The Private Practice Pro

Did you know that it's possible to launch a thriving career in therapy using Instagram? In this episode of The Private Practice Pro Podcast, host Kelley Stevens sits down with licensed therapist and business coach for therapists, Kelly McKenna, to show you how it's done. With an impressive Instagram following of over 50,000, Kelly McKenna has established herself as an expert in her field online. However, her vision for her business extends far beyond accumulating a large number of followers. In this episode she explains how she utilizes social media for marketing, networking, and acquiring referrals – all while helping other therapists do the same. If you've ever considered leveraging social media as a platform for your career, this episode is a must-listen!

Guest Bio:

Kelly McKenna, LCSW, MBA

Kelly McKenna is a licensed therapist and business coach for therapists. Kelly built her private practice totally on Instagram @sitwithkelly. By providing educational and relatable content and Reels about anxiety, she's been able to help millions of anxious women. Kelly also coaches other therapists, helping them to find their voice online and grow thriving private practices @businessoftherapy.

Instagram: @businessoftherapy @sitwithkelly

website: www.sitwithkelly.com

In this Episode:

• How Instagram can help with networking
• Using Instagram to acquire new client referrals
• Navigating licensing when working across multiple states
• Pricing structures and mindset around money
• Practical advice for establishing an online presence as a therapist

Highlights:

(0:35) - Kelly McKenna's introduction

(8:00) - Kelly's journey from starting out on Instagram to gaining over 50,000 followers

(12:33) - How Instagram helps with networking and acquiring new referrals

(14:30) - Navigating licensing and business requirements when working across different states

(22:10) - Therapist rates, pricing structures, and mindset around money

(30:23) - Comparing tech apps, group practice, and private practice

(39:01) - Kelly's advice to therapists starting their own private practice

(41:24) - Kelley answers a listener's question about ethical concerns when you have crossover clients as a private practice therapist and yoga instructor

References:

Business Insider article featuring Kelly McKenna → https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-become-therapist-double-your-salary-start-virtual-business-2022-3

Open Path →https://openpathcollective.org/

Uber →https://www.uber.com/

Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp

Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241

This podcast is produced and manged by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com

Can we interest you in some free insider tips on maximizing your social media presence?

In this episode of the Private Practice Pro Podcast, host Kelley Stevens talks strategy with Feminist Therapist and Women's Wellness Coach, Nastassia "Stassi" Betcher. Stassi reveals her tactics for growing her Instagram audience through various types of content and discusses the challenges of managing a social media presence across multiple platforms. The episode also features insights on effectively serving your audience, creating and managing content, and selling products or services via social media. Tune in for a behind the scenes look into how Stassi uses social media to boost her thriving career.

Guest Bio:

Nastassia Betcher, LPC, EdM, MA

[email protected]

Stassi is a Feminist Therapist and Women's Wellness Coach based out of Portland, OR. Stassi is passionate about bringing awareness to the ambitious, "rushing woman's" functioning and disentangle her self-worth from her achievements. Stassi's dream is to shine a light on over-functioning so women can freely access ease and joy in everyday life.

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @BossyStassi

website: www.EvergreenWellnessTherapy.com

In this Episode:

• Growing your audience through various forms of content on social media
• Building genuine connections with your followers
• Tools to help you create, manage, and schedule social media content
• Managing your social media presence across various platforms
• Shaping your social media content strategy

Highlights:

(0:58) – Stassi gives updates about her life and career off and on Instagram

(16:09) – How Stassi uses different types of content to grow her Instagram audience

(20:16) – Managing a social media presence across various platforms

(31:00) – How Stassi's team helps with her content strategy

(38:56) – Stassi's plans and goals for maintaining momentum and growth on social media

(53:09) - Strategies and tools to help create, manage and schedule content, including outsourcing tasks

(1:05:56) - Kelley answers a listener's question about social media and branding

References:

Karrie Locher→ https://www.karingforpostpartum.com/

Chris Loves Julia→ https://www.chrislovesjulia.com/

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents→ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23129659-adult-children-of-emotionally-immature-parents

Laura Danger→ https://www.thatdarnchat.com/

SocialBee→ https://socialbee.com/#:~:text=SocialBee is an AI-powered social media management tool,high-converting social posts based on your product descriptions.

