In this quarterly review episode, Julie and Jacquie reflect on what private practice owners experienced in 2025 and what to expect in 2026. From staffing challenges and rising expenses to burnout and big leadership transitions, they share what they are seeing behind the scenes with real practices. If you want clarity, stability, and a plan for navigating uncertainty, this conversation will help you focus on what you can control and build a business that lasts.

3 Reasons to Listen

• Learn what is actually happening in private practices right now. Get real insights from end-of-quarter reviews with dozens of practice owners. 
• Avoid the most common financial mistakes owners are making.
• From lifestyle creep to overpaying clinicians to stepping back too quickly, they break down where practices are getting into trouble and how to prevent it.
• You will learn why emergency funds, intentional growth, and strong leadership habits matter more than ever in a changing economy.

Highlights

[00:01:31] Private practice is still viable
Success remains possible across models.

[00:02:43] Awareness, intention, attention
Three traits of stable practices.

[00:03:23] Clinician pay expectation mismatch
High pay, low caseload tension.

[00:04:14] Benefits must match revenue
Sustainability over generosity alone.

[00:05:35] Owner draws under pressure
Lifestyle creep creates hidden risk.

[00:06:56] Emergency funds are essential
Risk planning protects your practice.

[00:07:41] Something will always happen
Plan for inevitable disruptions.

[00:08:57] Ten years of steady growth
Slow growth beats flashy scaling.

[00:09:51] Strong foundations matter most
Structure supports long-term success.

[00:10:21] The power of saying no
Alignment over shiny opportunities.

[00:11:23] Advisors prevent bad decisions
Outside perspective adds clarity.

[00:13:47] Owners want to step back
Burnout driving leadership changes.

[00:14:26] Gradual clinical director transition
Shift responsibilities slowly.

[00:16:54] One-year transition timeline
Stability requires patience.

[00:17:19] Never abdicate responsibility
Stay engaged with your numbers.

[00:18:35] Protect yourself from surprises
Keep access to key systems.

[00:20:23] 2026 uncertainty ahead
Insurance and intake instability.

[00:21:16] Control what you can
Focus on efficiency and accountability.

[00:22:27] Hard conversations are necessary
Actionable steps over blame.

[00:23:29] You always have choices
Ownership means responsibility.

Resources & Links

• Schedule a free consultation with GreenOak Accounting: https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/consultation
• Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startup
• GreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.com
• Therapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.com
• Profit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com
• Profit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/Academy 
• Podcast Production, Audio Mixing, and YouTube Video Production by James Marland 

Get the All About Taxes Course.

Common Tax Credits and Deductions for Practice Owners in 2026

Tax season doesn’t have to be a mystery, and you might be leaving money on the table without even realizing it. In this episode, Julie Herres sits down with Adam Rook from the GreenOak Accounting tax team to break down the most common tax credits and deductions practice owners may qualify for—both on the business and personal side. Whether you run a solo or group practice, you’ll walk away with clarity about the tax savings that could make a real difference for your bottom line.

3 Reasons to Listen

1. Cut Through the Confusion: Learn the difference between tax credits and deductions—so you’ll understand exactly how each one impacts your taxes.
2. Find Money-Saving Opportunities: Discover which credits and deductions are actually available (and common!) for private practice owners in 2026, and learn what to ask your tax preparer.
3. Avoid Costly Mistakes: Get tips on documentation, common pitfalls, and why you should never take your tax advice from TikTok (really!).

Resources and Link

• GreenOak Accounting: greenoakaccounting.com – Book a free consultation or explore services for practice owners.
• Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startup
• GreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.com
• Therapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.com
• Profit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com
• Profit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/Academy 
• Podcast Production, Audio Mixing, and YouTube Video Production by James Marland 

Get the All About Taxes Course.

A Profit First Journey: Confessions of a First-Year Practice Owner

Starting a private practice can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming—especially when it comes to money. In this episode of Therapy for Your Money, Julie sits down with Alex Antonucci, a first-year practice owner who isn’t afraid to share the honest, behind-the-scenes reality of building a financially sustainable practice from the ground up.

