How to Manage Your Practice as a Traveling Therapist: An Interview with Kym Tolson, LCSW

Curt and Katie interview Kym Tolson, the traveling therapist. We look at how a modern therapist can be a digital nomad, including what business logistics to consider as well as how to travel well.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we talk about working as a therapist when traveling

We reached out to our friend Kym Tolson who lives and works as a digital nomad. 

“It's kind of like being on vacation every day.” – Kym Tolson, LCSW

What are the most important considerations when working as a digital nomad?

·      Checking the Wi-Fi before booking your accommodations

·      How long to stay in each place (Kym says about 2.5 weeks)

·      Finding a schedule that works and only takes small tweaks when you change time zones

·      Planning around the seasons and ideal locations

What are the business considerations for traveling therapists?

·      Consult with tax attorney and accountant, where to register your business

·      Reach out to boards for the state you are traveling to (to determine if you can practice within the state)

·      Considerations for business write offs and expenses

Managing work-life balance as a digital nomad

·      Finding the right times for work

·      Setting a schedule

·      Compartmentalize fun and work separately

What are the necessities when traveling as a digital nomad?

·      Specific creature comforts or life necessities (for Kym it’s pots/pans to manage Celiac disease)

·      Computer

·      Numerous Wi-Fi options (different carriers for cell-phone coverage and portable mobile hotspot)

·      Understanding of the impacts of mode of travel and type of accommodations

How do clients react to therapists who are on the road?

·      Decide on the level of transparency on traveling or location

·      Virtual background for continuity

·      Clients are usually pretty flexible with traveling therapist

Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:

We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!

www.thetravelingtherapist.com

www.privatepracticeinsurancebilling.com

Kym’s Facebook Group

 The Expert’s Guide to Becoming a Traveling Therapist Course coupon code for 25% off is MODERNTHERAPIST

Bill Like a Boss – Kym’s Insurance Billing Membership

Relevant Episodes of MTSG Podcast:

How Can Therapists Actually Retire: An interview with David Frank

Partners of Therapists

Thriving Over Surviving – Growing a Practice Without Burning Out: An interview with Megan Gunnell, LMSW

Post Pandemic Practice

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Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/