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  • Ep 161: Do Therapists Need Additional Income Streams?

    Ep 161: Do Therapists Need Additional Income Streams?
    2026/07/13
    Creating Additional Income Streams for Therapist MomsThis episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with practical, actionable insights to help you diversify your income as a therapist and mother—without falling into hustle culture. If you’ve been feeling the financial strain of client cancellations, rigid insurance systems, or unpredictable family schedules — or you’re simply longing for more stability in your practice — you’re in the right place.As someone who’s navigated both the trenches of motherhood and the rollercoaster of private practice for years, I know firsthand that small, sustainable shifts in your business model can make a real difference. This week, I’m opening up about the real reasons additional income streams matter (especially for those of us balancing sick days and school closures) and sharing the exact strategies I use myself. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re feeling stuck in the one-to-one therapy model, this episode will meet you right where you are—with empathy and clear next steps.If you’re a clinician, a mom, or both, craving real-world support and practical options to help your practice (and your life) feel a little less fragile, you’re absolutely in the right place.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeAffiliate Marketing for Therapists: Learn how you can ethically recommend tools you love and already use, and earn a little extra from doing so.Teaching CEUs: Discover how sharing your unique expertise can become a reliable income stream while empowering your colleagues.Therapy Tools & Resources: Find out how packaging worksheets, workbooks, and tools you’ve created for clients can provide ongoing earnings — and free up your schedule.Episode Timestamps00:02: The real reason therapists and moms need additional income streams (it’s not about hustle)01:32: Why the therapy “hour for a dollar” model is fragile—and how life (and kids) disrupts our plans03:37: The three income streams I personally use and how they work (affiliate marketing, CEUs, therapy tools)05:54: Affiliate marketing ethics, practical ideas, and what NOT to do as a clinician10:13: How teaching CEUs can help you leverage your existing experience and create meaningful impact13:03: Turning the resources you’ve already made into passive income (workbooks, templates, journals)16:20: Making it manageable: starting small, being ethical, and creating stability that fits real lifeTop Takeaways on Creating Additional Income Streams for Therapist MomsRethink the “Therapy Chair Only” ModelLet’s break this down: So many of us were taught that therapy income has to come from direct, one-to-one session work. But the reality is, our lives as moms don’t fit neatly into a weekly calendar. When kids get sick or life happens, our income can take a real hit. Having flexible income streams isn’t about squeezing in more work — it’s about protecting yourself, your family, and your well-being from the unpredictability and systemic pressures in our field (01:32).For me, this shift started after my son’s first trip to the ER for food allergies and realizing, “I can’t be everything to everyone at once—and my old business model isn’t going to help when life goes sideways.”Ethical, Sustainable Affiliate MarketingHere’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:Step 1: Make a list of the tools, systems, books, and courses you genuinely use and would recommend to colleagues.Step 2: Check if these products offer affiliate programs. Many EHR platforms, course creators, or business tools do.Step 3: Add these links to a resources page on your website or share them with peers (NOT clients) in a transparent and authentic way.Pro tip: Never recommend or link to products or services you don’t fully believe in or wouldn’t use yourself. Affiliate marketing as a therapist needs to be rooted in integrity, always (05:54).Share What You Know: Teaching CEUs & Creating Therapy ToolsWe all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do:Mistake 1: Don’t assume you have nothing to teach. Even your unique process or a worksheet you’ve made can help others (10:21).Mistake 2: Don’t get bogged down thinking you need to launch a massive course or shop. Start with a single CEU or download—and build from there (16:02).You already have lived experience and expertise — teach what you know, and let those tools keep supporting your colleagues and clients while you handle the other parts of motherhood life that need you.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeMichelle Risser’s “Diversify Your Income with CEUs” Course – for learning how to turn your expertise into CEU offerings. Use code Ashley50 at checkout to get $50 offJoin us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just ...
