Private Practice Blog for Therapists
Hundreds of articles on building, growing, and sustaining your private practice — written by therapists, for therapists. Not recycled generic business advice.
Therapy Transcripts Are Being Subpoenaed in Court: What Every Therapist Needs to Know
A woman's private therapy messages, typed to her therapist through an app, were subpoenaed and used against her in court by her former employer. It is not a hypothetical, and it is not only a Talkspace problem. Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer break down the Kamrass v. AdventHealth case, why therapist-client privilege does not protect what you think it does, why "HIPAA compliant" is more marketing than protection, and the concrete steps you can take to guard your clients' data.
SimplePractice Terms and Conditions Changes - What EVERY Therapist (or Client) Should Know
Learn about the major changes to SimplePractice’s terms and conditions + electronic health record alternatives.
5 Steps to Find Out How Many Clients Need You
I was making a presentation to the Seattle Division of the Washington Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and made a statement to the audience: "There are more than enough clients to fill every single practice of all of you- and all of the other private practice therapists in Seattle."
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Therapist Consultant (and the Answers That Should Make You Pause)
A good therapist consultant can change your practice; the wrong one just teaches you an expensive lesson. This is the practical, take-it-to-your-consult-call companion to our main guide: ten questions that surface someone's values, scope, and process, and the answers that should make you pause.
Private Practice Therapist Salary: What a six-figure practice really looks like
How much can you really make in private practice? What’s a therapist’s salary like when they own their own business? Making 6 figures sounds appealing, but what does that really look like?
Private Practice Business Plan for Therapists (Free Templates by Stage)
Most business planning advice doesn't fit therapy. Here's what actually belongs in a private practice business plan, plus a free template and 1-hour training by stage; starting, growing, established, group.
Private Practice Coach for Private Practice: What They Do, Who It’s For, and How to Choose
Not sure what a therapist consultant actually does or whether you need one? This guide breaks down what good consulting looks like at every stage of private practice, from starting out to growing a group, plus what ROI really means and how to spot red flags before you invest.
From Solo Therapist to Seven-Figure Group Practice: What Ginger Wants You to Know
Nobody warns you about the pillow screaming phase. The one where you're talented, trained, and good at what you do, but the environment you're in is slowly grinding you down. That's where Ginger was in 2018. Today she runs a 25-person trauma-focused group practice in Michigan. In this episode of Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories, she sits down with Kelly Higdon to share what the journey actually looked like, including the mistakes, the mindset shifts, and the lessons she wishes she had learned sooner.
Trainings for Therapists: Your Guide to Choosing a Therapist Training Based on Your Stage, Time, and Nervous System
Staring at 47 browser tabs wondering which training to take next? You're not alone. Therapists are trained to reach for more education when we feel uncertain—but sometimes a certification is just the professional version of reorganizing your pantry when your house is on fire. This guide helps you choose your next training based on your actual stage, your real capacity, and what your nervous system can handle—so you stop collecting credentials and start building the sustainable practice you actually want.
What a Costume Designer Can Teach Us About Building a Practice That Doesn't Eat You Alive
Beth Rontal went from burnt-out costume designer to therapist to creating Documentation Wizard. But here's what actually matters from her story: Your documentation backlog is telling you something about your practice. Your body is too. And if you're always pedal to the metal, you're not "dedicated" - you're heading toward burnout. Real talk about what it actually takes to build something sustainable.
Taking Back Your Cake: Mindset Shifts for Therapists Building a Private Practice
Discover strategies for building a sustainable counseling practice in today’s evolving mental health industry. In this episode, Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer break down the impact of venture-backed platforms, the shift in therapist mindsets, the future of insurance, and the power of community-based care. Learn key takeaways on setting fees, protecting your practice, embodying resilience, and navigating a post-pandemic world for therapists. Perfect for private practice owners and mental health professionals seeking clarity and empowerment.
Therapists Are Paying $4K a Month for a Directory?
Therapists are handing over thousands each month to platforms that profit from their labor and client data - and many don’t even realize it.
“BST was the best investment I have made in myself. I went from working 45-50 hours per week to working 25 hrs, doubling my income,” Cyndi
What if this really could change everything?
You don’t have to decide today.
Just get on the interest list and we’ll walk you through what Business School for Therapists is, what it includes, and how it’s helped thousands of therapists get their life (and income) back.