Building a successful career in mental health often requires navigating personal challenges, shifting professional goals, and staying adaptable in the face of growing demand.

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Founder of Therapy for Black Girls, joins Michael Fulwiler to discuss her path from a small-town Louisiana upbringing to becoming a leading voice in Black women’s mental health.

Dr. Joy shares how her early curiosity about human behavior led her to psychology, how she built Therapy for Black Girls from a blog to a thriving platform, and the surprising journey that led to her podcast’s partnership with iHeart.

Listen to the episode for insights into the evolution of Therapy for Black Girls, how Dr. Joy balances running a business with family life, and the key moments that shaped her vision for supporting Black women’s mental health.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• The challenges and rewards of building a mental health platform for Black women
• How podcasting can create unexpected opportunities for growth
• The importance of community and staying connected in the mental health space

Connect with the guest:

• Dr. Joy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellodrjoy/ 
• Dr. Joy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellodrjoy/ 
• Visit the Therapy for Black Girls website: https://therapyforblackgirls.com/ 

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

(00:34) Meet Dr. Joy Harden Bradford

(02:11) Growing Up in a Small Town and Discovering Psychology

(03:01) Dr. Joy’s Educational Background and Research Focus

(03:54) Challenges as a Black Student in Predominantly White Institutions

(06:37) Observations About Black Students Seeking Mental Health Services

(07:38) Interest in Starting a Private Practice Part-Time

(09:07) Starting Private Practice with the Right Infrastructure

(10:05) The Idea for Therapy for Black Girls Sparked by an Awards Show

(11:02) Early Growth of the Blog and Media Interviews

(13:09) How Social Media Requests Inspired  Therapist Directory

(16:29) Finding a Developer and Starting to Charge for Listings

(17:20) Organic Growth and Big Shoutouts for the Directory

(18:19) Starting the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast Independently

(20:27) Building Community: The Momentum Moment for the Podcast

(41:39) Growing Both Podcast and Directory Together

(44:06) The iHeart Podcast Partnership Opportunity

(46:33) Marketing and Growing the Podcast

(49:00) Building the Therapy for Black Girls Team

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.

Navigating a career in social work can be incredibly challenging, especially when balancing personal struggles, family life, and the demands of private practice.

Gary “Trey” Taylor, a licensed clinical social worker, educator, and consultant, joins Michael Fulwiler to share his journey from the car customization business to advocating for mental health, particularly within the Black community.

Gary reflects on his personal experiences with burnout, how his work with Black men shaped his therapy practice, and the pivotal moment when he decided to transition away from therapy to focus on teaching and consulting.

Listen to the conversation to hear how Gary used his past struggles to build a sustainable career that addresses both his personal and professional needs while continuing to advocate for Black men’s mental health.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• Managing the balance between private practice, family life, and professional commitments
• The growing need for more culturally competent care for Black men in therapy
• The value of diversifying income streams to prevent burnout in the mental health field

Connect with the guest:

• Gary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retro_gt/ 
• Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-taylor-lcsw-28a71384/ 
• Visit the Uphold 31:8 website: https://www.uphold318.com/ 

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

(00:44) Meet Gary Taylor

(02:30) Trey’s First Business: Car Customization

(04:26) Journey to Social Work and Therapy

(05:56) Why Trey Didn’t Initially Want to Be a Therapist

(07:40) Friends' Reactions to Pursuing Social Work

(08:46) Why Therapy Wasn’t Initially Appealing

(11:07) Dealing with Personal Mental Health Struggles

(12:49) Finding a Therapist for the First Time

(16:30) Applying Marketing Lessons from Other Industries

(20:03) Starting Private Practice Part-Time

(23:17) Getting Initial Clients for Private Practice

(25:53) The Struggle of Setting Pricing and Rates

(38:14) The Decision to Step Away from Private Practice

(47:42) Diversifying Income with Consulting and Teaching

(56:09) Lessons Learned from Writing His Book Refresh

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.