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    21 分
  • Ep 160: What Private Practice Gives You as a Mom

    Ep 160: What Private Practice Gives You as a Mom
    2026/07/06
    The Truth About Private Practice and Motherhood: Finding Freedom Through ChoiceThis episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is your honest guide to navigating the complexities of being a mom and a mental health professional—while building a private practice that actually works for your life. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the myth that private practice is supposed to make everything “easier,” or wondered how to reconcile your ambitions with the reality of unpredictable sick days, missed school pickups, and demanding client work, you’re in the right place.As someone who’s built my practice as a military spouse, a parent to neurodiverse kids, and someone living with chronic health challenges, I know firsthand that owning your choices—rather than seeking a perfect situation—can be your greatest asset. Sometimes, it’s the permission to do things differently, to create your own rules, and to pivot when life requires it, that makes all the difference. This episode is about equipping you with realistic, compassionate strategies to build a business that supports you, not the other way around.Whether you’re already in private practice, thinking about making the leap, or just trying to survive another daycare call, these insights are for you.What You’ll Learn in This Episode1. Why Private Practice Doesn’t Suddenly Make Everything Simple:Hear real experiences about the messy realities that persist after leaving agency work—and why that’s perfectly okay.2. The Power of Choice (Your Greatest Tool):Learn how redefining “freedom” in private practice means aligning your schedule, income streams, and boundaries with what YOU need most, even if that looks different from everyone else.3. Navigating Motherhood, Systems, and Self-Advocacy:We’re naming the broken systems, the invisible labor, and the decisions women and moms shoulder—so you can advocate for yourself with more clarity and less guilt.Episode Timestamps00:02: Introducing the pain points at the intersection of private practice and motherhood00:34: Why Therapist Mom Networking Hangouts matter for connection and validation01:52: Busting the myth that private practice solves all your challenges overnight03:29: How motherhood brings its own set of obstacles (and opportunities) in business ownership05:03: Real-life examples of creating a schedule that actually works for your family07:08: Stories of therapists making unconventional choices to care for themselves and their families12:10: The systemic gaps—why it’s harder for moms building practices, and how we can reclaim our autonomy19:12: Practical questions to ask yourself before changing or designing your practice strategyTop Takeaways on Choice and Building a Private Practice That Works for YOU1. Choice Is Your Real SuperpowerLet’s break it down: Private practice does not erase the hard, nor does it guarantee a life without stress or chaos—especially once you layer in motherhood. What it does offer is choice: over your schedule, the clients you see, your income streams, and where you draw boundaries. I once worked until 2 AM to see clients in another time zone because it made sense for our family at the time, and then I gave myself permission to stop when it didn’t anymore. That’s true autonomy—even when it looks nothing like anyone else’s.2. How to Implement More Choice in Your Practice TodayStep 1: Identify the areas in your life and work where you most need flexibility (e.g., scheduling, client load, vacation).Step 2: Gather stories and examples (from peers or mentors) about unconventional ways people have structured their practices—think remote work on vacation, evening sessions, or additional income streams like courses.Step 3: Pro tip: Give yourself permission to try something that works for right now, knowing you can always change it when your circumstances shift. Your practice can (and should) evolve with your life.3. What Not to Do When Pursuing “Freedom”Mistake 1: Believing private practice (or solo work) will magically solve all your life and parenting problemsMistake 2: Copying and pasting agency or group practice schedules into your solo practice without using your new-found choice to customize your work in a way that actually supports your lifeMistake 3: Succumbing to judgment (from others or yourself) about doing things differently or seeking diverse income streams—remember, you’re creating something unique to your needs and valuesResources Mentioned in This EpisodeComprehensive Connecting: Free Networking Scripts Guide (bit.ly/compconnecting)Raise to Empower website & coaching resources
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    25 分
  • Ep 159: Should Therapists Use AI? A Nuanced Take for Private Practice

    Ep 159: Should Therapists Use AI? A Nuanced Take for Private Practice
    2026/06/29
    AI, Big Tech, and the Therapist Mom: Navigating Ethics, Nuance, and Practical Strategies in Private PracticeThis episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with honest conversation and practical reflection to help you navigate one of the most pressing issues facing private practice owners today: AI and big tech. If you’ve found yourself unsure about using emerging technologies, felt the weight of ethical concerns, or worried about staying relevant in a rapidly evolving field, you’re in the right place.As someone who has seen the evolution of our field up close—embracing telehealth early on, questioning “standard” approaches, and always prioritizing my values as a clinician and a mom—I know firsthand how overwhelming these conversations can be. Sometimes, it’s the small shifts in how we think about tools like AI that lead to the biggest changes in our practice and peace of mind.In this episode, I open up about my own journey after attending the NASW conference, including what I learned from national leaders and the candid conversations happening behind the scenes. Consider this your permission slip to get curious, get informed, and make choices that put your well-being and values at the center of your practice.If you’re a therapist, social worker, or any mental health provider who wants to run a practice that works for your real life, and you’re ready for courageous, nuanced conversations—this episode is absolutely for you.