Splice→ https://www.spliceapp.com/

Hannah Bennion→ https://www.kwproductions.org/

Simon Sinek→ https://simonsinek.com/

Later→ https://later.com/

Facebook Business Suite → https://business.facebook.com/

Grammerly → https://www.grammarly.com

Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp

Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241

This podcast is produced and manged by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com

Get ready for some real talk! In this insightful episode, Kelley Stevens chats with Bilingual Licensed Clinical Therapist, Jacqueline Garcia, about maintaining your sanity as a therapist, navigating the impact of social media on the mental health field, and handling career burnout. Discover how Instagram inspired Jacqueline to create her own company, Therapy Lux, and how it can help you connect with your ideal clients. Plus, learn practical tips for managing the demands of your career and personal life, and get expert advice for building a thriving private practice. Don't miss this informative conversation that is sure to leave you feeling empowered and inspired!

Guest Bio:

Jacqueline Garcia, LCSW – Licensed Clinical Therapist, Mental Health Content Creator

Jacqueline is a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Therapist in Private Practice with experience in using Evidence Based Practices such as Behavioral Therapies, Crisis Intervention, Motivational interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Harm Reduction and utilizing the Recovery Model. In her work, she believes that creating a safe environment for her clients will help them overcome their challenges. She specializes in working with and treating teens and adults who suffer from depression, anxiety, trauma, and a variety of life stressors. With dedication and passion, she believes that therapy is a powerful tool that can assist you in improving your quality of life while dealing with life's adversities.

Website: Therapylux.org

IG: @therapylux

Email: [email protected]

In this Episode:

• Maintaining your mental health as a therapist
• How social media is impacting the mental health field
• Handling stress and career burnout
• Tips for building your own private practice
• Managing the demands of work and personal life

Highlights:

(0:55) - Jackie Garcia Introduction

(3:35) - Jackie's career history prior to transitioning to private practice

(7:01) - How social media inspired Jackie to create Therapy Lux

(22:37) - Taking care of your mental health as a therapist

(25:29) - How social media has allowed Jackie to connect with her ideal clients

(37:20) - Kelley's tips for balancing the demands of a thriving career with home life

(44:04) - Jackie's advice to those starting out in private practice

(50:42) - Kelley answers listener Jessica's question about building a private practice as a pre-licensed therapist

References:

Riverside County Mental Health → https://www.rcdmh.org

Tessie Cleveland Community Services → https://www.tccsc.org

Therapy Lux → https://therapylux.org

Kaiser Permanente → https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/front-door

Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp

Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241

This podcast is produced and manged by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the many career paths available to professionals in the therapy field? In this episode, Kelley Stevens interviews Robert Scholz, who shares his journey to success as a therapist, trainer, and crisis management consultant (among other things). With his extensive experience in the mental health field, Robert provides valuable insights on navigating the early stages of a career, making room for growth and shifts, and leaving a legacy you can be proud of.

Guest Bio:

Robert Scholz – LMFT, LPCC – Psychotherapist, Trainer, Crisis Management Consulting and Certified Executive Coach

Robert is a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor, having served in many clinical and leadership roles over his twenty-five years working in university, community mental health, forensic and private practice settings. Robert is well-known for his work as a trainer and consultant in assisting schools/ universities and communities prepare for and respond to major crisis events like wildfires, mass shootings, and other tragedies. Robert has served as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine's Graduate School of Education and Psychology for many years and has authored numerous publications on the topics of disaster mental health, addiction treatment, and men's mental health. He is an active member of the threat management community, and has held positions within leading organizations such as DPrep Safety, the National Association of Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment (NABITA) and the International Alliance for Care and Threat Teams (InterACCT).

