Private Practice Success Stories

What if your private practice could finally give you the money, freedom, and balance you’ve always wanted—without the endless hustle or burnout?

That’s exactly what today’s guest, Ellie Richter, created for herself. Ellie is the owner of The Essential Teletherapist, and she’s transformed her career from driving all over town for clients to running a thriving telepractice on her own terms.

Ellie has been an SLP since 2010, working primarily as a bilingual therapist in nonprofits. In 2022, she decided to step away from traditional roles and test out private practice with just a handful of clients. By 2024, she went all in—rebranding, creating clear systems, and designing a practice that aligned with her values and family’s needs.

At first, Ellie took any client she could, driving around for home visits. But as a mom and primary parent, the stress of being on the road was unsustainable. Around the same time, health challenges within her family pushed her to rethink her income, schedule, and priorities.

With support from the Start and later the Grow Your Private Practice Program, Ellie clarified her vision, set her rates, and built a plan that worked. She leaned into her expertise in bilingual therapy and school contracts, while also developing a new passion—helping other SLPs succeed at teletherapy. Within her first year of going all in, Ellie hit six figures, built contracts through word of mouth, and created a business that truly worked for her life.

In this episode, Ellie shares how she specializes in bilingual evaluations, early intervention, and teletherapy. Through her practice, The Essential Teletherapist, she not only serves children and families but also trains other SLPs to deliver effective virtual services. And how she built her business around family life—choosing her hours, and creating systems for what she calls “maximal ease.” She continues to refine her practice so it’s sustainable long term, both financially and personally.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Ellie transitioned from nonprofit work to launching her own practice
• What it looks like to build a bilingual teletherapy and school contract model
• The mindset shifts she made to prioritize ease and balance
• And why aligning her business with her family’s needs has been the key to success

Ellie’s story proves that you don’t have to choose between being a present parent and building a successful career. With clarity, systems, and support, you can create a practice that works for you—and build it on your own terms.

Want to create a private practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—just like Ellie has? The Start Your Private Practice Program gives you the tools and guidance to get started. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com

Whether you want to Start or Grow a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

Follow Ellie on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theessentialteletherapist/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Ps9xDECWXs6nlekB73hys?si=c1a521b8d9804cb1

Check out her website: theessentialteletherapist.com

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

What if you could combine your passion for helping people with the freedom to serve the clients you love most? That’s exactly what Anne Quirk discovered when she launched True Self Speech Therapy in Providence, Rhode Island.

Anne is a speech-language pathologist specializing in neurological conditions, voice disorders, and gender-affirming voice therapy. After years in nonprofits and hospitals, she began craving more balance, control, and the chance to serve her ideal clients.

With encouragement from colleagues, Anne took the leap into private practice. Now she helps stroke survivors communicate again, supports transgender clients in finding affirming voices, and has built a thriving caseload through word-of-mouth referrals.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Anne has embraced the flexibility of private practice to shape a career that truly reflects her values. By expanding her team and creating resources like her newsletter, News for the Affirming SLP, she’s found ways to support both her clients and her family—while stepping fully into her true self.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The leap from healthcare burnout to starting her own practice
• How gender-affirming voice therapy helped her practice grow in its first year
• Balancing private practice with raising three kids
• And why hiring a team changed everything

Anne’s journey is proof that private practice is possible at any stage of your career—and that specializing in the clients you’re most passionate about can help you stand out, attract referrals, and make a bigger impact.

If you’re ready to build a private practice that reflects your true self—just like Anne has learned more about our Grow Your Private Practice Program – where our other coaches can help you set up systems as you shift from clinician to CEO. To learn more, please visit www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com.

Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

Follow Anne on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueselfspeech/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trueselfspeech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashak/

Check out her website: www.trueselfspeech.com

Learn more about growing your practice: www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

What if the career you thought you’d never leave ended up being the springboard into something even better? That’s exactly what happened to Amanda Smith, who turned years of hospital experience into her own private practice, Lasting Language Therapy Services, in Woodstock, Georgia.

Amanda is a speech-language pathologist specializing in adults with neurological conditions. After starting her career in a large neuro clinic outside of Atlanta, she built a reputation for her clinical skills and strong professional network. Amanda loved her work in hospital systems and juggled multiple PRN roles for years. But when her child struggled in public school, she knew she needed more control over her schedule and income to better support her family.

At first, the idea of private practice felt intimidating—especially the business side. But after joining the Start Your Private Practice Program, Amanda realized she could use her existing clinical skills and professional connections to take the leap. Within weeks of signing up, she got her first client.