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeEthics vs. Values in Using AI: Distinguishing between professional ethics and personal values, and why that difference matters.Strategic Ways AI Can Support Your Practice: How AI can become a practical tool—for documentation, admin tasks, and self-care—without sacrificing ethics or connection.How to Stay Empowered (Not Overwhelmed) by Tech Changes: Why learning to thoughtfully use AI can protect your autonomy, expand your impact, and prevent burnout—especially as a mom and woman in private practice.Episode Timestamps00:00: Introducing the hard questions around AI, tech, and motherhood in private practice.00:35: Reflections from the NASW conference—what’s happening on the national stage.02:59: Breaking down the nuances of the AI debate in mental health fields—more than black-and-white thinking.06:18: What the experts are saying: why “augmented intelligence” matters more than “artificial intelligence.”10:08: The honest truth: therapists who learn to use AI will replace those who don’t.14:54: Environmental and social justice considerations when choosing tech tools as a values-driven clinician.19:15: Making informed, not fearful, decisions about AI for clinical documentation and the mental load of practice.23:39: Final reflections on shame, judgment, and what’s truly at stake in the AI conversation.Top Takeaways on AI, Ethics, and Private Practice1. Understanding the Real Ethical Questions Behind AI in TherapyLet’s break this down: So much of the fear and judgment I see around AI in our field actually boils down to values, not just hard ethics. It’s essential to recognize the difference—and allow ourselves to make decisions, set boundaries, and try new tools based on informed consent and our lived experiences. I’ve been there myself, questioning if adopting telehealth was “real therapy” back in 2015, and I see the same hesitation now with AI 11:15. Give yourself permission to get curious, not just reactive.2. Practical, Values-Aligned Strategies for Using AI in Private PracticeHere’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:Step 1: Reflect on what aspects of your practice or life are most overwhelming (notes? admin? mental load at home?).Step 2: Research AI tools that are transparent about their data use and founded on principles you align with—like Barry’s or Jane, which aren’t VC-backed and respect provider autonomy 18:11.Step 3: Always review output, whether it’s a note draft or a task reminder. Your clinical wisdom and personal judgment are irreplaceable. A good tool should free up energy for you to focus where you add the most value: connection, empathy, and actual care.3. Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Shaming in the AI ConversationWe all make mistakes, but let’s save you some headaches. Here’s what NOT to do:Mistake 1: Hiding behind the “ethics” label without digging into what you’re actually worried about.Mistake 2: Judging yourself—or others—for trying (or not trying) AI based on fear or peer pressure.Whether it’s arguing that all AI is bad or pushing everyone to embrace every new tool, black-and-white thinking doesn’t serve us. Lean into nuance, make decisions on your terms, and most importantly, let’s support each other as women, moms, and professionals doing our best in a fast-changing world 23:24.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBerries: The AI note-taking tool I use in my own practice (founder owned, not part of “big tech”). CLICK HERE to try it ...
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    27 分
  • Ep 158: Building a Group Therapy Practice While Raising Kids

    Ep 158: Building a Group Therapy Practice While Raising Kids
    2026/06/22
    Building a Group Practice While Navigating Motherhood: Lessons for Therapist MomsThis episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with honest, actionable insights for any therapist mom navigating the messy intersection of private practice ownership and parenthood. If you’ve been wrestling with the idea of either starting your own practice or scaling to a group—while juggling a busy family life—this conversation is tailored just for you.As a therapist, coach, and a mom who’s navigated everything from unpredictable childcare to the frustrations of broken work systems, I completely understand the doubts and pressures that come with trying to do both well. Sometimes, it’s not a seismic shift that transforms your business or family life, but those intentional, strategic shifts you choose to make even in uncertainty.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Anahita Lake-Khosravi, a psychologist and business coach who scaled her group practice from zero to $2 million in just three years—all while pregnant, breastfeeding, and raising three young kids. We unpack the real stories (the mess, the wins, and the honest math), and I share some personal reflections on why giving ourselves permission to start before we feel “ready” matters more than we think.If you’re a clinician who wants to build a practice on your terms—without guilt or people-pleasing—this episode will help you see what’s possible and show you practical ways to get out of your own way. Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s get real about building a business that actually fits your life, not the other way around.