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.RobertTherapy.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robert-scholz-0a082a9

In this Episode:

• How to carry yourself as a young professional
• The pros and cons of social media as a marketing tool
• Navigating the different paths to a successful career
• Tips for early career professionals
• Normalizing life and career shifts

Highlights:

(0:30) - Robert Scholz Introduction

(11:38) - Carrying yourself as a young professional

(16:42) - Pros and cons of social media as a marketing strategy

(21:26) - Professional training and degrees for various career paths

(31:35) - Giving back to early-career professionals

(38:02) - Normalizing life and career shifts

(43:58) - Robert's final key takeaways

(45:25) - Kelley answers a listener's question about handling dips in your caseload

References:

Charlene Underhill Miller Interview (Episode 3) → https://sites.libsyn.com/431784/building-a-practice-that-supports-your-growth-in-the-long-term-with-dr-charlene-underhill-miller

Pepperdine University → https://www.pepperdine.edu/

American Counseling Association → https://www.counseling.org/

Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp

Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241

This podcast is produced and manged by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com

To trademark or not to trademark? If you're on the fence, this episode is for you! Join host Kelley Stevens as she breaks down the basics of trademarking with intellectual property lawyer, Lauren Boyd. You will learn how trademarking can help you scale your business, how and when to consult with a lawyer, and valuable tips on choosing a trade name that leaves room for future growth. Don't miss out on this episode that just might change the trajectory of your business.

Guest Bio:

Lauren Boyd kicked off her legal career leading international contract negotiations for a Fortune 100 technology company before founding her first venture Guide My Business. Her boutique law firm specializes in intellectual property and employment law to empower entrepreneurs to grow their business with the confidence of a strong legal foundation built on a brand they own.

Being in the messy middle herself, she recognized that non-"corporate" employers lacked the tools to implement sustainable management practices that would take monotonous delegation to empowered ownership to foster resiliency within their team, so Lauren recently founded Quinn, a modern team management solution built for the way employers actually communicate.

Learn more at https://www.guidemybusiness.co/

In this Episode:

• What is trademarking and how can it benefit your business?
• When to consult a lawyer about launching a new brand
• Choosing an opportune name for your business
• Cautionary tales about trademarking decisions
• How trademarking can bring your business long-term security and success

Highlights:

(0:49) - Lauren Boyd Introduction

(6:46) - Benefits of trademarking your business

(21:19) - Growing your business with a registered trademark

(29:16) - Consulting a lawyer prior to the branding process

(31:20) - Choosing a trade name that leaves room for business growth

(35:43) - How to schedule a consultation with Lauren Boyd

(40:01) - Kelley answers a listener's question about handling missed calls when clients do not leave a voicemail

References:

Guide My Business → www.guidemybusiness.co

Hire Quinn → hirequinn.com

Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp

Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241

This podcast is produced and manged by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com

When it comes to building a private practice, let's be real… we can't do it alone. You need friends, mentors, and other therapists to have your back and push you to do the uncomfortable (but necessary) things. Today's guest has essentially been Kelley's right-hand woman through her entire entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to this episode as we welcome JuliAnn Crommelin MA, AAC, an executive functioning and ADHD coach. JuliAnn joins Kelley to help her reflect on how she started her private practice, as well as Private Practice Pro, and the most effective tips and strategies they've learned for networking, marketing, referrals, and more.

Guest Bio:

JuliAnn Crommelin is an executive functioning and ADHD coach in Los Angeles, California and has worked in the mental health industry since 2006. JuliAnn is certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, certified ADHD coach, has a master's degree in clinical psychology and is currently working toward her doctorate in psychology. Learn more about her practice at www.julianncrommelin.com or email her at [email protected].

In this Episode:

• Why Kelley turned down a huge salary to open a private practice
• Overcoming fears and breaking down barriers to starting a private practice
• The benefits of being in marketing before building a private practice
• Effective strategies for getting and making referrals
• Tips for networking and marketing your private practice
• Ask Kelley Anything: Should I redo a client intake session after it was cut short from technical difficulties on Zoom?

