
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


What actually gets a potential client to look at your website, then fill out an inquiry or pick up the phone? My marketing director and best friend Amanda Smith joins me for this one. Amanda owns The Passive Practice, where she helps therapists find their own voice, research their ideal client, and build a marketing plan around their niche, and she runs much of the back end of The Private Practice Pro. She'll be on a lot of episodes this season.
Between the two of us we look at hundreds of therapist websites a year, so we walk through the questions we ask every time we open one. Amanda shares the first thing she looks at, the hero section at the top of your homepage, and why a headline like "I help women with anxiety" tells your ideal client almost nothing about whether you understand her. I talk about how often therapists bury their own photo when most potential clients are scrolling for your face before they read a word.
We get into the difference between a website that names a diagnosis and one that speaks to the feeling underneath it, why that matters when ten other therapists nearby treat the same thing, and how people are now asking ChatGPT to find them a therapist. We talk about budget and how to get a site that looks custom without a custom price, and I share what I think about building your entire website on Claude after seeing hundreds of therapist sites this year. We also answer whether every therapist needs a niche (yes, and keep it to three) and how much of yourself to share on your About page.
Read the full show notes and transcript at https://www.theprivatepracticepro.com/podcast/what-makes-a-good-therapist-website
What we cover
00:13 Meet Amanda Smith 01:00 What The Passive Practice does for therapists 02:41 How Amanda supports The Private Practice Pro 03:37 The first thing we notice on a therapist's homepage 05:23 The red flags we spot in the first 30 seconds 06:43 Speaking to the emotion underneath the symptoms 08:26 Ideal client research, SEO, and AI search 09:59 Signs a therapist website is working 11:11 Kelley's vibe check and the level of professionalism 12:26 You don't need a $15,000 custom site 14:16 Why we don't recommend a Claude-built therapist website 16:48 Does every therapist need a niche? 19:22 How much to share about yourself on your website 21:42 What's coming up in the Club and this season
Resources mentioned
The Private Practice Club, where Amanda is leading trainings over the next few months on SEO blogs, finding your keywords, homepage copy, and optimizing your site for AI search: https://www.theprivatepracticepro.com/the-private-practice-club
The Passive Practice: https://www.thepassivepractice.com
Send us your website questions at [email protected], or drop them in the comments on YouTube or Instagram @theprivatepracticepro, and we will answer you there.
❤️ Kelley
I've had the chance to coach thousands of therapists on opening and filling a private practice, and after the last year with AI and big tech changing how all of us market, I keep seeing the same five patterns show up over and over again. This is a solo episode where I walk through each one.
The best clinicians are not always the most successful business owners in 2026, and I talk about why that is and what the therapists who are doing well right now have in common. I get into the marketing work that feels productive but doesn't bring clients in the door, like the six months spent on a logo while no referral source has gotten an email. I share why the therapists with the clearest, most specific message are winning, and why writing like you talk matters more than ever now that Google can tell what was written by a chatbot.
I also talk about confidence, and how it still comes from taking the next small step even a decade into a full practice, and about the therapists in the Private Practice Club who are learning that a first draft is never the final draft. My first Instagram videos were terrible. My mom and my grandma were the only people who saw them.
At the end I give you one question to ask yourself about what you're working on this week, because private practice really is just a series of steps and I want to help you figure out which one is next.
Read the full show notes and transcript at https://www.theprivatepracticepro.com/podcast/private-practice-marketing-2026
What we cover
00:14 Welcome back to the show 00:27 Why I'm talking about patterns in 2026 01:19 Pattern 1. The best clinicians aren't always the best business owners 03:37 The Club member who works with older adults and said yes to learning marketing 04:28 Pattern 2. Marketing work that doesn't bring in clients 05:48 Pattern 3. The clearest and most authentic message wins 06:52 Writing like a person instead of a chatbot 08:00 Pattern 4. Confidence comes with action 09:11 Pattern 5. Your first draft is not your final draft 10:30 The one question to ask yourself this week
Resources mentioned
Join the Private Practice Club for live support from me and a community of therapists building alongside you: https://www.theprivatepracticepro.com/the-private-practice-club
Free resources for your private practice: https://www.theprivatepracticepro.com
Tell me the one thing you're working on in your practice this week at [email protected], or drop it in the comments on YouTube and I will answer you there.
