is your refund policy?
Because our courses provide immediate access to digital content, all sales are final unless otherwise required by law. If you experience a technical issue accessing your course, we're happy to help resolve it as quickly as possible.
How do I contact Foundations for Practice?
If you have questions about our courses, assessments, or resources, we'd be happy to help. Visit our Contact page and we'll respond as soon as possible.
Are these courses suitable for my profession?
Yes. Foundations for Practice was created for Canadian regulated professionals building or operating independent private practices. While many learners work in mental health, the principles also apply to psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and many other regulated professionals.
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The focus is on building and sustaining a healthy private practice through practical business, operational, financial, and leadership skills rather than profession-specific clinical techniques.
Do I need business experience to benefit from these courses?
No. Foundations for Practice was created for healthcare professionals, many of whom have little or no formal business education. The courses explain the business side of private practice in a practical, approachable way, whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen an established practice.