Highlights:

(02:00) - About JuliAnn & her ADHD coaching practice

(07:47) - How they met

(15:36) - How Kelley got into entrepreneurship, content creation, & PPP

(32:14) - "Fear is not fact"

(37:28) - Marketing tips for therapists

(42:52) - How to talk about a therapist or treatment center you've had a negative experience with

(48:12) - Referral etiquette for therapists

(55:51) - Therapists need therapy, too

(1:01:43) - Advice on starting your own private practice

(1:11:35) - Kelley answers a listener's question about Zoom technical difficulties

References:

Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241

This podcast is produced and manged by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com

Feeling intimidated by the financial aspects of starting your own private practice? Let Heard help! In this episode, Heard CEO, Andrew Riesen, explains how his company provides financial assistance to therapists breaking out on their own. Host Kelley Stevens asks all the right questions as they walk through solutions to all the "scary stuff" –from paying yourself and creating bank accounts to setting up your business entity and filing taxes.

Guest Bio:

Andrew Riesen is a mission-driven entrepreneur, financial accountant, and CEO of Heard, the financial back-office for therapists in private practice. Prior to Heard, Andrew worked at PWC, where he worked as a financial accountant, helped build an internal software incubator, and co-founded an affordable sales tax solution for small to medium-sized businesses. When not supporting mental health professionals in private practice, Andrew can be found exploring the nooks and crannies of the Pacific Northwest trail-running, cycling, or snowboarding, or at home with his nose in a book or journal.

About Heard:

Heard combines smart software with real humans to manage bookkeeping, taxes, and payroll for therapists. On average, Heard saves therapists 60 hours per year in financial record-keeping and $5,400 per year in taxes.

In this Episode:

• The value of speaking with a professional
• How to separate your personal self with your business self financially
• The different types of business entities and how to determine yours
• How Heard can help private practice therapists with bookkeeping, taxes, payroll and financial reporting
• Paying yourself and saving for taxes
• Planning for PTO and maternity leave
• Operating in multiple states

Highlights:

(0:36) – Guest introduction

(1:15) – Introduction of Heard

(2:50) – Navigating the different types of business entities

(10:35) – Planning for payroll while saving for taxes

(16:46) – Utilizing SimplePractice or TherapyNotes in conjunction with Heard

(20:08) – Operating in multiple states

(23:25) – The process of paying yourself

(29:11) – How to get started working with Heard

(32:06) – Kelley responds to listener's question about going back to an office space vs. telehealth after the pandemic

References:

Book your FREE Consultation Heard → https://www.joinheard.com/partners/kelley

Check out Heard's free Facebook group → https://m.facebook.com/groups/5348635868578291/?ref=share&mibextid=SDPelY

Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp

Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241

This podcast is produced and manged by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com

Too many therapists are afraid of creating content on social media because they think the market is too saturated. Do you resonate? Well, we're here to tell you that is completely untrue! In fact, there's never been a better time to create therapy content and market yourself on social media. Tune in to this episode as we welcome Maddie Spear, LCSW, a content creator and trauma therapist who works with children, teens, and young adults. Maddie joins Kelley to talk about the risks and rewards of using social media and TikTok to grow your private practice, connect with clients, and make extra money. She also details the process, benefits, and challenges of creating an online course.

Guest Bio:

Maddie Spear, LCSW, is a trauma therapist located in North Carolina who works with children, teens, and young adults. In addition to her work in direct trauma care, Maddie additionally works to bring mental health tips worldwide. With a following of well over 200,000 on social media, Maddie strives to eliminate the stigma around mental health and promote healing for all with accessible mental health tips and tricks to promote self-growth and self-care. Learn more about her practice at www.flourishwellnesspllc.com or email her at [email protected].

In this Episode:

• How to use social media and TikTok to grow your private practice, connect with clients, and make extra money
• Is it appropriate to engage with clients on social media?
• Gaining confidence in your services and overcoming imposter syndrome
• The power of combining self-disclosure with psychoeducation
• The pros and cons of creating an online course
• Traveling abroad and working remotely as a therapist
• Ask Kelley Anything: Can I give a referral gifts?