Alex opens up about student loan debt that rivaled the cost of his home, feeling unsure about retirement savings, and the mental load that comes with not quite knowing where your money stands. He also shares how implementing Profit First before opening his doors gave him clarity, confidence, and a financial system that now supports both his business and his life.

If you’re a solo practice owner—or dreaming about growing into a group practice—this conversation is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to start. You just need a system that helps you make clear, values-aligned decisions along the way.

3 Things to Listen for in This Episode

1. What it really feels like to start a practice with debt and uncertainty. Alex shares candidly about student loans, financial anxiety, and why he didn’t want money stress to follow him into practice ownership.
2. How Profit First reduced decision fatigue.  Instead of constantly wondering “Can I afford this?”, Alex explains how letting the numbers guide decisions freed up mental energy and reduced stress.
3. Planning for growth before hiring. From building buffers to offering generous benefits like PTO and retirement contributions, Alex walks through how he’s preparing to hire sustainably—without panic or guesswork.

Resources & Mentions

• Billing Assistant Pro by Productive Therapist
• Virtual Assistant Support – Productive Therapist
• Profit First for Therapists (my book!)
• Profit First Academy
• Therapy For Your Money website
• GreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.com
• Tree Pittsburgh - non-profit mentioned by Alex 
• Alex Antonucci, LPC’s practice page - https://www.waxwingwellness.com/about 
• Podcast, YouTube,  and Other Written Assets Produced by James Marland 

Making the shift from independent contractors (1099s) to employees (W2s) can feel overwhelming for private practice owners—and let’s be honest, it can stir up a lot of big feelings for your team too! In this episode, Julie Herres sits down with Ginger Houghton, owner of Bright Spot Therapy, to unpack how Ginger’s “red carpet exit” approach turned what could have been a stressful transition into an experience rooted in trust, growth, and long-term success. Whether you’re considering this move or already knee-deep in the process, Ginger’s story offers practical strategies and plenty of encouragement.

Three Reasons to Listen / Three Things You’ll Learn

1. How to Build Trust During Big Changes: Hear Ginger’s actionable steps for fostering open communication and emotional safety—before, during, and after a major team shift.
2. Red Carpet Exits Explained: Discover what “red carpet exits” actually look like, and why supporting clinicians to leave well can help your culture (and numbers) thrive.
3. How to Prep for a Smooth 1099-to-W2 Transition: From timelines and tough conversations to financial realities and math tools, get a real-world roadmap for making this change without losing your team.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Bright Spot Therapy: https://brightspottherapy.com 
• Ginger Houghton’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginger-houghton-03ba61172/ 
• Ginger’s Course: Navigating the 1099-to-W2 Transition: https://ginger-s-site-0d8f.thinkific.com/products/courses/from-1099-to-w2-course
• Ginger Houghton’s Coaching Link: https://ginger-s-site-0d8f.thinkific.com/products/live_events/coaching
• GreenOak Accounting – Free Consultation
  https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/consultation
• Profit First for Therapists (my book!)
• Profit First Academy
• Therapy For Your Money website
• GreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.com
• Podcast Production by James Marland

Get the All About Taxes Course.

If you’ve ever dreamed about opening your own private practice, but the numbers are making your head spin (hello, startup costs!), this episode is for you. I’m walking you through exactly how I’d build a private practice with a $5,000 budget. Where I’d spend, what I’d skip, and the mindset shifts that will help you stay sane and avoid financial overwhelm. There’s a lot of advice out there, but let’s get real: you don’t need a giant pile of cash to get started, you just need a plan that works for you. Review episodes 198 and 199, where I review starting your practice with $1,000 and $3,000. 

If you’ve ever wondered, “Should I be spending here? Is this something I can do myself?”—I’m sharing my honest take and the real-life steps I’d take if I were starting from scratch. This isn’t about cutting every corner; it’s about building wisely, not just quickly.

Top 3 Reasons to Listen

• Learn where every dollar matters: I break down exactly how I’d prioritize spending when you’ve only got $5,000 to launch your practice.
• Get the no-fluff outsourcing list: Curious what’s actually worth outsourcing early on (and what can totally wait)? I’ve got you.
• Practical, fast-action steps: Walk away with real-world ways to move faster—without tossing money out the window.