❤️ Kelley
I paused this podcast when I went on maternity leave with my second son, Henry. He turns three next month, which means I took a three-year break, and so much has changed in my life and in our field since then. AI and big tech have changed how therapists market their practices, and I've watched therapists find new ways to grow that I never would have expected.
When I thought about bringing the show back, I wanted to do it with real intention. This first episode walks you through what you'll hear this season. In my solo episodes, I break down the patterns I'm seeing after coaching thousands of therapists, including the biggest mistakes I'm seeing in 2026 and what I would do right now to keep a caseload full. My marketing director and best friend, Amanda, joins me for coffee talks where we take websites, SEO, and social media and turn them into steps you can actually take. And in our private practice breakdowns, I look at a listener's website, practice, and marketing and tell you in real time what I would change.
My goal is to keep this show about you, the therapist sitting in your office wondering how you're going to keep your caseload full, so you won't hear a new expert promoting their course every week. And I promise you, I am not having any more babies, so there won't be another three-year break. ❤️
What We Cover
In this podcast episode, Dr. Taylor Day discusses her transition from academia to establishing a concierge child psychology practice, focusing on neurodivergent affirming care. She details her practice's logistics, emphasizing personalized support and the importance of setting boundaries for therapists' well-being. Dr. Day shares her experiences with the financial challenges of starting a practice, the significance of valuing one's expertise, and the benefits of a tailored approach to client care. She also advises on finding a niche, being adaptable in therapy methods, and the importance of specialized marketing to attract the right clients, underscoring the value of specialization in private practice.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist specializing in neurodivergent affirming care for autistic children and their families, including very early diagnosis and early intervention. She has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is the CEO and founder of Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care. Her practice integrates The Whole Family Approach, a process she created utilizing evidence-informed principles after seeing a gap in autism care. Dr. Tay's passion for child psychology and her focus on autism is in many ways tied to her own personal experience growing up with a brother who was diagnosed at 23 months of age. Over the course of her career, Dr. Tay has worked with 100s of autistic children, providing diagnosis and support services. She is passionate about coordination and advocacy with schools, therapists, and other medical providers to help them learn about neurodiversity.
In this Episode:
Highlights:
(01:03) ‐ Introduction to Doctor Tay
(02:37) ‐ Unique Practice Model
(05:11) ‐ Client Consultation Process
(08:11) ‐ Communication and Boundaries
(11:13) ‐ Financial Considerations and Boundaries
(14:55) ‐ Challenging the Status Quo
(20:27) ‐ Prior Experience in Academia
(22:50) ‐ Transitioning to Private Practice
(25:41) ‐ Business Foundations and Value
(30:07) ‐ Tailoring Care to Client Needs
(34:29) ‐ Breaking Status Quo and Designing Practice
(39:12) ‐ Niche Selection and Marketing
(43:24) - Ask Kelly Anything: Niche Selection and Marketing
References:
MD VIP Program → https://www.mdvip.com/
Private Practice Roadmap Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/privatepracticeroadmap/
Marketing for Therapists Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/marketing-course/
Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp
Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241
This podcast is produced and managed by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com
In this engaging episode of the Private Practice Pro podcast, Kelley Stevens converses with Rachel and Lindsay, two dynamic Psych NPs. Rachel shares insights about her Milwaukee practice and her work with anxious millennials, while Lindsay discusses holistic care and her innovative Boot Camp for new graduates. They dive into the intricacies of life as a Psych NP, from prescribing medications to collaborating with therapists. Moreover, they focus on making mental health care highly accessible. They also offer advice on utilizing technology, such as the Spruce app, to maintain communication with clients. For those aspiring entrepreneurs, Rachel and Lindsay inspire listeners to take the plunge and accept the chaotic aspects of starting a business. Kelley concludes with some valuable guidance for young therapists like Juliet who aspire to leave their mark. Make sure you tune in to this episode for a mix of technology insights, entrepreneurial acumen, and expert tips for the next generation of therapists!