Amanda started small, gradually replacing her hospital shifts as referrals grew through her strong reputation and connections. Partnering with neuro rehab and movement centers helped fuel a 650% growth from year one to year two, specializing in adults with neurological conditions, and recently expanded into her own office space designed to feel welcoming and calm.

In this episode, we talk about how Amanda treasures the freedom her practice provides. She balances homeschooling support, family life, and business growth—something she never thought possible when tied to hospital shifts. She’s even preparing to expand into wellness services with hopes to open a second location closer to home.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How she came to the realization that private practice was the ticket to being able to make more money in less time and provide high quality care for her favorite clients
• The marketing strategies she used to grow her caseload and reputation
• How committing to knowing her numbers has made her a much more confident business owner
• How she Built partnerships with other professionals that turned into consistent referrals

Amanda’s story is proof that you don’t have to jump all in at once—starting small and growing step-by-step can still lead to incredible results. With confidence, strategy, and a clear vision, she built a thriving practice that supports both her family and her community.

Want to build a private practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—just like Amanda has? The Start Your Private Practice Program can help you take the leap with confidence. Learn more at www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.

Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

Follow Amanda on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lastinglanguagetherapy

Check out her website: lastinglanguagetherapy.com

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

What if the hardest moment in your life became the spark that pushed you to finally follow your dream? That’s what happened for Andrea Gingras, who turned loss, burnout, and a desire for freedom into the driving force behind her private practice, Love Without Words: Speech Therapy, in Concord, California.

Andrea is a speech-language pathologist who has always loved working with kids. After years in schools, nonprofits, and private practices, she found herself burned out by compliance-heavy approaches and the daily grind of long hours away from her family.

When a former client’s family reached out to tell Andrea that their son Ben — who had inspired her early passion for strength-based, child-led communication was entering hospice, something shifted. Love Without Words was born — a name and mission inspired directly by Ben. With the support of the Start Your Private Practice Program, Andrea learned the logistics of setting up her business.

Today, Andrea creates her own schedule, chooses the clients she wants to serve, and uses a strength-based approach to help autistic and minimally verbal children thrive.

Andrea specializes in working with children, particularly those who are autistic or minimally verbal. She integrates strength-based therapy, gestalt language processing strategies, and family coaching to create engaging, individualized sessions.

She also mentors other clinicians, offers online training, and speaks to groups of SLPs, OTs, and BCBAs on how to shift away from compliance-based therapy.

As a mom of two young children, Andrea treasures the flexibility her private practice provides. She’s now able to take her kids to school, join field trips, and be home for dinner—something her 9–5 never allowed. She even jokes about enjoying luxuries like long lunches or mid-day errands, freedoms that once felt impossible.

• Why she left “safe” jobs to build a business aligned with her values
• What it looks like to create a schedule that actually works for her family (Hint: She only sees 2-4 clients per day and earns more money than she was before working far less hours)
• How she’s now mentoring fellow SLPs on using using strength-based strategies with clients

Andrea’s story shows how deeply personal experiences can fuel professional transformation. By finding her “why” and honoring her values, she built a practice that not only helps families but also gives her the life she wants for her own family.

Want to create a private practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—just like Andrea has? Learn more about our Start Your Private Practice Program, where Andrea and so many other SLPs and OTs have gotten the tools, systems, and confidence to make the leap. Visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com to learn more.

Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

Resources mentioned:

Follow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slplovewithoutwords/

https://www.instagram.com/slp_mentor4u/

Check out her website: https://slplovewithoutwords.com/

Send her an email at: [email protected]

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

What if starting private practice this fall could change your career — without quitting your job?

This episode is all about why fall is the perfect time to start seeing private clients. Many clinicians have been thinking about private practice for months or even years, but something keeps holding them back: timing, confidence, or clarity.

In today’s podcast, I’m sharing 5 reasons why fall is the absolute best time to start building your private practice, even if you’re still working your regular job — and I can tell you this: starting small now can create massive momentum by spring.

• Why fall is a strategic season to launch your practice
• How parents and teachers are actively seeking support
• Ways to start small without quitting your job
• How to build an exit strategy on your terms

Here’s what I want you to remember: you don’t have to wait for “perfect timing” or “someday.” Every month you hesitate is a month you could have been building income, confidence, and freedom. Starting small this fall can create momentum that lasts all year.

Want to take the first step toward your private practice this fall? The Start Your Private Practice Program is designed to help you get started on a solid legal foundation, with marketing systems in place, and the ability to bill via private pay, insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Over 3,500 SLPs and OTs have started their private practices with our support. To learn more, please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.

Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

What if the very thing you think will burn you out… is actually the thing that saves your career?