Building a therapy business comes with its challenges, especially when you’re navigating AuDHD and entrepreneurship.

Patrick Casale, CEO of All Things Private Practice, joins host Michael Fulwiler to talk about how embracing vulnerability and authenticity can shape a successful therapy practice. 

Patrick opens up about his journey of navigating ADHD and autism while building a business, explaining how showing up as your true self can help you connect with clients in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Listen to the conversation to hear how Patrick turned his personal challenges into entrepreneurial strengths and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• How authenticity drives stronger connections with clients in private practice
• The impact of neurodivergence on Patrick’s approach to business and therapy
• The personal and professional growth that comes from embracing imperfection in your career

Connect with the guest:

• Patrick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrick.casale/ 
• Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neurodivergent-workplace-strategist/ 
• Watch Patrick’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyImqW69OY4 
• Visit the All Things Private Practice website: https://www.allthingspractice.com/ 

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

(00:44) Meet Patrick Casale

(02:12) Embracing Neurodivergence in Life and Business

(03:51) The Double-Edged Sword of AuDHD

(06:02) Why Patrick Became a Therapist

(08:19) What Burnout Looked Like in Private Practice

(10:31) From Solo Practice to Group Practice to Entrepreneur

(13:12) Building Businesses Around Community and Identity

(15:24) Neurodivergent Strengths in Entrepreneurship

(17:41) Letting Go of What No Longer Aligns

(19:35) How Patrick Thinks About Pricing and Accessibility

(22:13) Delegating as a Way to Scale and Protect Your Energy

(24:00) Self-Care, ADHD, and Running Multiple Businesses

(26:42) Advice for Therapists With Big Ideas

(28:30) Final Reflections on Self-Trust and Going for It

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. 

Therapists have long been told they won’t make it on their own in private practice. 

Season 2 of Heard Business School flips that script. In this trailer, host Michael Fulwiler introduces you to therapists who are breaking the mold, redefining what success means, and sharing honest stories from their journeys.

You’ll hear from guests who have faced tough challenges, like carrying invisible wounds or learning the business side of therapy, and found ways to build practices that truly reflect who they are. This season is about finding your path and knowing that you have a community to lean on.

If you’re wondering how to create a practice that fits your life and values, or if you’re ready for the next step in your business, you’ll want to hear these stories.

In this season, you’ll learn:

• Why building a private practice doesn’t have to be a solo struggle
• How embracing authenticity can change the way you care for clients and run your business
• What it means to pave your own way in therapy and private practice

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) Introducing Season 2 of Heard Business School

(00:25) Finding Purpose Through Loss And Poetry

(00:46) Therapy And Entrepreneurship Rewriting Futures

(01:21) Authenticity As a Clinician Matters

(01:43) Business Lessons Missing in Therapy Training

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. 

Did you know S corporations (S corps) can provide significant financial benefits for therapists and their private practices? 

Andrew Riesen, Co-founder and CEO of Heard, joins our host Michael Fulwiler to break down the process of electing S Corp status and using it to your advantage. He explains how it can help private practice owners save on taxes while also outlining the additional administrative responsibilities it entails.

Tune in to learn when it makes sense to elect S corp status, the financial thresholds to keep in mind, and the common misconceptions surrounding this tax designation. 

In the conversation, they discuss:

• The tax savings therapists can achieve by electing S corp status and the associated costs
• The importance of setting a reasonable salary as an S corp owner and the risks of not following best practices
• The misconceptions about quarterly taxes and other key financial details related to S corps

Resources:

• The Complete Guide to S Corporations for Therapists - https://www.joinheard.com/articles/the-complete-guide-to-s-corporations-for-therapists 
• Tax Optimization Strategies for S Corporation Therapy Practices - https://www.joinheard.com/articles/tax-optimization-strategies-for-s-corporation-therapy-practices 
• S Corp Tax Savings Calculator for Therapists - https://www.joinheard.com/tools/s-corp-calculator 