Resources I Mentioned

• Billing Assistant Pro by Productive Therapist
• Virtual Assistant Support – Productive Therapist
• Profit First for Therapists (my book!)
• Profit First Academy
• Therapy For Your Money website
• Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startup
• GreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.com
• Therapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.com
• Podcast Production and Show Notes by Course Creation Studio https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/

Starting a private practice with a limited budget can feel daunting—but with the right plan, $3,000 can go further than you think! In this episode, Julie Herres shares exactly how she’d launch a new practice if she had $3,000 to spend. Discover the must-haves, the smart shortcuts, and the areas where a little investment makes a big difference.

Listen to Discover

• What to prioritize with a $3,000 start-up budget
• What tasks are worth outsourcing (and which to DIY!)
• Practical advice on physical space, software, and keeping expenses lean
• Understand the real timeline for getting up and running
• How to avoid common money traps when launching your practice

Links and Resources 

• TherapyFlow CRM: https://crm.mytherapyflow.com/ 
• Upwork https://www.upwork.com/ 
• Fiverr https://www.fiverr.com/ 
• Vistaprint:  https://www.vistaprint.com/ 
• Meg Business All-in-one billing, credentialing and front desk solutions: https://www.megbusiness.com/ 
• Google Business Address Verification Guidelines For Your New Location: https://help.relentless-digital.com/google-business-address-verification-guidelines-for-your-new-location
• Why You Need a Physical Office Address to Claim a Profile: https://succeedingsmall.co/google-my-business-guidelines-for-small-businesses-why-you-need-a-physical-office-address-to-claim-a-profile/
• Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startup 
• GreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.com 
• Therapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.com 
• Profit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com 
• Profit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/Academy 
• Podcast Production and Show Notes by Coursecreationstudio.com 

How I Would Start My Private Practice: with $1,000

What would it actually look like to launch a solo private practice with just $1,000? In this episode, Julie Herres kicks off a practical three-part series walking you through exactly how she would build a private practice from the ground up—starting with a shoestring budget. Julie shares candid insights, must-have tools, and where not to spend your cash, all while keeping things approachable (and a little bit fun).  

What You’ll Learn:

• How to Prioritize Your $1,000
• Which foundational steps are absolutely necessary, and what can wait until later 
• DIY Strategies to Stretch Your Budget
• Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Resources and Links

• Private Practice Startup Course: https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startup12
• Paperwork Packages:
  • Private Practice Startup Paperwork Base: https://www.privatepracticestartup.com/private-practice-paperwork-base
  • Private Practice Startup paperwork: https://the-private-practice-startup.thrivecart.com/base-package-299/?affiliate=greenoak
  • Free HIPAA add-on: https://www.privatepracticestartup.com//hipaa-form?affiliate=greenoak
• Be Your Own Biller:
  • Membership: https://www.beyourownbiller.com/byob-membership
  • Course: https://www.beyourownbiller.com/ 
• LLC/PLLC: Typically $50–$100 (check your state’s Secretary of State website)
• Domain Name:
  • $15/year at the time of recording
  • via Squarespace: https://www.squarespace.com/
  • or Wix: https://www.wix.com/ 
• Google Workspace (Email): $14/month at the time of recording
  • Sign up: https://workspace.google.com/
  • Google Workspace for Business: https://workspace.google.com/lp/business/ 
  • How to get a BAA from Google (for HIPAA): https://support.google.com/a/answer/3407054?hl=en
• EMR/EHR: $50–$100/month (compare options for features, ease, and integration)
• Miscellaneous Listings or Memberships: $0–$50/month (Psychology Today, TherapyDen, etc.)
• Wix Website: Core or Light plan <$30/month
  • Get started with Squarespace: https://www.squarespace.com/
  • Get started with Wix: https://www.wix.com/
• Intake Accelerator by Productive Practice 
  • Get the Intake Accelerator: https://productivetherapist.com/intake-accelerator/?affiliate=greenoak
• Credentialing: $250–$300 (estimate for professional help; DIY options available)
• Google Voice (HIPAA-compliant, paid plans only): $10/month 
  • Learn more: https://workspace.google.com/products/voice/

Get the All About Taxes Course.

