How To Legally Set Up A Nonprofit Therapy Practice | Step By Step 501(c)(3) Guide For Therapists

Thinking about starting a nonprofit therapy practice or wellness nonprofit, but overwhelmed by the legal steps, entity types, and 501(c)(3) rules?

In this video, I walk you through the exact legal essentials you need to set up your nonprofit counseling or therapy practice the right way, without getting lost in jargon or random Google rabbit holes.

I am Dr. Lauren Lawson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, nonprofit founder, and executive director who has run a successful nonprofit group therapy practice for over 13 years in California and Pennsylvania. I help therapists build sustainable nonprofit practices so they can serve the communities they care about and still have financial stability.

In this training you will learn:
✅ The main nonprofit entity structures for therapy practices
✅ Why most therapy nonprofits choose a nonprofit corporation at the state level
✅ What a charitable trust is and why it usually does not fit a therapy group practice
✅ Why unincorporated associations and LLCs are risky for 501(c)(3) approval
✅ How to file your articles of incorporation with your Secretary of State
✅ How to choose and structure your board of directors for a therapy nonprofit
✅ How and when to apply for your EIN
✅ What nonprofit bylaws are and why the IRS cares about them
✅ The difference between Form 1023-EZ vs full Form 1023
✅ Realistic timelines for 501(c)(3) approval and what to do while you wait
✅ Common mistakes that get therapy nonprofits delayed or denied

You will also hear why you can usually start seeing clients, credentialing with insurance, and accepting donations once your state nonprofit corporation is approved, even while your 501(c)(3) is pending, as long as you stay in compliance and track everything.

This video is for you if you are a:
✅ Therapist in community mental health who wants a third path that honors your mission and your financial needs
✅ Private practice owner who wants to build a nonprofit counseling center so you can serve more sliding scale clients
✅ Wellness professional who wants to create a nonprofit mental health clinic or group practice model

💻 WORK WITH ME TO BUILD YOUR NONPROFIT THERAPY PRACTICE
✅ Nonprofit Foundations Self-Study Course: Complete roadmap, templates, and legal structure basics for therapy nonprofits
✅ Nonprofit Quick-Start Done For You Package: I help you with filings, bylaws, and the 1023 so you are ready to run
✅ Thriving Impact Group Coaching Program: A full framework for building a sustainable nonprofit therapy practice that serves vulnerable communities and supports your income

👉 Check the link to learn more. https://laurenlawsoncoaching.com/

If you want more videos on:
✅ How to start a nonprofit therapy practice
✅ Nonprofit legal setup for therapists
✅ 501(c)(3) for counseling centers
✅ Funding and sustainability for therapy nonprofits
make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you do not miss future trainings.

You do not have to choose between serving your mission and paying your bills. There is a third path, and building a nonprofit therapy practice can be the structure that lets you do both.

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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