Connect with the guest:

• Andrew on X: https://x.com/andrewjriesen
• Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewriesen/
• Visit the Heard website: https://www.joinheard.com/ 

Connect with Michael and Heard:

• Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/
• Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter 
• Book a free consult: https://www.joinheard.com/welcome-form 

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Welcome to Heard Business School

(00:56) Meet Andrew Riesen

(01:16) Understanding S Corporations

(02:12) Electing S Corp Status

(03:47) Benefits and Burdens of S Corporations

(07:25) Financial Implications and Examples

(10:28) Administrative Costs and Considerations

(15:15) State-Specific Considerations

(18:59) How to Elect S Corp Status

(23:49) Filing Deadlines and Late Election Relief

(30:19) Maintaining Compliance as an S Corporation

(35:44) Common Misconceptions and Myths

(43:07) Closing Thoughts and Resources

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. 

How do you go from nonprofit work to a private practice making 6-figures?

Kelly McKenna, a licensed clinical social worker and business coach, joins host Michael Fulwiler to share how she leveraged Instagram, raised her rates, and generated $250,000 in her first full year as a private practice therapist. 

Kelly shares her marketing expertise, how she found her niche, and how to navigate billing and administrative hurdles while running her own practice. So tune in and learn Kelly’s strategies for building a sustainable, client-focused practice while balancing personal and professional growth.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• Kelly’s best practices for using Instagram to grow your private practice.
• The importance of niching down and aligning your business to your values.
• How to keep your practice client-first while avoiding burnout and pursuing high growth goals.

Connect with the guest:

• Visit her website: www.businessoftherapy.com
• Kelly on X: https://x.com/sitwithkelly
• Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sitwithkelly
• Get a month free of her Reels Membership with code HEARD: https://businessoftherapy.com/reels-membership  

Connect with Michael and Heard:

• Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/
• Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter 
• Book a free consult: https://www.joinheard.com/welcome-form 

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introduction to Heard Business School

(00:28) Meet Kelly McKenna

(05:33) Transitioning to Private Practice During COVID

(09:22) Building a Thriving Practice on Instagram

(15:14) Navigating Financials and Accessibility in Therapy

(17:57) Leveraging Insurance and Out-of-Network Benefits

(21:31) Finding and Evolving Your Niche

(25:03) Common Instagram Mistakes Therapists Make

(28:44) Finding Your Content Niche

(29:13) Evaluating Content Performance

(30:52) Reels Membership Examples

(33:32) Promoting the Reels Membership

(34:47) Sharing Income Transparently

(43:12) Business Coaching and Courses

(49:39) Building a Support Team

(53:52) Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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. 

Fostering a successful private practice while navigating academia, sports psychology, and representation in the therapy field can be daunting—but Dr. Lawrence Jackson has done just that.

As a licensed therapist and mental performance coach, Dr. Jackson has worked with athletes transitioning out of professional sports while also focusing on elevating diverse voices in therapy.

In this episode, Dr. Jackson joins host Michael Fulwiler to share his unique journey from aspiring medical professional to becoming "The Black Male Therapist." 

He discusses his perspective on the challenges of finding representation in the mental health field and how he used social media, particularly Black Therapy Fridays, to build authentic connections and attract clients.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• Dr. Jackson’s journey in developing a multifaceted career that spans private practice, sports psychology, and academic roles, all while maintaining his focus on representation and inclusivity in the mental health space.
• The unique challenges athletes face when transitioning out of professional sports and how mental performance coaching can guide them through identity shifts and career changes.
• The importance of increasing diversity within the therapy profession, along with Dr. Jackson's efforts to support and mentor clinicians of color.