Is Getting a Tax Refund a Good Thing for a Therapy Practice?

Welcome back to Therapy For Your Money, and Happy New Year! I’m Julie Herres, and I know tax season brings lots of questions—especially when it comes to tax refunds. For many business owners, that refund feels like a windfall or a bonus, but is it actually a good thing for your private practice? In today’s episode, we’ll break down what your tax refund really means for your practice’s financial health—and what you might need to adjust going forward. (Spoiler alert: it’s not always as great as it sounds.)

What We Cover

1. Green Flags: When a tax refund is a sign that your practice’s finances are on track. (Hint: it’s all about small refunds!)

2. Yellow Flags: Situations where a bigger refund means you missed out on cash flow you could have used all year long. We’ll talk about the sneaky reasons this happens—and what to do if you notice this pattern.

3. Red Flags: The danger zone! If you ever receive an unexpectedly large check from the IRS or your state, there are a few things you must check before celebrating. Julie shares common payroll pitfalls and why you need to get your accountant involved, fast.

Subscribe:
Catch every episode by subscribing to Therapy For Your Money on  Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

Remember:
Tax refunds aren’t always a high-five moment for your practice. A little curiosity (and a call to your accountant) can help you spot green, yellow, or red flags and set you up for a financially healthy year ahead!

Links and Resources:
Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startup

GreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.com

Therapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.com

Profit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com

Profit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/Academy 

Podcast Production and Show Notes by Course Creation Studio

Eyes Wide Open: Prepping Your Practice for 2026

Let’s face it, 2025 has been a wild ride for so many practice owners. But while we can’t predict every curveball coming our way, we can go into the new year feeling informed, prepared, and ready to roll with whatever comes next. In this episode, I’m sharing real-world, actionable tips to help you keep your practice thriving in 2026, no crystal ball required! Whether you’re worried about insurance changes, want to strengthen your margins, or just want to be proactive (instead of reactive), you’ll walk away with practical steps and encouragement for the road ahead.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to spot financial risks before they happen (and what data to watch!)
• Creative ways to adjust your services when clients face new insurance challenges
• Simple strategies for diversifying your income and client base—without burning out

Links and Resources

• Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startup
• GreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.com
• Therapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.com
• Profit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com
• Profit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/Academy 
• Podcast Production and Show Notes by Course Creation Studio

Get the All About Taxes Course.

Ever wish you could pick the brains of Profit First pros just for private practice? This episode brings you behind the scenes of Profit First Academy office hours with two of our most experienced coaches, Carolyn Chrestman and Hannah Dyer. Julie sits down with Carolyn and Hannah to share real questions from practice owners, common places people get stuck (and how to get unstuck), and what it really looks like to tailor Profit First to your own practice. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to dig deeper, you’ll walk away with encouragement, actionable tips, and a whole lot less confusion about your financials!

In This Episode

1. Real Profit First Strategies—No Judgment
   Hear how our coaches help practice owners make decisions, build confidence, and use Profit First as a shame-free tool for growth. If you’ve ever worried about asking a “dumb” question, this one’s for you!
2. Behind the Curtain of Office Hours
   Get a peek at what actually happens in Profit First Academy office hours. From instant assessments to account setup, find out how our coaches break down overwhelm and guide you step-by-step.
3. Practical, Personalized Tips from the Experts
   Learn how to choose account structures that work for you, avoid common accounting pitfalls, and adapt Profit First to support your goals—whether you run a solo or group practice.

Links and Resources

• Money for Therapists Practice Startup - https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/startup
• GreenOak Accounting - www.GreenOakAccounting.com
• Therapy For Your Money Podcast - www.TherapyForYourMoney.com
• Profit First for Therapists - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com
• Profit First Academy - www.ProfitFirstForTherapists.com/Academy 

Podcast Production and Show Notes by Course Creation Studio