This is our monthly state of the field conversation and this one got real fast.

It starts with the SimplePractice class action lawsuit, which if you have been on social media lately you have probably seen ads about. But Kelly and I use it as a jumping off point for a much bigger conversation about what therapists are actually agreeing to when we sign up for the tools we use every day. We talk through what cookies and tracking scripts actually do, why HIPAA compliance is not the same as your clients being protected, what it means when a terms of service says data can be used for research and development by the platform and all of its affiliates, and why those session transcripts some platforms are holding onto are a much bigger deal than most of us realize.

We also get into the fact that the people investing in these EHR companies are often the same people investing in AI therapist chatbots built on what they call the largest dataset of real therapist interactions. So yeah. We connect those dots.

And then we talk about what is underneath all of this for so many therapists right now. The isolation. The disembodiment. The way working for venture capital platforms has added a whole new layer on top of the burnout that was already there. The difference between being pulled toward a vision and being pushed by ethical rage, and why both of those are legitimate.

We also share some things from our recent retreat, including what happens when therapists get into a room together and actually slow down long enough to feel what they have been carrying.

If you have never watched our free Terms of Service training, this is your sign to go do that. It is at zynnyme.com/free and it features a mental health attorney and the folks at Person-Centered Tech. It is not just us. It is a real dive into what these documents actually mean.

Topics: SimplePractice lawsuit, EHR data privacy, therapist burnout, private practice sustainability, telehealth vs in-person therapy, HIPAA and terms of service, venture capital in mental health, therapist isolation, nervous system regulation, AI and therapist data.

Free Terms of Service Training: zynnyme.com/free Reach us at: [email protected]

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: https://bit.ly/BusinessSchoolYouTube

Website: https://www.zynnyme.com/

Blog: https://www.zynnyme.com/blog

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What does it actually take to go from escaping a toxic nonprofit job to running a thriving 25-person trauma-focused group practice? Ginger Houghton, LCSW, has done it — and she's not sugarcoating the journey.

In this episode, Kelly Higdon sits down with Ginger to talk through the real decisions, real mistakes, and real wins that shaped her practice over seven years. From nearly quitting over insurance credentialing in month one, to navigating a 1099-to-W2 conversion without losing her team, to finding the niche that made everything click — this is the conversation most group practice owners wish they'd had earlier.

You'll hear Ginger's honest take on:

1. Why VC-backed platforms are a trap (she worked for one for 35 days)
2. The compliance and billing fundamentals that protect you long-term
3. What she got wrong in her first 10 hires — and what changed
4. How profit sharing and "red carpet exits" built a stable, loyal team
5. The mindset shift that takes you from clinician to sustainable business owner

Whether you're still solo, quietly thinking about hiring your first clinician, or already scaling and feeling the growing pains — this episode will meet you where you are.

Building a practice that works for your clients AND your life isn't just possible. Ginger's proof.

Learn more about Ginger Houghton and her practice at: www.brightspottherapy.com

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: https://bit.ly/BusinessSchoolYouTube

Website: https://www.zynnyme.com/

Blog: https://www.zynnyme.com/blog

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

Instagram: http://instagram.com/zynnyme/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2456942/

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/zynnyme/

Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast and leave a review:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-a-counseling-practice-with-kelly/id1398391639

• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5iY2FzdC5mbS9zdGFydGluZy1hLWNvdW5zZWxpbmctcHJhY3RpY2UtenlubnltZQ

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7K8TQ13vJL4L3IvtWLLXV3

Welcome back to Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories!

Today, host Miranda Palmer sits down with Dr. Carmy, founder of Destined Horizons — a multi-state group mental health practice serving Georgia, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland.

Dr. Carmy's path to therapy wasn't a straight line. From being the friend everyone came to for advice, to earning an MBA before finally answering her true calling as a therapist, her journey is one many practitioners will relate to.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

1. The real challenges of building a private practice from scratch — including burnout, balancing family life, and navigating the financial realities of running a group practice
2. How she transitioned from solo clinician to group practice owner and the systems that made it possible
3. Why finding community and support changed everything for her business and her well-being
4. Her passion for supporting other helping professionals and normalizing mental health care in Black and brown communities

Whether you're just starting your private practice, thinking about expanding to a group model, or deep in the weeds of managing it all, this conversation is packed with honest, practical wisdom from someone who's been through it.

Grab your coffee and let's dive in.

Dr. Carmy's Websites: https://destined-horizons.com/ and https://www.drcarmy.com/

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/

Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:

1. Apple Podcasts
2. Google Podcasts

This episode is a good one, y'all.

Beth Rontal went from burnt-out costume designer to therapist to creating Documentation Wizard - a business that teaches therapists how to actually use their documentation as a clinical tool instead of dreading it. And honestly? The parallels between costume design and therapy work are kind of brilliant.

We talk about the reality of getting licensed while raising kids, why falling behind on your notes is actually telling you something important about your practice, and how Beth went from supervising 50+ clinicians at an agency to building something sustainable on her own terms.

Here's what I love about this conversation: Beth gets real about the fact that nothing is actually a "side gig" when you're passionate about it. We talk about the myth of balance (spoiler: it doesn't exist the way we think it does), why your body might be screaming at you to stop overworking, and how enforcement of your cancellation policy is actually about modeling healthy boundaries - not being a jerk.

If you're trying to figure out how to fill your practice through actual relationships instead of SEO panic, or you're drowning in documentation and wondering why it feels so hard, or you're just tired of the hamster wheel and want to see what building something sustainable actually looks like - this one's for you.

Beth's offering free resources on getting your notes done (link in show notes), and if you've ever dealt with an insurance clawback and felt completely lost, she does consultations for that too.