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeSetting the Foundation for Group Practice: Why the “perfect” time to start doesn’t exist, and how Dr. Anahita Lake-Khosravi launched her practice with young children, ignoring outside pressure and following her own timeline.Navigating Money, Messaging, and Missteps: What to expect financially when transitioning to group practice, the reality behind salary splits, and how to create a space that values both owner and clinicians.Building for Sustainability, Not Just Growth: How to structure your practice so it can run (and even be sold) without you, and why treating your business as an asset serves both your family and your team.Episode Timestamps00:00: Explaining why this show is different—honest talk about motherhood and practice ownership.00:46: Dr. Anahita Lake-Khosravi’s journey from school psychology to group practice and her mission to build a supportive workplace for therapists.05:19: How her second pregnancy became the impetus to start her own practice and sparked quick, decisive action.12:03: The financial realities and learning curves when hiring your first employee, plus investing in coaching and setting up a sustainable business structure.14:09: Growing by celebrating small wins and why enjoying process matters at every stage.18:27: Delegation, taking real maternity leave, and realizing your business can thrive without your constant attention.23:29: Creating compensation and support structures that are both fair and realistic for owners and clinicians.27:28: How Dr. Anahita Lake-Khosravi decided to sell her group practice—and what aspiring owners can learn about viewing their work as an asset.Top Takeaways on Building a Group Practice as a Therapist MomYou’re Allowed to Start Before You Feel ReadyThe “right” time is rarely handed to us. Dr. Anahita Lake-Khosravi described how her impending maternity leave became her non-negotiable deadline, pushing her to take bold steps others might wait years to make. Waiting for perfect conditions often means never starting—sometimes, you have to create your own catalyst.Know Your Why and Build Your Systems ThoughtfullyScaling into group practice isn’t just about bottom lines. The real differentiator is building a culture where clinicians are cared for (and not just compensated), and where you as the owner can step away without everything collapsing. Start by clarifying your core reasons for growing and ensure your systems, contracts, and supports align with your values.Here’s how to start:Step 1: Get clear about why you want to step into group practice (not just the financials).Step 2: Invest in education, mentorship, or coaching—cutting corners early almost always ends up costing you more.Step 3: Build a structure (from contracts to admin workflows) that prioritizes sustainability—not just growth for growth’s sake.Prepare for Mindset Shifts and Let Go When It’s TimeWhether you’re hiring your first clinician or considering selling your business, recognize that your needs—and your ambition—will shift over time. It’s okay to outgrow a previous vision. When you realize your heart isn’t in it anymore, give yourself permission to make a change—not just for yourself, but for your team’s continued growth.What NOT to do:Mistake 1: Jumping into group practice hoping it’ll magically free ...
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    49 分
  • Ep 157: The 4 Private Practice Rules You're Allowed to Break

    Ep 157: The 4 Private Practice Rules You're Allowed to Break
    2026/06/15
    Breaking the Unspoken Rules of Private Practice for MomsThis episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with honest insights and personal strategies for building a private therapy practice that truly fits your life as a mom. If you’ve been feeling boxed in by the “right way” to run a practice or you wonder how to create a sustainable business without sacrificing family time (or yourself), you’re in the right place. As a therapist, coach, and mom navigating both private practice and motherhood, I know how overwhelming and isolating it can feel to do things differently—but also how powerful it is to finally give yourself permission to break those rules that don’t serve you. Grab a cup of coffee (or cold tea, let’s be real!), and let’s talk through the unspoken norms keeping therapists stuck—and exactly how you can let them go.Whether you’re brand new to private practice or wrestling with burnout after years in the field, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with practical tools and the encouragement you need to create more freedom and sustainability in your work and your life. I’ll also share a bit of my own story about shifting priorities after becoming a mom and what finally letting go of these rules made possible for me, my practice, and my family.What You’ll Learn in This Episode1. Reclaiming Your Schedule:Discover how to redesign your hours around your life instead of always bending to client needs.2. Online Therapy Legitimacy:Learn why you don’t need a fancy office or in-person sessions to have a successful, thriving practice.3. Setting Your Own Fees Without Guilt:Find out how to charge rates that support your family and future without feeling like you’re “bad” or unethical.Episode Timestamps00:00: Introduction & challenging hustle culture in private practice02:30: The myth that “good therapists” must work evenings/weekends and why it leads to burnout07:12: Dismantling the pressure to see clients in-person and embracing online/virtual practice11:51: Confronting the belief that charging high fees is unethical for therapists/moms15:59: The freedom to say “no” to referrals that aren’t a fit, and why it’s essential for your sustainability18:15: Recap of the four unspoken rules and how breaking them creates a practice on your terms20:07: How to get your Ideal Practice Blueprint and connect in the communityTop Takeaways on Breaking the Unspoken Rules for Therapist Moms1. You Don’t Have to Center Your Practice Around Your Clients’ SchedulesLet’s break this down: For too long, therapists (especially moms) have shaped their lives around client demands—picking up extra evenings, weekends, and constantly flexing their personal needs. I used to do the same before my first child was born, but once I had a baby, I realized just how precious and limited my energy and time had become. Shifting to a schedule that fits school runs, family dinners, and downtime didn’t make my practice