Heard Business School

Fostering a successful private practice while navigating academia, sports psychology, and representation in the therapy field can be daunting—but Dr. Lawrence Jackson has done just that. As a licensed therapist and mental performance coach, Dr. Jackson has worked with athletes transitioning out of professional sports while also focusing on elevating diverse voices in therapy. In this episode, Dr....

To truly connect with clients, therapists must embrace authenticity, cultural awareness, and personal identity. On top of that, there needs to be a deeper understanding of how our backgrounds and identities shape our practice. Michelle Vo , a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and advocate for mental health, emphasizes the importance of sharing personal narratives in fostering genuine connections. In...

Creating an excellent therapist profile is more than just credentials. It’s about fostering one that truly resonates with clients in the hopes of building trust and meaningful connections. In this episode, CEO of Mental Health Match , Ryan Schwartz joins host Michael Fulwiler to share his insights on crafting therapist profiles that instill hope and foster genuine client relationships. Ryan discus...

Starting a private therapy practice in New York City is no small feat. Growing it into a thriving business? That’s a whole different challenge. In this episode, therapist and content creator Lauren Larkin sits down with host Michael Fulwiler to share her journey of building a successful practice in one of the most competitive cities in the world. From navigating a saturated market to going viral o...

Building a successful and inclusive therapy practice comes with its own set of challenges.  Therapist and consultant Kenya Crawford, LMHC has created a model for doing just that. By centering the needs of Black queer individuals and developing an anti-oppressive pricing structure, Kenya has built a practice that prioritizes accessibility and authentic healing. In this episode, Kenya joins host Mic...

Building a therapy business isn’t an easy task. But creating one as a neurodivergent therapist? Even harder. Dr. Amy Marschall , a licensed psychologist and private practice owner of RMH-Therapy , shares her experience with host Michael Fulwiler , on how she found her own personal secret sauce to building additional income streams, including providing assessments and evaluations.  In detailing her...

As therapists, understanding and managing the financial side of your practice is crucial.  But that doesn't mean it has to be complicated. Andrea Rotondo , a bookkeeping expert for therapy practice owners at Liquid Cents Bookkeeping , recognized the need for clear and accessible financial guidance in the mental health field. Andrea shares her insights with host Michael Fulwiler, discussing the imp...

Referrals are the lifeblood of any successful therapy practice. Yet many therapists struggle to build a consistent and sustainable referral network. Dr. Brian Dixon is a triple board-certified psychiatrist, therapist, and entrepreneur passionate about patient care and systemic change. In this episode, Dr. Dixon joins host Michael Fulwiler to discuss the structural issues of the healthcare system,...

There needs to be accountability for low pay, burnout, and blaming of therapists. And for long-term sustainability in the field, we need to set boundaries and realistic expectations. Tracy Vadakumchery, LMHC , also known as “The Bad Indian Therapist,” is known for her bold approach to therapy and systemic change. In this episode, host Michael Fulwiler and Tracy unpack why therapy is political. She...

Starting a therapy practice comes with its own set of challenges. Expanding from a solo to a group practice adds a whole new layer of complexity. Dr. Jennifer Contarino Panning , founder of Mindful Psychology Associates , shares her experience with host Michael Fulwiler , detailing her journey from a newly licensed clinical psychologist to the owner of a thriving group practice in Evanston, Illino...

A lot of therapists are told to “niche down” but aren’t told exactly what that means or how to do it. And without a well-defined niche, your practice will struggle, if not sink. Allison Puryear is a licensed clinical social worker based in North Carolina and an inspiring mentor to therapists through her transformative program, Abundance Practice Building .  In this Office Hours episode with host M...

Therapy hasn’t historically been accessible to everyone. And by “everyone,” we mean those from different backgrounds, communities, and cultures. Dr. Ayanna Abrams, licensed clinical psychologist and founder and executive director of Ascension Behavioral Health, identified a need in her community and took action. In her conversation with host Michael Fulwiler, Dr. Abrams shares her journey starting...

Representation matters, especially in men’s mental health. Dr. Justin K. Dodson, a licensed professional counselor based in Memphis who specializes in adult men’s mental health, knows this as well as anyone.  As the first Black male to obtain a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Memphis, he’s paving his own path as an entrepreneur.  In this conversation with host Mic...

Starting a private practice can be tough, both emotionally and financially.  Dr. Marie Fang is a private practice owner and host of the popular YouTube channel, Private Practice Skills. She has lived the entrepreneurial journey from struggling to get clients to building a successful practice while also being a content creator. In this conversation with host Michael Fulwiler, Dr. Fang shares her ex...

Many therapists struggle with the complexities of managing their private practice, especially when it comes to financial planning, but understanding these elements is essential. Enter Ryan DeRousseau, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ specializing in the unique needs of therapists and small business owners.  In this Office Hours episode, host Michael Fulwiler jumps into key topics with Ryan, from the...

Sometimes, taking the next step is all you need to expand your therapy practice in ways you never imagined. Dr. Racine Henry, a marriage and family therapist, has not only built a thriving private practice but also developed innovative approaches to her work with couples, such as her Integrative Culinary Therapy, or ICT.  She shares her rich experience from starting Sankofa Marriage Family Therapy...

Having a bad experience with an employer may feel terrible at the time, but it can fuel a fire to create something amazing.  Elizabeth Earnshaw, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Gottman Therapist, did just that by launching and expanding her group practice, A Better Life Therapy, to six locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Elizabeth speaks with host Michael Fulwiler...

With the rise of social media, many therapists are elevating their online presence.  This is undoubtedly true for Jeff Guenther, better known as @TherapyJeff on TikTok and Instagram where he’s built an audience of more than 4 million followers. Jeff, a licensed therapist, author, podcast host, and private practice owner based in Portland, OR, has founded multiple companies, including TherapyDen, a...

Quarterly taxes do not have to be overwhelming. In this first Office Hours episode of Heard Business School, host Michael Fulwiler sits down with Heard co-founder and CEO, Andrew Risen, to give you a masterclass in paying your quarterly taxes as a therapy practice business owner.  Andrew breaks down the essentials of keeping your financial house in order, from understanding the deadlines and penal...

Inconsistencies in service, financial instability, management difficulties, and burnout are all issues that can affect a group therapy practice.  But what if the practice was built with not only the therapist in mind but also a mission to meet an unmet need in the community? That’s exactly why Lisa Savage started her group practice almost 20 years ago, now the country's largest Black-owned therapy...

Oftentimes, therapists have their sights set on private practice after grad school. But what about going beyond the 1:1 therapy sessions as a business opportunity? Dr. Alex Auerbach is a powerhouse in sports psychology. He has experience at both the college level with the University of Arizona and the professional level with the Toronto Raptors. He’s a seasoned entrepreneurial therapist who owns m...

Therapists are uniquely equipped for business because they value authenticity and relationships, which are foundational to both effective therapy and successful businesses.  Dr. Melvin Varghese has a tremendous passion for not only his psychology practice but also helping other therapists build their own business through different streams of incomes, specifically podcasting. Dr. Varghese is an exp...

A show for therapists building their own businesses. Every therapy session holds a story, and every client brings a journey.  But behind the scenes is a tale of entrepreneurship, where therapists navigate the winding road of building their own business. This is Heard Business School, hosted by Michael Fulwiler, where we sit down with private practice owners and industry experts to learn about the...