Expanding Reach and Quality Online with Melissa

Melissa provides therapy helping ambitious women in St. George, UT manage depression, overcome anxiety and heal from trauma. She also offers a prenatal/postpartum counseling.

How are you pivoting or supporting your community during Covid-19?: I have transitioned 90% of my clients to telehealth using a web-based service. I'm also focusing my attention on creating media (e.g. blogs, infographics, tools, etc.) that serve my community — whether they are clients or not.

Your experience with Bootcamp in one sentence: Amazing, instant support has made all the difference in connecting the dots.

How were you feeling before you signed up for Bootcamp?: Before Bootcamp I felt lucky to be getting clients. I didn't know where they were coming from or how many I would have. I was confident in my choice to be a solo practitioner but knew I was missing the mark on my marketing and maintaining a full caseload. I was about to go on maternity leave and wanted to come back feeling more confident about how I was running my business.

What did your private practice look like before Bootcamp started?: Before Bootcamp started, I was seeing 9-12 clients a week, which felt a long way from my goal of 15. My rates were lower ($105), and I sense that I was outgrowing my office rental.

How do you feel after Business School Bootcamp for Therapists?: I am so much more confident. Even though my practice is still growing (success doesn't happen over night), I know I am supported. I have the support of an accountability buddy. I have a plan, twice a year, for working ON my business for major overhauls. And I have a vision for what is possible in my future.

How have your private practice and life changed after Bootcamp (processes, clinically, work-life balance, financially)?: My practice has changed a lot since Bootcamp started. I am in a new office space which I can happily call my forever home. My rate is up ($135), and I am fearless about announcing it. I am seeing clients that genuinely excite me and put a smile on my face because they are a great fit. And I'm feeling more confident in my marketing message and the energy I'm putting out into the world.

What would you say to someone else who is on the fence about joining Business School Bootcamp for Therapists?: I would tell anyone to sign up for Bootcamp. You would tell them that they will get out of it what they put in. Kelly and Miranda take their commitments seriously and follow through on their promise of responsiveness, individualized feedback, and community.

What do you wish you had known about private practice before you started?: That it's okay to struggle with the business side of things. That there is a learning curve. That systems develop over time. And that it's okay to think outside of the box when it comes to marketing and following your passion.