Guest Bio:
Rachel started her career as an inpatient psych nurse in 2015, and became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) in 2020. Her experiences working in acute, residential, and correctional treatment settings sparked her passion for humanizing and de-stigmatizing psychiatric care. She is a private practice owner in Wisconsin, providing integrative psychiatric care with a focus on caring for anxious millennial women and caregivers, and works part time in a pediatric clinic. She lives in Milwaukee with her partner Dan, and her dog-ter, Nessie (a beagle-dachshund mix with anxious-avoidant attachment and one crooked front paw). She loves connecting with and learning from other entrepreneurial women in the mental health space.
Rachel Jones, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Cupofteapsych.com
Lindsay is a female entrepreneur, psych NP with 9 years of experience, and passionate mentor! Having personal experiences with ADHD, depression, and anxiety she is passionate about reimagining how psychiatry is delivered. Her approach is patient centric and she values intellectual humility. She weaves in brief psychotherapy and holistic approaches. She has a knack for empowering other women and getting creative when it comes to repurposing and repackaging skill sets to reduce burn out, live more fulfilled lives and get more aligned with our 'whys' that brought us in this field to begin with. Her why is her family - 3 bonus sons and a toddler, amazing hubby Ryan and goldendoodle! They can be found soaking up the AZ sun most of year.
Lindsay Hill DNP, PMHNP-BC
www.klear.care
In this Episode:
Highlights:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:06) - Rachel's Background and Private Practice
(02:59) - The Psych NP Network
(05:10) - Lindsay's Background and Private Practice
(07:04) - Lindsay's Psych NP New Grad Boot Camp
(10:10) - Collaborative Relationship with Therapists
(18:20) - Role of Psych NPs in Private Practice
(21:25) - Consultation Best Practices for Therapists
(22:32) - The role of technology in private practice
(23:27) - Challenges and advice for starting a private practice
(26:19) - Building relationships with therapists
(30:06) - Advice for a young therapist starting a private practice
(35:19) - Promoting and filling a private practice
(28:37) - Ask Kelly Anything
References:
Psych NP Network → https://thepsychnpnetwork.org/
Psych NP New Grad Boot Camp → https://klear.care/mentorship/
Spruce → https://sprucehealth.com/
Mentaya → https://www.mentaya.com/?referrerid=kelley
Private Practice Roadmap Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/privatepracticeroadmap/
Marketing for Therapists Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/marketing-course/
Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp
Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241
In this episode of the Private Practice Pro podcast, host Kelley Stevens chats with Jessie Proia, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about the ins and outs of running a successful private practice. Jessie shares his journey, including the initial hurdles of financial planning and tax management. They also touch on Jessie's writing on LGBTQ+ mental health and his commitment to social justice. The duo discusses the importance of accessibility in therapy, exploring sliding scale fees and pro bono work. Jessie's passion for his work and community shines through, offering valuable advice for fellow therapists. Kelley answers a listener's question about combining therapy and coaching services, highlighting the need to maintain clear boundaries for legal and ethical practice.
Guest Bio:
Jesse Proia is an LGBTQ+ Specialized Therapist and Writer. Queer mental health, LGBTQ+ community wellness, and social justice is his passion. He has dedicated his life to serving LGBTQ+ communities through his therapy practice, writing/research, Instagram account Holistic.Homosexual and community outreach projects. The core motivation for his work is to disseminate empowering information to Queer populations in efforts toward liberation.
