01
Employee
More structure, less control
An employer may provide the space, clients, supplies, scheduling, policies, and sometimes benefits. Ask how pay, tips, gaps, sales expectations, and physical workload are managed.
- Read the actual offer
- Ask who controls the work
- Understand paid and unpaid time
02
Contractor or renter
Labels do not settle legal status
A contract or room-rental label does not by itself decide employment classification. The real working relationship and applicable law matter.
- Get legal or tax guidance when needed
- Clarify insurance and taxes
- Price the booking risk
03
Owner
Control arrives with operations
Independent practice can offer autonomy, but the therapist becomes responsible for client acquisition, records, payments, privacy, policies, compliance, cleaning, and business continuity.
- Build systems before advertising
- Separate business and personal finances
- Keep a referral network for needs outside scope