The Truth About Starting a Nonprofit Counseling Practice in 2026

If you’re a therapist feeling burned out in agency systems, capped in private practice, or sitting on a mission you know you’re meant to build, this 2026 planning training is for you.

Dr. Lauren Lawson (LMFT in California and Pennsylvania, AAMFT Approved Clinical Supervisor, and nonprofit group practice founder) breaks down whether starting a nonprofit should be one of your goals in 2026 without fear-based advice or “follow your passion” fluff.

In this video, you’ll learn:

✅Why a nonprofit is a strategic vehicle for scaling mental health impact (and why it’s not for everyone)
✅The real questions therapists are asking about legality, salary, and control
✅Common myths about nonprofit revenue, paying yourself, and “losing control to the board”
✅How micro nonprofits can be simple, sustainable, and mission-driven
✅What readiness looks like for therapists in agencies, private practice owners, and clinicians who want a legacy beyond their caseload
✅Real-world considerations around 501(c)(3) timelines, approvals, and funding strategy (with a focus on local grants, corporate partnerships, and sustainable fundraising rather than relying on federal grants)

This training is designed for therapists exploring nonprofit mental health models, sustainable practice structures, and community-accessible counseling programs in 2026.
(For up-to-date IRS guidance on tracking tax-exempt application status and typical processing expectations, the IRS maintains a “Where’s my application” resource.)

https://www.laurenlawsoncoaching.com/...


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✨ Empowering Therapists to Build Nonprofit Practices That Change Communities ✨

Helping mission-driven therapists create sustainable nonprofit group practices, so you can serve your community and support your life.

► WORK WITH ME
📍 Build a Nonprofit Group Practice That Works for You and Your Community
/ https://laurenlawsoncoaching.com/

► FOLLOW ON SOCIALS
📸 Instagram:   / nonprofit_therapy_leaders  
🗣️ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
👥 Facebook Group:   / nonprofitleader  

► ABOUT LAUREN LAWSON
Lauren Lawson, PsyD, is a therapist, nonprofit founder, and coach who helps therapists build sustainable nonprofit group practices that expand access to care without sacrificing financial stability. With 13+ years of experience running a thriving nonprofit counseling center, Lauren blends clinical expertise with nonprofit leadership, funding strategy, and practical systems that help therapists step into confident, values-aligned leadership.

She believes therapists shouldn’t have to choose between purpose and stability and teaches a clear, step-by-step path to create practices that strengthen communities, empower teams, and support long-term sustainability.


► WHAT YOU’LL FIND HERE
✓ Starting & scaling a nonprofit group practice
✓ Funding strategies for therapists (grants, donations, fundraising)
✓ Burnout-free systems for mission-driven leaders
✓ Leadership, hiring, and supervision guidance
✓ Step-by-step nonprofit formation + compliance education
✓ Mindset support for therapists shifting into CEO/founder roles
✓ Real-world insights from 13+ years running a thriving nonprofit practice