@Holistic.Homosexual
213-538-8714
jesseproia.com
In this Episode:
Highlights:
(00:00) - Guest Introduction
(01:11) - Jessie's Background and Specialization
(04:14) - Living in Los Angeles and Education
(10:49) - Feelings Fort: A Shed in Vermont
(14:33) - Practice Locations and Licensing
(18:51) - Transition to Full-Time Private Practice
(22:01) - Taxes and Accounting
(23:45) - Writing for Publications
(26:00) - Creating Accessibility in Private Practice
(29:59) - Unique Therapy Schedule
(35:45) - Ask Kelly Anything
References:
The Wellness Arts Collective → https://www.thewellnessartscollective.com/
Zeelool → https://www.zeelool.com/
Pacifica Graduate Institute → https://www.pacifica.edu/
Outfront Magazine → https://www.outfrontmagazine.com/?s=Jesse+proia
Mentaya → https://www.mentaya.com/?referrerid=kelley
Private Practice Roadmap Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/privatepracticeroadmap/
Marketing for Therapists Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/marketing-course/
Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp
Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241
This podcast is produced and managed by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com
Dive into the heart of Manhattan's therapy scene as Kelley Stevens warmly welcomes the pioneering Reina Zelonky to the Private Practice Pro podcast. Reina opens up about her innovative group practice, which tackles challenges such as addiction and anxiety with the aid of three other seasoned experts. She's a staunch advocate for the irreplaceable value of face-to-face therapy while also accommodating the modern need for online sessions. From her early ambitions in graduate school to her rise as a thriving private practice entrepreneur, Reina acknowledges the crucial role her support network has played. Juggling the hats of both manager and therapist, she emphasizes the importance of genuine connections and a vibrant team environment. Listen in as Reina offers priceless wisdom for those starting their journey in the therapy profession. Prepare to be inspired! 🎙️💡
Guest Bio:
Reina Zelonky is a Marriage and Family Therapist who runs a busy group private practice on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York. Reina specializes in addiction, couples and families. She has additional training from the Ackerman Institute and is trained in Emotion Focused Couples Therapy. Reina's approach is strength based and relational. She is committed to helping individuals have stronger bonds and healthier relationships in order to decrease unhealthy habits and behaviors. She believes in the power of stories and works with her clients to re-write their narratives to highlight resilience and hope.
ReinaZelonky.com
In this Episode:
Highlights:
(00:00) - Building a Practice in New York City
(03:22) - Transition to Private Practice
(09:21) - Growing a Private Practice
(13:01) - Collaboration and Referral Sources
(15:52) - Transition to Group Practice
(18:01) - Hiring and Supervising Therapists
(20:48) - Belief in Yourself and Patience
(22:35) - Marketing via Social Media
(23:19) - Oversaturation of Therapist Content
(25:11) - Excuses and Putting Yourself Out There
(25:27) - Promoting and Filling Private Practice
(25:50) - Ask Kelly Anything
References:
Mentaya → https://www.mentaya.com/?referrerid=kelley
Private Practice Roadmap Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/privatepracticeroadmap/
Marketing for Therapists Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/marketing-course/
Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp
Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241
This podcast is produced and managed by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com
In this intimate discussion on the Private Practice Pro podcast, host Kelley delves into the realm of private practice with Josie Ampaw, a therapist based in Denver and the owner of a group practice. They delve into the detailed process of establishing a practice from the ground up, the effort required to develop a clientele, and the significance of having a contingency strategy. Josie shares insights about the impact of her family's entrepreneurial spirit, her enthusiasm for education, and the pursuit of diversified revenue sources in times of adversity, such as during the pandemic. Throughout the conversation, Kelley offers practical tips on capitalizing on one's expertise, harnessing the power of social media, and nurturing interns, all contributing to building a supportive network among therapy professionals. It's an encouraging mix of firsthand insights and professional advice for any therapist aspiring to expand their practice.
Guest Bio:
Hi Everyone! My name is Josie and I am an individual, couples, and family therapist, an adjunct professor in Social Work, and a clinical supervisor for Social Workers and Counselors in Colorado! I specialize and run a group practice that focuses on working with folks who experience marginalization due to their identities by helping them understand/work through their identity-based and relationship trauma. During my downtime, you'll find me crocheting, spending time reading and spending time in bookstores, and savoring much-needed naps.