Burnout is everywhere in our field. And here’s the hard truth: burnout is the single greatest threat to you staying in this profession — the very profession you spent years of your life and tens of thousands of dollars in grad school to join.

That’s why today’s episode is such an important one. We’re talking about how private clients aren’t the cause of burnout — they’re actually the path out of it.

So many SLPs and OTs believe that adding private clients would just stretch them thinner. But here’s the truth: it’s not the therapy that’s exhausting you — it’s the system. Overloaded caseloads, endless paperwork, lack of flexibility, and feeling undervalued are what’s draining you.

Instead of running on empty, you finally get to create a career that fuels you, both personally and professionally.

Inside the Start Your Private Practice Program, I’ve seen this transformation over and over again. So many students came in ready to leave the field altogether, but private practice reignited their passion. They’re working fewer hours, earning more, serving clients they love and most importantly, loving their careers again.

• Why burnout is the #1 threat to your career
• The real cause of burnout
• How private practice restores control, balance, and fulfillment
• Best time to take your first step into private practice

Here’s what I want you to remember: you didn’t come this far, invest this much, and work this hard just to burn out and walk away. Private practice can be your way back to freedom, fulfillment, and loving your career again.

Want to take back control of your career and finally escape burnout? The Start Your Private Practice Program is where I’ll help you set up your first private clients so you can work less, earn more, and love being a clinician again. To learn more, please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.

Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

What if starting your own private practice meant more time with your kids, a healthier work-life balance, and the freedom to create a career that truly fits your values? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Erin West, set out to do and her journey is going to inspire you.

Today I’m introducing you to Erin West, a speech-language pathologist and the owner of Wildflowers Pediatric Therapy in Bradenton, Florida. Erin has been in the field for over 15 years, specializing in pediatrics, feeding, AAC, and neurodiversity-affirming care.

She joined the Start Your Private Practice Program and has since built a thriving practice that allows her to be present for her two children while also serving her community in a way that aligns with her values.

Although Erin loved her hospital job and the colleagues she worked with, she found herself increasingly drained by the demands of the environment. As a highly sensitive person and single mom, she needed more balance and flexibility to pour into both her clients and her kids.

That’s when she decided to take the leap into private practice. With the support of her son and the Start Your Private Practice program, Erin transitioned from full-time employment into running her own business. Now, she sets her own schedule, collaborates with other professionals in her community, and enjoys more time with her family.

Outside of her practice, she is a mom of two, enjoys collaborating with other therapists in her community, and is even pursuing certification to teach Music Together® classes as another way to support families through connection and creativity.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Taking the leap without a financial safety net
• Building a niche around feeding, autism, and sensory needs
• Finding unexpected community support and collaboration
• And how her 13-year-old son literally helped her run the numbers to get started

Erin’s story shows that you don’t have to hate your job to know it’s time for a change. Sometimes it’s about recognizing misalignment, valuing yourself, and choosing to build something that better supports both your family and your clients. Her journey is proof that with the right mindset and support, you can create a private practice that’s fulfilling, flexible, and financially sustainable.

Want to build a private practice that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—just like Erin has? Learn more about our Start Your Private Practice Program, where Erin and so many other SLPs and OTs have gotten the tools, systems, and confidence to make the leap. Visit www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com to learn more.

Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

Resources Mentioned:

Follow Erin on Instagram: www.instagram.com/wildflowers_pediatric_therapy/

Check out her website: https://www.wildflowerspediatrictherapy.com/

Learn more about growing your practice: www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

What if going to work was as easy as opening up your computer? From your office, home, or even somewhere more exotic? Today’s guest is using teletherapy to work from Mexico, and I can’t wait for you to hear her story!

I’m reintroducing you to Samantha Rothman, an occupational therapist and one of the amazing coaches inside the Grow Your Private Practice Program. Samantha is the owner and founder of her private practice, Play and Purpose, based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Switching to teletherapy was key in helping Samantha create a lifestyle practice that fits her wants and dreams. She is able to meet with clients and work poolside in Mexico with her dog!

In this episode, Samantha discusses how switching to teletherapy helps her better serve her clients, maintain her mental health, and enjoy more freedom to do what she wants.

Samantha Rothman is a licensed and board-certified pediatric occupational therapist and DIR Floortime provider. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Community Health and a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Florida Gulf Coast University.

She enjoys using a "whole child" approach, including all aspects of being human-especially focusing on emotional and mental health. She is passionate about using child-led and non-compliance based techniques to promote engagement and self-advocacy skills.

