The Money Part of Private Practice (Heard Business School)

Starting a private practice sounds exciting…until the clients don’t show up.

In this episode, Gerald Joseph, licensed clinical social worker and founder of The Capital Therapist, joins Michael Fulwiler to share what it’s like to build a therapy business from the ground up. 

Gerald opens up about their journey from fashion merchandising to mental health care, the roadblocks he hit while getting licensed, and how he’s carved out a practice that centers authenticity and community care.

He also explains how he integrated psychedelic-assisted therapy into his offerings, why it’s not a magic solution, and the importance of safe, informed use.

Listen in to hear Gerald’s candid perspective on navigating a career in therapy while staying true to who you are.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• The reality of launching a private practice without a built-in client base
• How Gerald uses authenticity to build trust and connection with a client
• The evolving role of psychedelic therapy in mental health treatment today

Connect with the guest:

• Gerald on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geraldjoseph_/
• Gerald on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldjosephsocialwork/
• Visit The Capital Therapist website: https://www.thecapitaltherapist.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

(00:47) Meet Gerald Joseph And The Capital Therapist

(02:11) Embracing Authenticity

(04:04) From Fashion To Mental Health

(07:03) Why Social Work Was The Right Fit

(09:23) Failing The Licensing Exam Multiple Times

(12:41) Should We Rethink Licensure Requirements?

(15:49) Being Gender Nonconforming In Professional Spaces

(19:12) Centering Marginalized Clients In Private Practice

(25:01) What No One Tells You About Private Practice

(33:02) How Gerald Got Into Psychedelic Therapy

(43:16) What Psychedelics Can Treat And How To Stay Safe

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 the complexities of running a therapy practice today means balancing clinical care with growing administrative demands and emerging technology.

Ted Faneuff, a practicing therapist and Head of Clinical Operations at Upheal, joins Michael Fulwiler to explore how AI is reshaping mental health care and helping therapists reclaim time and reduce burnout.

Ted shares his personal journey, including his late ADHD diagnosis, and explains how AI-powered tools can support therapists in staying fully present with clients while easing documentation burdens.

Listen to this conversation to understand what therapists need to know about AI, data privacy, and ethical adoption (plus why therapist involvement is critical in shaping the future of mental health technology).

In the conversation, they discuss:

• How AI assistants can transform therapy workflows and save hours each week
• The importance of clear consent and privacy standards for AI use in therapy
• Addressing fears about AI replacing therapists and the role of human validation

Connect with the guest:

• Ted on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-faneuff-lisw-s-lmsw-lcsw-mba-b3030350/ 
• Visit the Upheal website: https://www.upheal.io/ 

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 Ted Faneuff 

(01:20) Exploring How AI Can Support Therapy and Mental Health Care

(02:19) Breaking Down What Artificial Intelligence Really Means

(04:15) A Simple Explanation of Generative AI

(06:58) How Large Language Models Power Today’s AI Tools

(10:07) Addressing the Privacy Concerns That Come with AI

(11:02) What Therapists Need to Know About HIPAA and SOC 2 Security

(13:06) Why Getting Clear Consent Matters When Using AI

(14:45) The Debate on Whether AI Could Ever Replace Therapists

(17:21) Looking at AI’s Ability to Show Empathy and Build Trust

(19:38) How AI Can Lend a Hand and Ease Therapist Workloads

(27:47) Why It’s Important for Therapists to Help Guide AI Development

(35:54) What to Look for When Choosing AI Tools for Your Practice

(44:23) How AI Might Expand Access and Help Therapists Stay in the Field

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.

Designing a career on your own terms isn’t easy, especially if it doesn’t exist out there yet. But Dr. Emily Anhalt found a way to do just that.

Dr. Emily, clinical psychologist, author, and co-founder of Coa, talks with Michael Fulwiler about building a career that works for you. From her early days in private practice to launching a mental health startup, Emily shares how she reframed mental health as emotional fitness and found ways to apply therapy skills far beyond the usual clinic.

She opens up about the risks of self-disclosure, the tension between coaching and therapy, and how therapists can carve out paths that match their strengths, even in industries like tech.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• How to build a business around your interests and clinical training
• What emotional fitness looks like in therapy and beyond
• How self-awareness and boundaries shape long-term sustainability in this work

Connect with the guest:

• Dr. Emily on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dremilyanhalt/ 
• Dr. Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dremilyanhalt/ 
• Visit her website: https://www.dremilyanhalt.com/
• Order Flex Your Feelings by Dr. Emily on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Flex-Your-Feelings-Develop-Emotional/dp/0593717619

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 
(01:00) Meet Emily Anhalt

(02:16) Building an Audience on Social Media

(03:18) Consistency and Generosity on Social Media

(04:49) Journey from Grad School to Private Practice

(06:30) Working with Silicon Valley Founders and Executives

(07:19) Introducing Emotional Fitness as a Proactive Approach

(09:28) Framing Emotional Fitness as Preventative Care

(11:41) The Power of Therapist Self-Disclosure as a Patient

(13:00) Navigating Self-Disclosure

(16:48)Therapy, Coaching, and Meeting Clients Where They Are

(20:20) Starting a Speaking and Workshop Career

(21:53) Transitioning to Charging for Speaking Engagements

(32:11) Designing the Career You Want

(35:20) Co-founding Coa: A "Gym for Mental Health"

(48:57) Using the Book Flex Your Feelings and Empowering 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.

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 Heard:

• Andrew Riesen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewriesen/
• 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

(00:34) 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.