Here’s everything you need to know about joining eLuma’s thriving online clinician community—coming straight from our clinicians themselves.
We recently hosted an open house for clinicians exploring virtual work or considering a shift into independent contracting, and we want to share the conversation with you, too.
Below, you’ll find thoughtful, candid questions about what this transition really looks like, along with expert answers from our team that highlight not only the realities of virtual practice, but also the value of having a strong support system behind you.
At eLuma, this type of community is a core value. We’re here to help the leap feel less like a risk and more like a natural next step. And while every provider’s journey is unique, we hope these insights can help you dream and discover opportunities for your own professional future.
What Our Clinicians Love Most About Teletherapy
We know our own efforts matter, but sometimes it’s even more meaningful to hear directly from clinicians who’ve already made the transition. When we talk with our virtual providers, a few themes rise to the top again and again:
- Flexibility to shape your workday
- Fewer interruptions during therapy
- Smoother scheduling for both you and your students
What to Expect (And Look Forward To!)
Here’s a glimpse into what a day-in-the-life of an eLuma teleprovider could look like:
The Students You’ll Work With
You’ll typically support PreK–12 students with mild to moderate needs. It will likely resemble your on-site caseload, but with greater continuity, fewer schedule disruptions, and stronger teacher partnerships.
The Tools and Tech That Will Help You Thrive
You don’t need a complicated setup to thrive virtually, but the right equipment makes a difference. Our clinicians tend to prefer:
- A Mac or Windows computer (not a Chromebook)
- Reliable high-speed internet
- Multiple monitors
- A quality external webcam
Secure, updated devices are essential for student privacy and platform performance. eLuma also provides a one-hour paid training on its Insight™ platform, along with step-by-step tutorials and ongoing support.
Your Working Schedule
School psychologists, SLPs, OTs, and counselors are used to juggling a lot of indirect responsibilities. That won’t change in virtual work, but you will have more flexibility in when and how you handle these tasks.
Instead of squeezing everything into the school day, you can complete indirect work on your own time—early mornings, evenings, or weekends—while student sessions remain during school hours.
If you contract with eLuma, you’ll receive a clear Statement of Work outlining your responsibilities, including indirect tasks like evaluations, IEP meetings, progress reporting, and documentation. Research on telepractice shows that clear expectations and strong logistical support are key predictors of clinician satisfaction, and we follow these principles closely to set you up for success.
Common Concerns: Shared and Answered
What about insurance, taxes, and retirement planning?
When clinicians think about transitioning to independent contracting, questions often come up about how taxes, insurance, and long-term financial planning will work. Independent contractors are responsible for managing their own tax obligations, including setting aside funds for federal and state taxes and handling annual 1099 reporting. Some independent contractors may be eligible for specific business-related deductions, depending on their individual circumstances.
Because everyone’s financial and insurance needs are different, it’s important to consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor. They can help you understand what your 1099 status means, how to plan for quarterly or annual taxes, and what options you might have for deductions, retirement savings, and long-term planning.
Health insurance and retirement benefits also look different outside of a traditional W-2 role, but many clinicians find workable alternatives. Independent contractors often explore options such as marketplace health plans, private insurance, or retirement accounts designed for self-employed individuals. These decisions are highly personal, and a licensed professional can walk you through what makes sense for your situation.
While taking on these responsibilities can feel overwhelming at first, many clinicians find the flexibility and autonomy of independent contracting to be a worthwhile trade-off.
What happens when the school year ends?
One of the biggest concerns clinicians have is stability. The good news: virtual staffing needs continue to grow every year, especially in rural and hard-to-staff areas. There’s no reason to worry that your role won’t be there when fall comes back around.
At eLuma, planning for the next school year begins in March. We’ll connect with you to discuss how your year went, whether you’d like to return, and how many hours you hope to work. We always prioritize our current providers; sometimes even supporting additional opportunities through cross-licensing so you can build the schedule that fits your goals.
Will it feel lonely to work without my coworkers?
Virtual work doesn’t have to feel isolating. Many e-providers even experience deeper collaboration because they can connect instantly with peers across the country.
To combat workplace loneliness, eLuma hosts discipline-specific chat channels where clinicians share ideas, ask questions, and support each other. On top of relational benefits, these channels help boost confidence levels and problem-solving skills.
Will I still be responsible for case management?
If you’re an SLP, the answer is usually yes. You’ll likely manage speech-only students, just as you would on-site. That means scheduling triennials, conducting annual IEPs, and coordinating with school teams.
Most clinicians find that virtual case management is easier because communication is more streamlined and interruptions are fewer.
Why So Many Clinicians Choose eLuma
There are several online platforms for clinicians to choose from. Every organization is unique, with clinicians consistently pointing to eLuma’s individualized support as our standout. That includes:
- Immediate access to Clinical Services Specialists
- Customer Success Partners who know your school’s needs
- Responsive tech support
- Strong communication through chat, email, and phone
We do our best to connect you with the students who need it most, so you can make a real difference in your work. We often partner with schools in urgent need, especially in rural communities where finding on-site providers is almost impossible.
Are You Ready to Build a Flexible Career That Fits Your Lifestyle?
Remember: going independent doesn’t mean letting go of the parts of the job you love. It means gaining freedom without sacrificing impact. You choose your hours, structure your workflow, and build a career that aligns with your life—not the other way around.
Whether you ultimately partner with eLuma or explore virtual work elsewhere, the shift to teletherapy offers a level of autonomy, flexibility, and sustainability that many clinicians say has renewed their passion for the field.
The leap may feel big, but the path forward is full of possibility, and you don’t have to walk it alone.
If you have questions, want to speak with an eLuma team member, or would like to join future virtual open houses, click the button below. We’d be more than happy to support you as you explore every aspect of virtual clinician life.