suffer; it made it sustainable. Most clients will find a way to make your boundaries work—or they aren’t your clients, and that’s okay.2. You Can Have a Successful Fully Online PracticeHere’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:Step 1: Evaluate your true preference for in-person vs. online work. What’s actually best for you?Step 2: Communicate your availability and online format clearly to prospective clients—don’t apologize.Step 3: Use my free Comprehensive Connecting Scripts to network with virtual-friendly referral sources (grab it via the link below).Remember, online therapy is not only legitimate; it increases accessibility for your clients and opens up more time/flexibility for you as a mom and a business owner.3. You Are Allowed to Charge Fees That Support YouWe all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do when setting your rates:Mistake 1: Letting shame or judgment from colleagues dictate your financial choices.Mistake 2: Believing you’re unethical for wanting income that supports your family, retirement, or time off.Mistake 3: Ignoring your personal/family needs when calculating your rates.Your fees reflect the sustainability of your work—not your worth or “goodness” as a therapist.Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking💻 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period⭐️ Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower⭐️ Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE⭐️ Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at ...
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    22 分
  • Ep 156: Should I Take Insurance or Go Private Pay in Private Practice?

    Ep 156: Should I Take Insurance or Go Private Pay in Private Practice?
    2026/06/08
    Should I Take Insurance or Go Private Pay in Private Practice?This episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with practical wisdom for any therapist mom—especially those standing at the crossroads of private practice decisions. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the classic debate of “should I take insurance or stick to private pay?” or worrying you’ll make the “wrong” call and blow up your whole practice, you are definitely in the right place.As someone who’s built my practice while raising kids with allergies, navigating military spouse life, and supporting families with ADHD and more, I know just how real and personal this decision can feel. What I’ve learned? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—and you have permission to do what truly fits your life, your values, and your current season. Let’s dive deep, name the hard stuff, and set you up to build a practice on your terms.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe Real Case for Taking Insurance: Understand legitimate benefits to insurance—even if you’ve heard otherwise—and why it’s not a “lesser” choice.Private Pay Realities: How choosing private pay can put you in the driver’s seat of your business, plus the trade-offs that aren’t always discussed.How to Decide the Right Fit for You (Not Just What “They” Say): Honest questions to help you create a practice that actually supports your life (and not one that burns you out).Episode Timestamps00:00: Setting the stage for the insurance vs private pay debate in private practice.00:45: Breaking down the stigma, strong opinions, and big decisions about payment models.03:44: The full reality—pros and struggles—of taking insurance as a therapist.12:25: The inside look at private pay, what it means for your income and control.17:10: The marketing and mindset work necessary to fill a private pay practice.20:03: Key questions to guide your decision, based on your values, needs, and season of life.Top Takeaways on Taking Insurance vs. Private Pay in Private Practice1. There’s No Single “Right Way”—Only the Right Fit for YouLet’s break this down: The pressure to “pick right” is strong, but you aren’t stuck with one decision forever. I’ve shifted my own model multiple times, mixing insurance and private pay as my family and business have changed. The fear that you’ll collapse your whole practice with one choice just isn’t true—you can pivot as you go and as your needs evolve.Relatable story: I remember feeling surrounded by strong voices (especially online) insisting there’s only one “smart” route. If you feel lost in the noise, know you aren’t alone—and you aren’t behind.2. Make Your Decision Strategically, Not from Shame or FearHere’s how you can start implementing this today:Step 1: Get brutally honest about your needs—your income, your nervous system, and your support system all matter. Ask: What actually helps me feel safe and steady right now?Step 2: Run the actual math (not just wishful thinking)! What does each insurance panel really pay? What’s your private pay rate, and does it cover your true expenses—overhead, taxes, and your real life?Step 3: Connect with other local clinicians to get real numbers before signing any insurance contracts. Rely on firsthand info, not just hearsay.Pro tip: Sometimes you’ll need more steady income in a new practice season; other times, you’ll crave more autonomy. Either is valid—as long as you decide intentionally.3. What NOT to Do When Choosing Your Payment ModelWe all make mistakes, but let’s save you heartache. Here’s what to avoid:Mistake 1: Taking every insurance panel offered without checking reimbursement rates—this can leave you fully booked, exhausted, and still financially stressed.Mistake 2: Setting your private pay rate based on fear or guilt, or simply matching what “everyone else” charges. Undercharging only leads to resentment and burnout.Mistake 3: Expecting instant (or automatic) referrals with private pay—be prepared to stay consistent and visible with your marketing.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeAs always, if you need help sorting through these choices or just want a sounding board, reach out and let's chat! Schedule a free consult HERE. You do not have to do this alone—and you absolutely have permission to build a practice that works for your life.
