Is Subleasing A Therapy Office Space a Good Idea for Therapists?

Today I want to talk about something that’s been coming up a lot in conversations lately: subleasing therapy office space. It’s something a lot of therapists are considering, especially if they’re in the early stages of their practice or looking for a more affordable option. But is it the right move for you? Let’s dive into the pros and cons and talk about whether subleasing office space is the right choice for your therapy practice.

Subleasing Therapy Office Space



What Does Subleasing Therapy Office Space Actually Mean?

First things first, let's clarify what subleasing is. In simple terms, it means renting an office space from someone who’s already leasing it, rather than dealing directly with the landlord or property owner. As a therapist, this could mean renting a therapy office from another therapist who has extra space, or from a coworking space that offers shared offices.

Subleasing can be a great way to reduce costs and gain flexibility. However, just like any decision in your practice, it’s important to consider all the factors before diving in.

The Pros of Subleasing Therapy Office Space

1. Lower Costs

One of the biggest benefits of subleasing is the cost savings. Traditional therapy office leases often come with a lot of overhead—utilities, maintenance, insurance, and of course, the high rent. Subleasing usually comes with a much lower price tag, especially when you’re only paying for the time you need rather than a full-time commitment.

If you’re just starting out or don’t yet have a steady stream of clients, subleasing can be a great way to reduce financial risk while you grow your practice.

2. Flexibility

Another huge benefit is the flexibility subleasing offers. Many subleases are short-term or can be rented by the hour, day, or week. If you don’t need a full-time office, this can be a lifesaver—giving you the ability to only pay for the space you use. It’s perfect for therapists who have a flexible schedule or are just starting to build up their client base.

3. Less Overhead and Hassle

When you sublease an office, the owner of the main lease (the primary tenant) is usually responsible for the maintenance, utilities, and sometimes even cleaning. That means less hassle for you. You can focus on seeing your clients without worrying about dealing with the everyday responsibilities of maintaining a therapy space.

Additionally, many coworking spaces offer a whole range of services—like Wi-Fi, furniture, and utilities—so you don’t have to worry about setting it up yourself.

4. A Community of Like-Minded Professionals

Another big perk of subleasing therapy office space in a shared coworking environment is the community. You’ll often find yourself surrounded by other professionals—therapists, coaches, counselors—who can become part of your support network. Whether it’s sharing ideas, getting advice, or even referring clients to each other, having a community of like-minded individuals can be incredibly beneficial.

The Cons of Subleasing Therapy Office Space

1. Less Control Over the Space

While subleasing offers flexibility and convenience, it also comes with a loss of control. Since you’re not the primary tenant, the space may not always be exactly how you want it. Maybe the furniture isn’t quite right, or the office layout doesn’t perfectly suit your needs. And, if you’re subleasing from another therapist, you might need to work around their schedule or adjust to their style.

It’s not always easy to get everything just the way you want it.

2. Limited Long-Term Stability

Subleasing can be a great short-term solution, but there are some risks when it comes to long-term stability. Since subleases are often more flexible, there’s always the possibility that the main tenant might decide to end the lease or not renew it. This means you might have to find a new space unexpectedly.

While this is more common in the early stages of your career, if you’re looking for a long-term, stable office, subleasing might not offer the kind of security you’re looking for.

3. Shared Space and Less Privacy

Depending on where you’re subleasing, you may have to share the space with other professionals. This can affect your privacy and the overall feel of your practice. Some therapists are okay with this, but if your practice requires a high level of privacy or confidentiality, you might find it a little challenging to have other people in the same space, especially if you’re seeing clients with sensitive needs.

4. Unpredictable Costs

Although subleasing is often cheaper than a full lease, it can still be hard to predict how much it will cost in the long run. If you sublease in a shared office space, you may end up paying more than expected if the hours you need the space increase or if there are unexpected costs like cleaning fees or utilities. It's important to be clear about pricing up front and understand any potential hidden costs.

So, Is Subleasing Therapy Office Space Right for You?

In the end, the decision to sublease therapy office space really depends on your unique needs. If you’re just starting out and want to keep your overhead low, or if you need a flexible schedule without the pressure of a long-term commitment, subleasing could be a great option. It allows you to get the space you need without all the added costs and responsibilities of a full office lease.

However, if you’re looking for long-term stability and control over your environment, you might want to consider other options, like renting a dedicated space or investing in a coworking membership where you can reserve time in a space that meets your needs. It all comes down to what feels right for your practice and where you want your business to go in the future.

Need Help Choosing the Right Space?

PractiSage Spaces ISN’T exactly subleasing in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a service where I offer furnished office spaces specifically designed for therapists. These private, fully equipped offices are available for therapists to rent on flexible terms, without the need for long-term commitments or complex leases. Rather than subleasing from another tenant, PractiSage allows mental health professionals to rent space directly, providing everything needed to run a professional practice—from secure access and stocked supplies to administrative support. We also are now offering a Professional Address & Mail, an online community and hold events for practicing professionals.

Think of it more like a workspace rental or office-sharing arrangement, tailored to therapists’ unique needs, rather than a typical subleasing model.At Practisage, we offer flexible coworking spaces for therapists that can meet a variety of needs—whether you’re looking to sublease or just need a few hours per week in a quiet office. Feel free to reach out to me directly if you’re unsure about what will work best for your practice, or if you’d like to take a tour of our spaces.


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Things You Need for Your Own Therapy Office Setup

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Understanding Coworking Space Costs: Which Membership Plan is Right for You?