Connect with the guest:

• Visit his website: https://theblackmaletherapist.com/
• Dr. Lawrence on X: https://x.com/blacktherapyfri
• Dr. Lawrence on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblackmaletherapist/ 
• Check out his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoItb2LIXFLlshaDH4FZ8Cw/featured?view_as=subscriber 

Connect with Michael and Heard:

• Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/
• Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter 
• Book a free consult: https://www.joinheard.com/welcome-form 

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introduction to Heard Business School with guest Dr. Lawrence Jackson

(02:15) The scarcity of Black representation in the therapy field

(05:44) From medical aspirations to psychology

(08:17) Pivoting from sex therapy to marriage and family therapy

(09:55) Launching "The Black Male Therapist" brand and Black Therapy Fridays

(11:02) Sports analogies and systemic thinking to therapeutic practice

(14:10) Private practice during doctoral studies and learning key marketing strategies

(18:55) Transitioning from academia to private practice in the middle of the pandemic

(23:15) Overcoming self-doubt and finding confidence in pricing therapeutic services

(29:00) Evolution of Dr. Jackson’s work with athletes transitioning out of professional sports

(35:42) The intersection of therapy and performance coaching in sports

(40:16) How virtual therapy and supervision transformed Dr. Jackson’s practice

(44:00) Balancing multiple roles in therapy, sports, and education

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.

To truly connect with clients, therapists must embrace authenticity, cultural awareness, and personal identity. On top of that, there needs to be a deeper understanding of how our backgrounds and identities shape our practice. Michelle Vo, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and advocate for mental health, emphasizes the importance of sharing personal narratives in fostering genuine connections.

In this episode, Michelle and host Michael Fulwiler explore why therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Michelle shares her journey as a first-generation Vietnamese American, the significance of acknowledging cultural backgrounds, and the power of being relatable in a therapeutic relationship. This conversation goes beyond therapy; it’s about breaking barriers, addressing stigmas, and finding ways to make mental health accessible and relatable for all. Listen to discover how embracing authenticity can transform your practice and build trust with clients.

In the conversation, they discuss: Michelle’s experience as a first-generation Vietnamese American deeply influences how she approaches therapy, helping her advocate for both herself and her community while navigating cultural nuances in mental health care. The financial and logistical hurdles of moving from hospital work to private practice, including the choice to become an S corporation and how she manages client loads while making sure to plan for time off. Her approach to being authentic in therapy, highlighting how bringing her full self into sessions — and practicing self-care — helps her connect more deeply with clients, especially those from diverse backgrounds.

Connect with the guest:
Visit her website: https://www.michellevolcsw.com/
Find Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modelmindfulness/

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

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction to Heard Business School with guest Michelle Vo
(02:47) Michelle’s journey from a hospital setting to private practice
(09:31) Developing a niche and balancing self-care
(12:50) Combating self-doubt
(23:55) Advocating for thoughtful tech integration into therapy
(29:12) Authenticity in therapy and building strong client connections
(32:36) How therapists can navigate consultations without the pressure of sales
(35:34) The model minority myth and its impact on Asian-American mental health
(41:05) The importance of providing appropriate resources for clients
(44:34) Encouraging autonomy in private practice
(45:19) Closing remarks from Michael and Michelle

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.

Creating an excellent therapist profile is more than just credentials.

It’s about fostering one that truly resonates with clients in the hopes of building trust and meaningful connections.

In this episode, CEO of Mental Health Match, Ryan Schwartz joins host Michael Fulwiler to share his insights on crafting therapist profiles that instill hope and foster genuine client relationships.

Ryan discusses the importance of using warm, relatable language, avoiding clinical jargon, and the role of an inviting headshot. 

He also touches on seasonal trends in client needs and the value of regularly updating profiles. Learn how to build trust and attract the right clients with a well-crafted profile.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• The importance of a collaborative tone in developing a therapist profile that invites clients into a partnership rather than focusing solely on the therapist's qualifications.
• Defining a clear niche in your profile helps attract the right clients while also reflecting the populations you work with best, improving overall client satisfaction.
• How profiles that focus on hope and positive outcomes are more effective in drawing in clients who seek change rather than emphasizing struggles and problems alone.