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    25 分
  • Ep 155: Before You Sign Up for Headway or Alma as a Provider, Listen to This

    Ep 155: Before You Sign Up for Headway or Alma as a Provider, Listen to This
    2026/06/01
    Venture Capital Backed Therapy Platforms vs. Direct Credentialing: What Every Therapist Should KnowThis episode of [The Therapist Mom Podcast] is packed with clear, actionable insights to help you make informed decisions about building your private practice as a therapist mom—without burning out or giving up your autonomy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options out there (especially when it comes to taking insurance) or you’re wrestling with fear about whether you can really build something sustainable on your own, you’re in the right place.As someone who’s spent over a decade in private practice (while raising kids, navigating military moves, and managing the chaos of mom life), I know firsthand how tempting it is to opt for something that promises to make this all “easier.” Sometimes, though, it’s those small, strategic shifts in ownership and mindset that end up giving us the freedom and time we really crave. So, let’s get honest about the pros and cons—straight, no chaser.If you’ve ever wondered, “Should I use a platform like Alma or Headway to accept insurance instead of credentialing myself?” or you just want the real scoop before you leap, you belong here. This episode is for any therapist who craves clarity, confidence, and control of their practice.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe Real Trade-Offs of Venture Capital Platforms: Get to the heart of how these platforms operate, what they promise, and what you may actually be giving up—including direct payer relationships and income stability.Hidden Risks No One Talks About: Understand the structural risks behind recent changes (like Aetna’s reimbursement rates at Alma) and what it means for your bottom line and negotiating power.How to Confidently Transition to Direct Credentialing: I’ll share honest encouragement, plus my own experiences and resources, so you can see that getting credentialed yourself is absolutely doable—and often, more sustainable.Episode Timestamps00:02: Kicking off with a no-fluff conversation about motherhood, private practice, and why you deserve a business built for real life.00:46: Breaking down what venture capital backed platforms (like Alma, Headway, Grow) really offer—and what’s missing from those glossy promises.07:38: Real-world consequences: The Alma/Aetna rate cut changes and what happens when you don’t own your insurance contracts.14:23: Hidden (and not-so-hidden) costs of using therapy platforms, plus what you risk by handing over control.20:08: Honest perspective: Direct credentialing isn’t just possible—it’s the key to genuine autonomy in your practice.Top Takeaways on Venture Capital Backed Therapy Platforms1. Understanding the Venture Platform ModelLet’s break this down: These platforms act as a “middleman” between you and insurance companies, promising to handle credentialing, billing, and a steady stream of client referrals. The catch? They hold the contract, set the terms, and can change your reimbursement rates—with little to no warning or recourse for you.Think about Alma and Aetna’s recent shift: overnight, therapists lost $30/session for their most common appointment length—without any negotiation or direct communication (09:06). When you don’t own the contract, you don’t own what happens next.2. Prioritizing Ownership and ControlHere’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:Step 1: Start the direct credentialing process now—even if you’re still using a platform as a transitional step.Step 2: Seek out resources: look for billing support, ask colleagues for guidance, and tap into communities or courses dedicated to insurance credentialing for therapists (21:05).Step 3: Remember—once you are credentialed directly, that relationship is yours for as long as you choose. This is what real practice security looks like.3. Pitfalls to Avoid When Choosing Therapy PlatformsWe all make mistakes, but here’s what I want you to avoid:Mistake 1: Believing the only way to accept insurance is through a third-party platform—your story matters, and you absolutely can do this yourself (18:44).Mistake 2: Delaying your credentialing process because it feels intimidating. The longer you wait, the longer you’re dependent—and platforms will not advocate solely for your financial well-being (15:47).Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBuilt to Run Course — Step-by-step foundation for building a practice that fits your real life.One-on-One Strategy Sessions — Personalized coaching to map your route to practice independence.DM me on Instagram @raisedempower — Let’s connect and talk about where you are in your journey!Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking💻 This ...