@theampawpc
In this Episode:
Highlights:
(00:58) - The evolution of Josie's practice
(04:59) - Starting a private practice
(08:40) - Building a successful private practice
(12:52) - Family influence on entrepreneurship
(16:26) - Multiple streams of income in private practice
(24:19) - Finding Niche and Professional Development
(27:21) - Group Coaching and Course Creation
(30:25) - Social Media and Fear of Failure
(35:20) - Empowering Interns and Marketing
(43:57) - Building Long-Term Referral Relationships
(45:56) - Action Steps for Moving Forward
(51:57) - Improving Client Retention
References:
Mentaya → https://www.mentaya.com/?referrerid=kelley
Private Practice Roadmap Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/privatepracticeroadmap/
Marketing for Therapists Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/marketing-course/
Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp
Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241
This podcast is produced and managed by thepassivepractice→ thepassivepractice.com
In this cozy chat on the Private Practice Pro podcast, host Kelley Stevens catches up with Lindsay Gibson PsyD, a clinical psychologist and author known for her work on adult children of emotionally immature parents. Lindsay spills the beans on her latest book and upcoming tools for therapists, while sharing her journey from aspiring novelist to psychology pro. She dishes out some real talk on finding your niche in therapy and the creative process. Kelley wraps up with a down-to-earth discussion on raising fees and invites listeners to get involved with their burning questions. It's a heart-to-heart filled with wisdom for therapists and writers alike!
Guest Bio:
After obtaining two graduate degrees in clinical psychology – a Master's degree from Central Michigan University, and a Doctorate of Psychology from the Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology – I became licensed as a clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For many years I was also an Assistant Adjunct Professor for the College of William and Mary and Old Dominion University, teaching classes of doctoral students in the Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology. I have specialized in adult psychotherapy and personal growth counseling, as well as doing years of intensive personality and intellectual testing. In-depth psychodynamic training helped me understand people's problems from a developmental perspective, leading to my livelong fascination with the striking differences between adults in their levels of psychological maturity.
www.lindsaygibsonpsyd.com
In this Episode:
Highlights:
(01:03) - Guest Introduction and Background
(02:49) - Discussion on Lindsay's Books
(05:41) - Balancing Writing and Therapy
(09:57) - Career Trajectory and Writing Journey
(11:59) - Publishing Process
(16:14) - Book Writing and Editing Process
(21:34) - Impact of Mental Health Conversations
(23:59) - Advice for Aspiring Writers
(25:45) - Starting to write and taking notes
(29:40) - Choosing clients and career path
(32:28) - Career decisions and professional satisfaction
(34:39) - Office arrangements and professional support
References:
Mentaya → https://www.mentaya.com/?referrerid=kelley
Private Practice Roadmap Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/privatepracticeroadmap/
Marketing for Therapists Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/marketing-course/
Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp
Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241
This podcast is produced and managed by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com
In this engaging episode of the Private Practice Pro podcast, Kelley Stevens chats with Michael Fulwiler, a seasoned marketing expert in the mental health field. They explore the nuances of email marketing for therapists, emphasizing the significance of a well-maintained email list. Michael recounts his journey from the Gottman Institute to Heard, sharing valuable tips on growing an email newsletter, "Therapy Marketer," and the impact of social media trends on marketing strategies. The duo also addresses ethical considerations in email marketing for therapists, highlighting the channel's effectiveness for selling products and services. Michael underscores the importance of building an audience and specializing in a niche for more effective marketing. For more insights and to subscribe to Michael's newsletter.
Guest Bio:
Michael operates at the intersection of marketing and mental health. He is the Director of Brand at Heard, the financial back office for therapists. He's also the founder of Fulwiler Media, a marketing consultancy for mental health companies, and the creator of Therapy Marketer, a popular weekly newsletter for therapists. Previously, he was the Chief Marketing Officer of the Gottman Institute.
https://www.therapymarketer.co/
In this Episode:
Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction of Michael
(02:32) Michael's career background
(08:35) Starting the Therapy Marketer newsletter
(14:07) Growing the email list
(20:16) Twitter as a distribution channel
(21:18) Consideration of other social media platforms
(27:12) Ethical considerations and benefits of email newsletters for therapists
(30:59) Niche marketing and audience targeting
(34:21) Considerations for couples in private practice
References:
Gottman Institute → https://www.gottman.com/
Mentaya → https://www.mentaya.com/?referrerid=kelley
Private Practice Roadmap Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/privatepracticeroadmap/
Marketing for Therapists Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/marketing-course/
Free Email Marketing Prompts for Therapists → https://theprivatepracticepro.com/newsletter-prompts-freebie/
Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp
Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241
This podcast is produced and managed by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com
From the publisher's feed

12 Listeners