This week on Therapists Unchained, Sivie Suckerman, LMHC, ACS, chatted with Pam Rothman, LPC, to discuss her journey across diverse provider settings—from community mental health to tech-based mental health platforms. Pam offered a candid look into her experience at BetterHelp, highlighting the platform’s demanding model, low compensation, and prioritization of profit over therapist well-being. She also spoke to the broader challenges of working with insurance and emphasized the critical role of clinical supervision. Together, Sivie and Pam explored systemic issues fueling the perceived therapist shortage, the lack of business education and support for clinicians, and their shared experiences navigating the complexities of the mental health field.

Pam received her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Holy Family University in 2015. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, practice owner, and clinical supervisor in the state of Pennsylvania. To learn more about Pam’s supervision services, feel free to reach out via email:

[email protected]

In this episode of Therapists Unchained, Sivie Suckerman, LMHC, ACS, sits down with Laura Durkin, LMFT, PhD, to unpack the systemic challenges mental health professionals face. From rigid professional identities and inadequate supervision to exploitative contracts and lack of organizational support, they explore the urgent need to rethink therapist training, strengthen advocacy, and build a more collaborative, sustainable, and ethical field rooted in community.

Laura is a WA State Approved Clinical Supervisor and received her PhD in 2025 in Counselor Education and Supervision from Antioch University, with her dissertation research focusing on accessibility within systems of higher education. She is passionate about the progressive evolution of the field of mental health as a whole. 

She is also a mother, partner, daughter, sister, and friend. She likes to practice yoga, paint/doodle (all website art is her own), write, dance, hike/camp, cook, embrace solitude, and connect with loved ones.

https://www.lauradurkincounseling.com/

In this episode of Therapists Unchained, Sivie Suckerman, LMHC, ACS, interviews Jennifer Koriath, LCPC, LPC on the ins and outs of dealing with insurance companies, filing complaints, and how to advocate for yourself and your clients. There is a lot of venting in this one folks so we hope you enjoy commiseration with a side dish of holding insurance companies accountable!

Jen Koriath, LCPC, LPC has 10 years experience in the field of psychotherapy. She works with clients who experience chronic pain/illness, anxiety and trauma. When she’s not guiding people toward healing with her unwavering belief in unconditional positive regard, she’s outsmarting insurance companies and making sure her clients get every benefit they deserve. A fierce advocate for social justice, Jen makes it her mission to create a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported. And when she’s not busy saving the world one therapy session at a time, you can find her stretching it out in pilates or sneaking belly rubs for her four-legged best friends. Jen is licensed in Colorado and Illinois and is the Chief Psychotherapist and Owner of Thrive Counseling & Wellness, PC which operates in both Colorado and Illinois. 

Dr. Lane, a seasoned therapist and former leader in a large group practice, shares her experiences and motivations for starting her own solo practice and consulting business, Fleuri. The discussion explores the challenges and rewards of leadership, the shifting dynamics of large mental health organizations, and the importance of business acumen for therapists. Dr. Lane also offers insights for newly licensed clinicians and touches on the complexities of insurance reimbursement and the rise of intermediary companies in mental healthcare. Ultimately, the episode highlights Dr. Lane's passion for fostering growth in both individuals and the mental health field.

Meet Dr. Gail Lane, LPC-S, LMFT-S — coach, consultant, and founder of Fleuri. With a deep passion for helping others thrive, Gail offers coaching and consulting for private practice solopreneurs, leaders, and owners. Drawing on her background in clinical work, supervision, and business leadership, she helps professionals move from overwhelm to clarity—building practices that reflect their values and unlock their potential.

Connect and learn more at www.growwithfleuri.com.