Outside of patient care, Samantha is devoting time to mentoring new therapists and supporting our team. In her free time, she enjoys reading, kayaking, traveling, and weight lifting.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• The types of clients that benefit from teletherapy sessions
• How teletherapy has improved her mental health and given her a sense of balance
• What it’s like running a practice from another country
• Samantha’s advice for those who want to achieve the same level of freedom

Samantha is truly living her dream! We are so lucky to have her as a mentor in our Grow Program. Her story does not have to be the exception; you, too, can achieve the career of your dreams if you simply start taking steps to get there.

Want to build your private practice to the point where YOU can work from abroad - just like Samantha has? Learn more about our Grow Your Private Practice Program - where Samantha and our other coaches can help you set up systems as you shift from clinician to CEO. To learn more, please visit www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com

Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

Resources Mentioned:

Follow Samantha on Instagram: www.instagram.com/playandpurposeaz/

Check out her website: www.playandpurposeaz.com

Learn more about growing your practice: www.GrowYourPrivatePractice.com

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slp.private.practice.beginners/

Have you wondered if it’s possible to launch your private practice sooner than planned? Today’s guest will encourage you to trust your gut and go for it!

Joining me is Laura D’Surney, SLP and owner of Play on Words Speech Therapy, her private practice just outside of Richmond, VA. Laura, an alum of the Start Your Private Practice Program, was hit with the curveball of losing her job shortly after returning from her honeymoon! She chose to go all in and launch her practice, despite not feeling as ready as she’d planned.

In this episode, Laura shares how she turned her unexpected job loss into a thriving practice and offers tips for setting boundaries and marketing as a small business owner.

Laura D'Surney is a licensed speech pathologist and private practice owner of Play on Words Speech Therapy. She currently provides mobile speech, language, and reading services to the Richmond, VA area. She also develops and sells speech therapy materials on TPT and has provided professional development for other SLPs on speech sound disorders.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• The boundaries Laura has built into her business to protect her personal needs
• How to take the scary feeling out of marketing by taking a natural approach
• Laura’s advice for those who are unsure if they can really start their practice right now
• Taking time to step back from comparison syndrome and acknowledging your progress

Whether you’re wondering if now is the right time or if life forces your hand, don’t be afraid to take the next step toward private practice! I hope Laura’s story inspires you to follow your heart and lean in to the support and help available to you.

If you want help to start your private practice step-by-step (just like we helped Laura!) please visit www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com.

Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

Resources Mentioned:

Laura’s website: www.playonwordsrva.com

Follow Laura on Instagram: www.instagram.com/lauratheslp

Laura’s TPT: www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/laura-the-slp

Find support and start your private practice: www.StartYourPrivatePractice.com

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slp.private.practice.beginners/

Are you worried that starting a private practice will be too much work and take you away from your family life? Today’s guest is proof that you can build a career on your own terms and make it work for you!

Joining me is Ricki Klein, someone I’ve actually known for a while! Ricki is an SLP, mom, and owner of Kid Speak Easy, her private practice in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

Ricki left the workplace during the pandemic as her young family experienced a lot of change. After constantly giving out free advice at the park, Ricki realized she missed working and wanted to figure out a way to dip her toe back into clinical work.

In this episode, Ricki shares how she created a private practice that is professionally fulfilling, fits her family’s needs and schedule, and gives her the balance that so many family-oriented SLPs are searching for.

Ricki Klein is licensed in the state of Massachusetts and holds a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She graduated from Hamilton College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, then went on to Emerson College, where she obtained her Masters of Science in Communication Disorders.

Ricki supports children of all ages, with a focus on preschool and school-age children, who have a range of speech and language difficulties. Ricki enjoys working closely with families and teachers in a collaborative manner to develop treatment plans that allow children to make progress across all contexts. Ricki lives in Sudbury, MA, with her husband and two young children.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

• Ricki’s hesitancy toward the logistics of starting a private practice
• How her first paying client gave her enough fulfillment to go all in
• Learning to get over fear and network organically
• How Ricki gives back to her community through her business
• Why you shouldn’t worry if your area is oversaturated with providers

Even though Ricki’s journey started differently than what she had planned, she was able to grow her practice intentionally while maintaining balance at home.

If Ricki’s story inspired you and you're thinking, “I want to do that…” — you can. We help SLPs and OTs get set up, start seeing clients, and build sustainable businesses through our Start Your Private Practice Program. If you're ready to take the next step, head over to www.IndependentClinician.com to learn how we can support you.

Resources Mentioned:

Check out Ricki’s practice: https://www.kidspeakeasy.com/

Find support to start your private practice: http://www.IndependentClinician.com

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slp.private.practice.beginners/