Running a therapy practice while staying true to your values isn’t always easy, especially in a system that often prioritizes profit over people.

Paul Fugelsang, founder and executive director of Open Path Psychotherapy Collective, joins  Michael Fulwiler to talk about building a mission-driven organization that connects clients to affordable therapy without compromising clinical integrity. Paul shares his path from overwhelmed private practice therapist to nonprofit leader, and how Open Path now supports over 34,000 therapists across the country.

He reflects on the ethics of sliding scale work, the complexities of talking about money in the therapy room, and why resisting unchecked growth is one way to preserve the soul of this work.

Listen to this episode for real talk on money, values, and building a sustainable practice that serves the people who need it most.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• Why affordability doesn’t have to mean burnout or underpayment
• How Open Path created a scalable model that supports therapists and clients
• What therapists should consider when setting their fees

Connect with the guest:
Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-fugelsang-a970123a 
Open Path on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openpathpsychotherapy/
Visit the Open Path website: https://openpathcollective.org/

Connect with Michael and Heard:
Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/
Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter
Book a free consult: joinheard.com/consult

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Welcome to Heard Business School
(01:26) Meet Paul Fugelsang
(02:14) Discovering Contemplative Psychotherapy at Naropa
(03:06) Working in Juvenile Justice After Grad School
(04:33) Launching a Private Practice in Florida
(06:17) The Idea for Open Path Is Born
(08:41) How Open Path’s Model Works
(10:34) Matching Therapists And Clients Post-Pandemic
(11:45) Paul’s Critique of VC-Backed Mental Health Platforms
(14:33) Balancing Affordability And Therapist Well-Being
(21:15) How to Talk Money With Clients
(25:06) Sliding Scale as a Confidence Crutch
(27:58) Lessons From Launching a Nonprofit
(30:25) Why Open Path Doesn’t Have a Five-Year Plan
(32:45) Will AI Change How We Do Therapy?
(39:52) Why Paul Stays Skeptical of Tech in Therapy
(43:30) Paul’s Message to Therapists Today

This episode is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult their own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this episode.