Resources: 

• Your guide for a great headshot:  https://mentalhealthmatch.com/articles/for-therapists/the-mhm-guide-to-a-great-photo 
• Use promo code heard30 for 30% off three months of Mental Health Match: https://mentalhealthmatch.com/therapist/register/heard30 

Connect with the guest:

• Ryan Schwartz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mentalhealthmatch/
• Check out Mental Health Match: https://mentalhealthmatch.com/
• Follow Mental Health Match on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthmatch/

Connect with Michael and Heard:

• Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/
• Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter 
• Book a free consult: https://www.joinheard.com/welcome-form 

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introduction to Heard Business School with guest Ryan Schwartz

(01:34) What clients are truly seeking when searching for a therapist

(03:24) Trends in client needs, including trauma and seasonal variations

(05:49) Why summer can impact therapy demand and what to expect

(07:16) The essentials of an effective therapist profile

(08:38) Crafting language of connection using "we" and "together"

(09:49) The importance of eye contact and warmth in headshots

(13:59) The impact of using "you" language to foster hope

(15:45) How emotions drive the decision to choose a therapist

(16:43) Why therapists often feel hesitant about marketing themselves

(19:24) Using words of hope and possibility in therapist profiles

(21:23) Avoiding clinical jargon by using everyday, relatable language

(23:36) The value of defining a niche to attract the right clients

(26:25) Tips for updating profiles regularly to reflect seasonal trends

(29:01) Managing full practices and waitlists effectively

(32:32) Personalized responses to client inquiries that build trust

(34:01) Updates at Mental Health Match to enhance the client experience

(39:46) The ongoing mission of Mental Health Match to connect clients and therapists

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.

Starting a private therapy practice in New York City is no small feat.

Growing it into a thriving business? That’s a whole different challenge.In this episode, therapist and content creator Lauren Larkin sits down with host Michael Fulwiler to share her journey of building a successful practice in one of the most competitive cities in the world. From navigating a saturated market to going viral on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Lauren offers an inside look at what it takes to stand out and scale. She also dives into setting boundaries to prevent burnout, finding the right mentors, and financial strategies for long-term success.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• How sharing relatable and educational content has helped Lauren build trust with potential clients and clinicians and drive business growth in a competitive market like New York City
• The importance of setting clear boundaries and managing workload to avoid burnout in private practice
• Strategies for building a waitlist before expanding, allowing for a smoother transition when bringing on new therapists

Connect with the guest:
Visit her website: https://leltherapy.com/
Lauren on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leltherapy
Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leltherapy/
Lauren on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-larkin1/

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

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction to Heard Business School with guest Lauren Larkin
(02:30) Creating viral content on social media
(03:14) How Lauren’s marketing background shaped her private practice
(07:51) Transitioning from a group practice to starting her own practice
(08:42) How Lauren navigated the financial aspects of starting a private practice
(12:13) Advice on handling the logistics and legalities of forming a private practice
(15:23) How to navigate leaving a group practice and transitioning clients
(17:41) The ethical complexities of raising therapy fees
(20:25) Building a waitlist before expanding a practice
(24:52) The challenges of growing a practice in a competitive city like New York
(27:26) Managing client demand and hiring her first clinicians
(32:01) The balance between content creation and clinical work
(36:24) Lauren’s personal experience with an eating disorder and how it shapes her practice
(40:01) Ethical self-disclosure and its impact on the therapeutic relationship
(45:57) How Lauren handles self-disclosure on social media while maintaining client confidentiality
(50:00) Mentoring and consulting for early-career therapists
(50:07) Five tips for private practice success
(56:38) The importance of outsourcing taxes and financial management
(01:00:23) Protecting your schedule and setting boundaries to avoid burnout
(01:03:10) Creating networking and social events for therapists

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.