Real talk about private practice, documentation, and what it actually takes to build something that doesn't destroy you in the process.

Get Beth's free "25 Tips to Getting Notes Done": https://bit.ly/zynnyme

Documentation Wizard: https://documentationwizard.com

Insurance clawback consultations: Available through Documentation Wizard

In this compelling episode of Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories, hosts Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer sit down for an honest, no-interview conversation about the seismic shifts in the mental health world right now. Drawing on their experiences supporting thousands of clinicians and leading Business School for Therapists, they dive deep into the growing influence of venture capital-backed therapy platforms, the realities of 1099 contracts vs. employment, and how insurance companies are reshaping the landscape—with a powerful impact on therapist autonomy and pay.

Listen as Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer peel back the curtain on how big marketing and profit-driven systems are affecting therapists’ mindset, fees, and even their health. The duo discuss the importance of embodied practice, highlight the risks of burnout and autoimmune issues on the rise in the field, and share why it’s crucial to reconnect with your body, intuition, and core values when making practice decisions.

You’ll hear practical guidance on navigating contracts, fee-setting for sustainability, and why group and community-oriented offerings may be the future for accessibility and authentic healing. If you’re feeling the pinch of working harder for less, or questioning the “way things are” in private practice, this episode will leave you with validation, tangible next steps, and a reminder: you have more agency than you think.

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: https://bit.ly/BusinessSchoolYouTube

Website: https://www.zynnyme.com/

Blog: https://www.zynnyme.com/blog

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

Instagram: http://instagram.com/zynnyme/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2456942/

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/zynnyme/

TikTok: @zynnyme

In this episode, hosts Kelly and Miranda take on the messy realities of the mental health field today. They dive into everything from the latest challenges with insurance and the impact of AI on documentation to the emotional toll and ethical decisions many therapists are grappling with, especially those in marginalized or high-pressure environments.

You’ll hear about the push-and-pull of staying in the system, fighting for change, or carving out new, sustainable practice models. Kelly and Miranda also share updates on healthcare negotiations, rising costs, and the importance of understanding how clinical work and finances intersect. It’s a candid, supportive conversation meant to validate what so many counselors are feeling right now, while encouraging everyone to find their own best way forward.

Join us as we unpack the chaos, honor the complexity, and highlight new ways to thrive in practice!

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Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/

Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts

In this episode, host Miranda chats with Katie, a licensed professional counselor, author, and group practice owner specializing in high-risk teens. Katie shares her deeply personal journey into therapy, from overcoming her own struggles to building a successful practice through relentless visibility and networking.

You'll hear how Katie navigated career pivots, from agency work to private practice, launching consulting programs, and now focusing on her upcoming book and signature treatment methods. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about following your curiosity, creating impact, and how embracing change can fuel your success as a therapist.

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Katie's Website: creativehealingphilly.com

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

YouTube: youtube.com/zynnyme

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/

Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts

Miranda welcomes Cassidy, a therapist, group practice owner, and now published author based in Utah. Cassidy shares her compelling journey from teaching high school math to specializing in trauma therapy and ultimately writing a book about religious trauma affecting women in the LDS church.

You’ll hear how Cassidy navigated the growing pains of private practice, set up a supportive leadership team, and found the personal inspiration and focus needed to tell her story. She gets real about the challenges of writing, the emotional rollercoaster of putting her truth on paper, and the practicalities of bringing her book to life.

Whether you’re a therapist, aspiring author, or just looking for an honest conversation about healing and innovation in counseling, Cassidy’s insights offer inspiration and practical takeaways for your own practice or creative journey.

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Cassidy's Website: purpleskycounseling.com

Join Us for our November 4th LIVE Training - Platform Contracts Exposed: What's Really at Stake for Your License, Your Ethics, and Your Practice's Future: news.zynnyme.com/platforms/

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/

Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts

In this episode, we are joined by Laith from Person Centered Tech to tackle the surge of venture-backed online therapy platforms, like Talkspace, Alma, and Spring Health, and their impact on private practice.

Together, they discuss why so many therapists are turning to these tech companies for supplemental income, and whether that’s as safe or sustainable as it seems. The trio dives into hidden risks around contract terms, HIPAA responsibility, AI recordings, and how therapists’ labor and expertise are being leveraged by big business.

If you’re considering working with one of these platforms, don’t miss this honest, practical conversation about asking the right questions, understanding the real risks, and protecting your clients and yourself. Tune in and get the insights you need to make informed choices for your practice!

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Liath's Website: personcenteredtech.com

Join Us for our November 4th Webinar: The Platform Playbook: How Tech Companies Exploit Therapists (And How to Protect Yourself) news.zynnyme.com/platforms/

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/

Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts

In today’s episode, host Kelly sits down with Amity, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Florida, to explore her inspiring transition from working in a government civil commitment facility in Wisconsin to launching her own private practice - while navigating a cross-country move, burnout, and finding balance in her life and career!

Amity shares the real-life challenges and triumphs she faced during her shift into entrepreneurship, what it was like to build a practice from scratch in a brand new state, and how she learned to shape her business around her core values: peace, stability, and flexibility. From leveraging online therapy platforms like BetterHelp for a quick financial start, to ultimately customizing her schedule to support her mental health and family life, Amity’s story is packed with honest insight, practical advice, and encouragement for anyone considering their own leap into private practice.

Whether you’re on the fence about making the jump or seeking a fresh perspective on managing growth and self-care in your existing practice, this conversation delivers relatable lessons you won’t want to miss. Tune in as Amity and Kelly discuss the evolving definition of success, the power of intentional business-building, and the importance of aligning your work with your true values.

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Amity's Website: olson-counseling.com

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/

Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify