Wise Practice Podcast

Thinking about leaving your group practice… but not sure when (or how) to actually do it?

In this episode, Whitney sits down with Zack Ufland to talk through what it really looks like to step out on your own and build a private practice that actually supports your life. From timing your exit to managing risk and setting up your foundation, this conversation goes beyond logistics and gets into the mindset required to make it work.

Zack shares how he knew it was time to leave, how he prepared financially, and the practical steps he took to create a smooth transition for both himself and his clients. He also opens up about the emotional side of starting a business, including fear, uncertainty, and the determination it takes to follow through.

If you've been wondering whether private practice is the right move, or you're in the early stages of planning your exit, this episode will help you think more clearly about your next step.

7:53 How to Know When It's Actually Time to Leave 9:31 The Question Most Therapists Skip: Why Are You Leaving? 11:08 Calculated Risk: Can You Afford to Make the Leap? 13:30 What to Do Before You Put in Your Notice 15:49 Making the Transition Seamless for Your Clients 17:17 Startup Costs: It's Simpler Than You Think 21:26 The Mindset You Need to Make It Work 24:42 Fear vs. Values: What's Driving Your Decision? 25:16 Faith, Risk, and Trusting the Process

Sponsor Wise Practice Summit 2026

If you're in a season of big decisions, feeling stuck, or carrying the weight of leadership, the Wise Practice Summit was created for you. It's a space for faith-based practice owners to step away from the day-to-day, gain clarity, and realign their practice with their life and calling.

Right now, you can grab $100 off your ticket with our Early Bird pricing through May 1.

You don't have to figure this out alone.

Meet Zack Ufland, LMFT

Zack Ufland is a private practice owner, consultant, and leader who is passionate about helping therapists build sustainable, thriving practices. After transitioning out of agency work, Zack successfully built a private pay practice—Paradigm Therapy in Raleigh, North Carolina—and later expanded into a group practice alongside his wife. He's known for his focus on creating strong systems, healthy boundaries, and a positive team culture that actually supports both clinicians and clients. Today, Zack helps practice owners grow with intention so their business can support the life they truly want, and he also serves as a consultant with Wise Practice Consulting.

Zack's Resources

Private Practice Start-Up Checklist

Website

Links and Resources

Get my book, The Practice of Becoming

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Masterminds

What does it look like to care for vulnerable clients without burning out your team or compromising the sustainability of your practice?

In this episode, I'm joined by Susan Melendez Doak, LPC, a group practice owner in rural Oregon who has built a practice centered on serving her local community, including Medicaid clients and other often-overlooked populations.

Susan shares how she created a model that reflects her values while still making financial sense. We talk about the real challenges of serving high-need clients, what makes this work sustainable, and why alignment matters so much when you're building a practice that's meant to last.

We also talk about diversifying payer sources, supporting clinicians who do heavy trauma work, improving access to care, and creating a practice culture that attracts people who care deeply about the mission.

This is a thoughtful conversation about business, faith, values, and what it means to build a practice that serves people well.

08:50 From Solo To Group Practice + Serving Rural Clients 10:02 Medicaid Misconceptions + Financial Sustainability 16:49 Diversifying Income + Building A Balanced Practice 23:06 Preventing Burnout + Supporting Your Team 26:10 Hiring For Values + Long-Term Alignment 29:25 What's Next + The Power Of Community

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Susan chose to build her practice in a rural community
• Common misconceptions about working with Medicaid clients
• How to create a financially sustainable practice model
• Ways to support clinicians working with complex trauma
• Why values alignment matters in hiring and retention
• How increasing access can transform who your practice reaches

If you've ever wondered how to run a healthy practice while staying connected to the heart of the work, this episode is for you.

Sponsor Wise Practice Community

Running a private practice can feel lonely. You're making big decisions, trying to grow, and wondering if you're doing it right.

That's why I created the Wise Practice Community.

It's a membership for faith-based practice owners who want support building a healthy, sustainable practice. Inside, we focus on marketing, hiring, systems, finances, and leadership, with live trainings, accountability, and a community that gets it.

We've recently revamped everything to make it simpler and more effective.

Enrollment opens on March 25th and is only open for three days.

If you want more clarity, support, and connection, this is for you. Join at wisepracticeconsulting.com for $89/month.

Meet Susan Melendez Doak, LPC

Susan Melendez Doak is a licensed professional counselor, clinical supervisor, and the group practice owner at Newberg Counseling & Wellness in Newberg, Oregon. Susan and her team provide compassionate counseling services with a mission to empower our local community with the skills and the courage to handle the challenges of life.

Susan Melendez Doak's Resources

Website Instagram

Links and Resources

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

What does it actually look like to grow a group practice across multiple locations?

In this episode, I'm joined by Todd Call, co-owner of Triology, a Christian counseling group practice based in Kalispell, Montana. Todd has nearly three decades of experience as a therapist, and today his work focuses on visionary leadership and building organizations that help people thrive.

Todd shares how Triology began with a simple conversation between two therapists whose caseloads were full and whose waiting lists kept growing. Instead of continuing to turn people away, they started asking a bigger question: What would it look like to keep saying yes to the people who need help? That question eventually led them to hire therapists, expand their team, and build a practice that now serves multiple communities across Montana.

We talk through what it's really like to grow beyond a single office. Todd shares the early days of running two locations, navigating long travel distances between towns, and figuring out how to keep a team connected when people aren't working under the same roof.

Todd also opens up about the leadership shifts that came with growth. Early on, he realized that simply having an open-door policy wasn't enough to support a growing staff. As the practice expanded, he and his partner had to create more structure, strengthen their leadership systems, and clarify the mission driving their work.

We also discuss how faith plays a role in Triology's mission and how Todd and his team partner with churches and communities to support mental health in a holistic way.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why does expanding to a new location often require a completely different marketing strategy
• The leadership changes that happen when a practice grows beyond one office
• How culture evolves when teams are spread across multiple locations
• What Todd learned after losing $40,000 in early billing mistakes
• Why staying connected in person still matters when managing a growing team

If you're thinking about opening a second location or wondering what it takes to scale a practice across cities or states, this conversation will give you a realistic look at the opportunities and challenges that come with expansion.

13:06 Early Multi-Location Challenges: Mileage, Meetings, And Systems 15:22 Traction + The Shift To Real Leadership Systems And A Bigger Vision 17:00 Faith In The Practice: Helping People Thrive (Mind, Body, Soul) 19:12 Current Setup: Four Locations And How They're Structured 20:04 Big Warning: Marketing Changes When You Expand Past An Hour 22:35 Keeping Culture Strong: In-Person Training, Weekly Supervision, Travel 24:19 Billing Lessons: $40K Mistake And Why In-House Billing Matters 26:14 Microcultures Are Real: How To Scale Without Losing Your Values 29:12 Why Todd Joined Wise Practice (And What He Gets From Community)

Free Webinar March 24th @ 12:00 PM

If you've ever looked at your calendar and thought, "I know I'm a good therapist… so why isn't my caseload fuller?" — you're not alone.

Many of us were trained to provide excellent clinical care, but we were never taught how to consistently generate referrals or build a steady financial foundation. And when your caseload is inconsistent, it's not just frustrating — it can create real stress around income and stability.

I'm Whitney Owens — private practice consultant and owner of a thriving private-pay group practice — and I'm hosting a free live training called "Why Your Caseload Isn't Full (Even Though You're a Great Therapist)" on Tuesday, March 24th at 12:00 PM Eastern.

In this webinar, I'll walk you through the five key areas that determine whether your practice feels steady or unpredictable — and what you can begin adjusting immediately to create a more consistent, sustainable caseload.

If you're a solo or group practice owner ready to stop guessing and start building with confidence, I'd love for you to join me.

Go to wisepracticeconsulting.com/events to register. I'll see you on March 24th at noon Eastern.

Meet Todd Call, MS, LMFT LCPC

Todd is the co-owner of Thrivology, a Christian group practice based in Kalispell, Montana. Todd has 29 years experience as a therapist, and is now focused on the visionary leadership of people and organizations. He is married with 7 children and 7 pets, so please pray for his wife!

Todd's Resources

Website Facebook

Links and Resources

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community (Doors close March 27th)

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Masterminds

​​Have you ever asked yourself, Should I niche down… or am I going to lose clients if I do?

I hear this question all the time from practice owners. We're trained to treat a wide range of issues, so choosing a specialty can feel risky. But what if clarity is actually the thing that creates momentum in your practice?

In this episode, I sit down with David Sanchez, founder of Charlotte Counseling Associates, to talk about how he built a highly specialized, faith-based group practice focused on sex addiction, betrayal trauma, and couples healing. What began as a general solo practice slowly evolved into a clear niche — and that decision transformed his referrals, marketing, and long-term vision.

Inside this conversation, we talk about: • How David discovered his niche and knew it was the right fit • What changed in his caseload once he specialized • How to research whether your niche is needed in your city • Hiring and training associates within a specialty model • Why clarity in your messaging makes marketing easier, not harder

We also discuss the deeper layer behind niching — passion. When you care deeply about the work, it fuels your energy, your leadership, and your sustainability as a business owner.

If you've been wondering whether it's time to specialize your solo or group practice, this episode will help you think strategically and confidently about your next steps.

And if you're looking for ongoing support as you grow, doors to the Wise Practice Community are open now through March 27th. I'd love to support you inside that space.

Listen in and start building a practice that attracts the right clients — on purpose.

10:28 When a General Practice Becomes a Niche Practice 12:42 Hiring for a Specialty Model 14:48 Training and Maintaining Clinical Excellence 15:55 How to Research Demand in Your City 17:34 Marketing a Niched Practice Clearly 18:39 The Role of Passion in Sustainability 20:13 Shifting from 1099 to W2 22:33 What Changed After Joining the Mastermind 26:03 The Power of Community for Practice Owners 28:00 How to Connect with David

Free Webinar March 24th @ 12:00 PM

If you've ever looked at your calendar and thought, "I know I'm a good therapist… so why isn't my caseload fuller?" — you're not alone.

Many of us were trained to provide excellent clinical care, but we were never taught how to consistently generate referrals or build a steady financial foundation. And when your caseload is inconsistent, it's not just frustrating — it can create real stress around income and stability.

I'm Whitney Owens — private practice consultant and owner of a thriving private-pay group practice — and I'm hosting a free live training called "Why Your Caseload Isn't Full (Even Though You're a Great Therapist)" on Tuesday, March 24th at 12:00 PM Eastern.

In this webinar, I'll walk you through the five key areas that determine whether your practice feels steady or unpredictable — and what you can begin adjusting immediately to create a more consistent, sustainable caseload.

If you're a solo or group practice owner ready to stop guessing and start building with confidence, I'd love for you to join me.

Go to wisepracticeconsulting.com/events to register. I'll see you on March 24th at noon Eastern.

Meet David Sanchez, MS, LCMHCS, CSATS, Brainspotting Certified, EMDR Trained, DARTT Trauma Trained

In October 2014, David Sanchez started his solo practice, Charlotte Counseling Associates, out of a strong desire to serve others dealing with mental health and addictions.

In 2017, Charlotte Counseling Associates PLLC moved to a larger location in beautiful South Park on Fairview Rd. By 2018, he remembered his vision to create a group practice as there was a deep need in the community, and he wanted to work alongside intelligent and talented therapist professionals.

As of January 2026, David is grateful to have five therapist professional associates (specialized in sex and porn addiction and betrayal trauma), a payroll specialist, and a new client coordinator and office admin as part of his staff. David is planning to hire at least two more therapists in 2026.

CCA's mission is to help individuals, couples, and families heal, recover, and move forward from affairs, sex addiction, betrayal, trauma, and more in Charlotte, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. The ultimate goal is not only stopping the acting out behavior, but improving trust, connection, communication, vulnerability, empathy, and overall intimacy in the relationship and family system.

David's Resources

• Website
• Charlotte Counseling Associates on Facebook
• Charlotte Counseling Associates on Instagram

Links and Resources

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community (The doors close on March 27th)

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Masterminds

What if your lowest-paying insurance panel is costing you thousands a year… and you didn't even realize you could ask for a raise?

In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Hinote, owner of Savannah River Counseling in Augusta, Georgia, to break down exactly how he negotiated a major reimbursement increase with one of the most notoriously difficult payers: Tricare.

And yes, it worked.

Jeremy shares the step-by-step process he used to:

• Identify his lowest reimbursement rate • Research what others in his area were being paid • Prepare a compelling renegotiation letter • Push back (professionally) multiple times • Secure a $20 per session increase

We also talk through the emotional side of the process. The fear of losing a panel. The tension between serving clients and running a sustainable business. And the mindset shift required to advocate for your value.

If you're insurance-based, considering joining panels, or wondering whether you're being underpaid, this conversation will give you practical tools and the confidence to start asking better questions.

Jeremy also shares specific resources, negotiation tips, and what insurance companies actually care about when reviewing rate increase requests.

If you've ever thought, "I guess this is just what they pay," this episode may change your perspective.

06:15 How we met (and why he joined Wise Practice right away) 09:42 The real problem: insurance rates that don't make sense 12:42 Credentialing lesson: what he'd do differently next time 15:28 Tricare's rules + who to contact to renegotiate 17:55 The negotiation play-by-play (and why he kept pushing) 20:16 The win: about $20 more per session 22:56 How much of his caseload was Tricare (high stakes) 23:45 My takeaway: your business has to survive to keep serving 26:35 When to ask for increases (and put it on your calendar) 27:39 The resource that helped: The Insurance Maze 33:24 Don't overload your practice with low-paying panels 35:38 Is Wise Practice worth it? Jeremy's honest answer

Jeremy's Resources

Website Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn

Links and Resources

Navigating the Insurance Maze

Get my book, The Practice of Becoming

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Masterminds

Running a successful practice can slowly crowd out the very faith that called you to this work in the first place.

In this episode of the Wise Practice Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Raynor to talk about how to make space for the sacred in your practice without adding more to your plate. We explore what it looks like to shift from working for God to working with God, and how that simple change can transform the way you lead, care for clients, and experience your work.

This conversation felt especially timely during the Lenten season, a time that invites reflection, awareness, and slowing down even in the middle of a busy practice. Rather than focusing on doing more, this episode centers on noticing God's presence in the work you're already doing.

Jordan and I also talk about the importance of community for faith-based practice owners, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and why sustainable work requires rest, connection, and play.

If you've been feeling stretched thin or disconnected from your faith in your work, this episode offers a grounding reminder that you don't have to carry it all alone.

09:00 You don't have to lead with God to be led by God 11:30 Simple daily practices that increase awareness of God's presence 14:00 How identity in Christ changes the way you lead and take risks 17:00 Why secure faith leads to healthier ambition, not less 19:45 The loneliness of leadership for therapists and practice owners 23:30 Why the church community isn't always enough for practice owners 26:45 How to find or create a faith-based vocational community 30:30 Rest, play, and sustainability in the life of a therapist 34:00 What it takes to go the distance in sacred work

Show Sponsor Berries

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Jordan Raynor's Resources Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook

Links and Resources

Get my book, The Practice of Becoming

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Masterminds

Lent doesn't have to feel rigid, heavy, or like one more thing you're failing at as a practice owner. In this episode, I'm talking about how to actually practice Lent in a way that's gentle, meaningful, and realistic for the season of life and leadership you're in.

We're moving away from rules and performance and toward relationship—creating space for God in the middle of running a practice, making decisions, caring for clients, and juggling real life. I walk through practical ways to approach fasting, letting go of distractions, and filling that space with what truly restores you, whether that's prayer, reflection, giving, or simply slowing down.

If you've ever wondered how Lent can support both your faith and your work as a practice owner—without comparison, shame, or pressure—this episode is for you.

01:53 How Practice Owners Can Actually Practice Lent 03:20 Moving from Performance to Relationship 05:09 Lent as a Practice of Becoming 06:21 Comparison, Fasting, and Letting Go of "Shoulds" 08:39 What Fasting Is (and What It Isn't) 11:22 Fasting Beyond Food: Work, Social Media, and Busyness 13:32 Filling the Space You Create 15:00 Lent as a Season of Giving 16:54 Sundays, Mini Easters, and Grace 18:18 Using a Devotional to Stay Grounded During Lent

Links and Resources

Get my book, The Practice of Becoming

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Mastermind

If you're a practice owner, chances are you're reading this while doing something else—answering emails, moving between sessions, or thinking about what still needs to get done today. I know that pace well, and I also know how easy it is for even meaningful things to become "just one more thing" on a full plate.

This episode isn't about adding another strategy or asking you to work harder. It's an invitation to slow down and reflect on why Lent matters for practice owners—especially in the middle of a season when everything feels like it's speeding up. As client needs increase and leadership demands grow heavier, we don't need more noise. We need grounding, intention, and space to notice what's really happening in us and around us.

In this conversation, I talk about Lent as a rhythm of reflection rather than a task to complete. Whether you've practiced Lent for years or are just beginning to explore it, my hope is that this episode helps you see it not as something extra, but as a way to lead your practice—and your life—from a steadier, more faithful place.

If you've ever felt like you're doing all the right things on the outside but longing for deeper grounding on the inside, this episode is for you.

01:31 If you're multitasking right now, I see you 02:12 This isn't another tip, it's a breather 03:03 Why everyone's saying the same thing, I'm busy 05:51 February and March are about to get wild 07:28 Ash Wednesday is Feb 14, so here comes Lent 08:38 Lent 101 what it is and what it's for 10:42 Fasting isn't punishment, it's making space 12:20 Slowing down shows you what needs to come off your plate 15:10 How this devotional helps when urgency is loud

Links and Resources

Get my book, The Practice of Becoming

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Mastermind

I'm really glad you're here today because this episode is a little different and honestly pretty personal for me. I'm talking about something I've never shared before, what it was actually like to write my first book. Not the polished highlight reel version, but the real behind-the-scenes story. The doubts, the learning curve, the surprises, and the parts I didn't expect at all.

If you've ever thought about writing a book, creating something meaningful, or putting an idea into the world that's been sitting on your heart for a while, this episode is for you. I'm walking you through why I wrote The Practice of Becoming, how it came together over time, what I learned along the way, and what I wish I had known before I started. We're talking about the why, the process, the fears, the imperfect launch, and why doing the thing imperfectly still matters.

So if you're curious about writing a book, self-publishing, or just need permission to start before you feel ready, stick with me. I'm sharing the honest, messy, encouraging version of this journey, and I think you're going to get a lot out of it. Let's dive in.

02:09 Why Your Why Matters More Than Anything 02:57 I Didn't Realize I Was Writing a Book Until It Was Done 04:37 Why I Did Not Write This Book for Money 06:26 The Lent Email Series That Sparked the Book 10:44 The Goal That Started as a Three-Year Dream 13:36 Letting Go of Perfection in the Launch 18:43 How Writing a Book Builds Clarity, Confidence, and Credibility

Links and Resources

Get my book, The Practice of Becoming, at my website https://www.wisepracticeconsulting.com

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Today's episode is the final part of our January series, Staying the Course, and honestly, it might be the most grounding one yet. We're talking about what faithful investment actually looks like—especially in seasons where things feel uncertain, noisy, or just plain overwhelming.

If you've been wondering, What is actually worth my time, energy, or money right now? or feeling pulled in ten different directions by advice, programs, and opinions… this conversation is for you. Because investment isn't just about dollars. It's about stewardship. It's about discernment. And it's about learning how to lead steadily instead of reacting out of fear.

In this episode, I'm slowing us down and inviting us to look at investment through a faith-based lens—not reckless growth and not fear-based shrinking, but thoughtful, sustainable leadership over time. We'll talk about where investing really matters, how to tell the difference between fear-based and faith-based decisions, and how to stay rooted in what God is asking you to tend right now.

If you've listened along with this series, thank you for being here. And if you're just jumping in, I'm so glad you are. Let's close this series by talking about the kind of investment that brings peace, clarity, and steadiness—not just for your practice, but for you too.

06:51 Fear Based vs Faith Based Decisions 09:54 Investing for Impact Not Just Income 14:27 Support Over Self Sacrifice 17:22 Sustainable Pace Over Rushed Expansion 19:59 Aligning Investment With Values and Joy 21:35 Faith Does Not Eliminate Risk 22:44 Saying Yes Selectively 26:56 Closing Encouragement and Gratitude

Links and Resources

PracticeVital

Get my book, The Practice of Becoming, at my website https://www.wisepracticeconsulting.com

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Mastermind