Highlights:

(01:40) - Why Maddie's creating an online course for therapists

(03:22) - Traveling and working remotely as a therapist

(07:49) - Why and how she launched her own private practice

(14:15) - Feeling confident as a therapist

(15:42) - Using social media & TikTok to grow your private practice

(21:58) - Combining self-disclosure and psychoeducation

(28:54) - Creating an online course

(38:50) - Is therapy content oversaturated?

(43:16) - How to connect with Maddie

(45:47) - Kelley answers a listener's question about giving referral gifts

References:

Maddie Spear on Instagram → www.instagram.com/LoveYourLittleVictories

Maddie Spear on TikTok → www.tiktok.com/@therapy_thoughts

Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241

This podcast is produced and manged by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com

Building a thriving private practice (or any business) doesn't happen overnight… and you certainly can't do it alone! Aside from a genuine passion for the business you're starting, you'll need lots of support to get it up and running. Support from your partner, family, and other therapists who want to grow and succeed just like you. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Kathryn Esquer, a Licensed Psychologist, MBA graduate, and Founder of the Teletherapist Network, a consultation community for the next generation of therapists. Kathryn joins Kelley to shine light on the real costs of starting a business, especially as a working mom, and how to find the community support you need to thrive in a private practice.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Kathryn Esquer is a Licensed Psychologist, MBA graduate, and founder of the Teletherapist Network, a consultation community for the next generation of therapists. She is passionate about eliminating isolation and burnout in the field of mental health. By prioritizing connection and community, the Teletherapist Network brings together forward-thinking therapists to achieve their big goals in work and life. Listen to her podcast - Am I a Bad Therapist? - at www.abadtherapist.com and follow her on Instagram @teletherapist.network and @abadtherapistpod.

In this Episode:

• Why it's crucial to have community support when starting a private practice
• Finding a business model you love
• The real challenges and costs of starting a business
• Navigating motherhood and entrepreneurship
• The benefits of joining the Teletherapist Network
• Ask Kelley Anything: How do I market two niches for my private practice?

Highlights:

(03:35) - Why Kathryn decided to start a business

(07:20) - Starting the Teletherapist Network

(09:00) - Benefits of joining the Teletherapist Network

(15:25) - Entrepreneurship is not a quick win

(27:22) - How do you find time to start a business as a working mom?

References:

Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241

This podcast is produced and manged by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com

Being a human AND a therapist is challenging! Despite having our own issues to deal with, our purpose is still to help others. That's where congruence is key. Whether you're an associate therapist or decades into your career, it's important to find congruence between your therapist self and your human self. But what does that mean? In this episode, we welcome Lacy Tannous, a psychotherapist and artist who specializes in working with teens, adults, and couples seeking greater emotional health and congruent connection. Lacy joins Kelley to talk about how to build more congruence in your therapy practice, especially if you're an associate therapist in a private practice.

Guest Bio:

Lacy Tannous is a psychotherapist and artist located in Sierra Madre, California. She specializes in working with teens, adults, and couples seeking emotional health and congruent connection to themselves, the people they love, and the world around them. She's passionate about exploring the connection between trauma recovery and creativity and enjoys singing, songwriting, and recording in tandem with clinical work. Learn more about her practice at www.lacytannoustherapy.com or on Instagram @lacytannous.

In This Episode:

• Therapy as a second career
• Dressing professionally or authentically: Which is best?
• How to get an associateship or internship at a private practice
• The mental challenges of being a therapist
• How to integrate the therapist and the human
• Marketing tips for getting clients as an associate therapist
• Ask Kelley Anything: Going on maternity leave with a private practice

Highlights:

00:50 What types of clients do you work with?

02:19 Why Lacy went back to school to be a therapist

07:00 Benefits of therapists dressing more casually for appointments

10:41 How Lacy is navigating the pre-licensed AMFT journey

15:00 Getting clients as an associate therapist

21:17 Using your intuition to build a list of ideal clients

25:25 Imposter syndrome & Couples therapy

34:10 Lacy's long-term career goals & retirement goals

41:31 How to connect with Lacy

41:57 Sponsored by SimplePractice

43:10 Kelley answers listener Maggie's question about going on maternity leave with a private practice.

References:

This podcast is produced by Jenga Creative → JengaCreative.com