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    30 分
  • Ep 154: What a Successful Private Practice Actually Looks Like

    Ep 154: What a Successful Private Practice Actually Looks Like
    2026/05/25
    Building a Sustainable (and Yes, “Boring”) Private Practice as a Therapist MomThis episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is a candid, empowering invitation for every therapist mom who’s tired of chasing a wildly ambitious practice that doesn’t fit her life. If you’ve been worn down by comparison, overwhelmed by hustle-culture advice, or questioning whether your practice “should” look bigger, shinier, or more “successful,” you’ll feel seen here.As someone who’s navigated cross-country moves for my husband’s Coast Guard career, rebuilt my practice after maternity leaves, and supported hundreds of therapists in building careers that actually work for their real lives, I know firsthand how vital it is to honor your capacity and redefine what true success looks like.Let’s get honest about what you actually want from your practice, and why a sustainable, even “boring,” business might be your best bet for autonomy, well-being, and genuine satisfaction.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Chasing the Instagram-Worthy Practice Isn’t Always Your Path to Joy:Validation for those feelings of comparison and overwhelm, and why pushing for a flashy practice isn’t always the answer.How to Design a Sustainable, Fulfilling “Boring” Practice:Strategies for caseload, scheduling, and boundaries that protect your real life—not just your ambitions.What True Sustainability Looks Like in Private Practice:Clear ways to identify if you’re building for someone else’s metrics, and how to come home to what you actually want.Episode Timestamps00:00: Naming the reality—juggling private practice and motherhood isn’t all flawless Instagram graphics and meteoric growth02:09: The overlooked value (and beauty!) of a “boring” private practice tailored to your life04:27: Why my own private practice journey was shaped by military moves, motherhood, and honoring capacity06:33: Debunking the hustle: sustainable practice is not the same as “settling”08:17: The hidden cost of chasing online “success”—and a reframe about what matters most10:34: The real math of caseload, fees, and how to work within your actual bandwidth12:43: How to stop defaulting to someone else’s calendar and design your own schedule15:26: Two crucial reflection questions for aligning your practice with your own values—not the highlight reelTop Takeaways on Building a Boring (Sustainable!) Private Practice1. The Case for a “Boring” Practice: Why Slow and Sustainable WinsLet’s break this down: It’s so easy to be seduced by the online images of six-figure months, group practice launches, and endless growth. But for many therapist moms—including me—those models were built under very different circumstances, often with significant support systems or resources.What actually matters is building a practice that honors your energy, family obligations, and mental health—even if it isn’t flashy. “Boring” can mean a calendar that works for school pick-ups, a caseload that lets you show up fully and have gas left in the tank for your kids, and boundaries that shield you from burnout. I’ve rebuilt after baby, after moves, and after periods of upheaval—and guess what? A predictable, stable practice is freedom.2. The Math Actually Matters: Caseloads, Fees, and CapacityHere’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:Step 1: Get radically honest about your weekly capacity for clients—most thriving practices for moms exist in the 10–18 clients per week range, not 40.Step 2: Calculate the fee you need to meet your financial goals while keeping your caseload sustainable. This isn’t greedy; it’s good math and healthy boundaries.Step 3 (Pro tip): Don’t be afraid to revisit or raise your fees thoughtfully as your circumstances change, and get honest about what financial stability means for YOUR family.3. Boundaries and Scheduling: Make Your Calendar Work for YouWe all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do when designing your schedule:Mistake 1: Sliding into default evening or weekend appointments because “that’s just what clients want.”Mistake 2: Accepting every new client without regard for your own rhythms, energy, or commitments.Instead, design your calendar intentionally around your real-life obligations—even if it means saying no to some opportunities. Protecting your afternoons, having “light days,” and putting a hard stop on your workday isn’t just allowed—it’s crucial for your health and sustainability.Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking💻 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and ...
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