Private Practice Elevation with Daniel Fava

In this episode, Daniel Fava addresses a common concern many therapists have—technology.  It's no secret that a lot of therapists shy away from new digital tools, whether it’s due to fear of change, lack of time to learn, or simply feeling like technology doesn’t fit into their practice. But what if embracing tech could make therapy more efficient, engaging, and accessible?  Daniel chats with Amity Cooper to explore this, who shares her insights on how therapists can leverage technology like AI and virtual reality to enhance their work and improve client care.  Amity is a professional counselor with a diverse background in business and mental health. Holding dual master's degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Conflict Resolutions, she has traversed a career path from marketing and product development to the mental health field. Her entrepreneurial background has not only given her a fresh perspective on therapy but also led her to coin the term "Therapreneur," which describes therapists who embrace both clinical work and entrepreneurship. Throughout the episode, Amity shares how therapists can benefit from thinking like business owners while still delivering high-quality care to clients. She believes that combining therapeutic expertise with smart business practices can help therapists run thriving, sustainable practices. But the conversation doesn't stop there! Amity and Daniel dive into some cutting-edge topics like AI (artificial intelligence) and VR (virtual reality) and how these technologies are starting to transform the therapy space.  While technology can feel intimidating to some, Amity encourages therapists to push past their fears and embrace the future. Whether it's using AI-powered chatbots or note-taking tools that simplify admin work or introducing clients to VR experiences that create immersive therapeutic environments, there's a lot of potential for these tools to elevate therapy practices. This conversation will help you shift your mindset and see how integrating these tools can empower both you and your practice.   Key Takeaways: Innovation in Therapy: Amity Cooper wants therapists to think beyond the therapy room and adopt a "Therapreneur" mindset. By blending therapy skills with business know-how, therapists can build successful and innovative practices. AI as a Co-Pilot: AI isn't something to be afraid of! Amity talks about tools like ChatGPT and Decipher AI, which can help therapists manage their workload by automating tasks like writing, engaging with clients, and even creating content for blogs or social media. This frees up time for therapists to focus on what matters most—helping clients. The Power of VR: Imagine being able to take your clients into a fully immersive environment where they can safely confront their fears or practice new skills in a controlled space. That's the power of virtual reality in therapy, and it's opening up new possibilities for enhancing client experiences. Bridging the Tech Gap: The mental health industry has been slow to adopt new technologies, and Amity believes it's crucial to close that gap. By staying current with tech advances, therapists can improve their services and meet clients' evolving needs. Empowering the Profession: One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that therapists should be part of the technological revolution in mental health. If clinicians don’t embrace these changes, there’s a risk that tech companies might take the lead and leave therapists out of the equation. Amity’s message is clear—therapists need to be involved in shaping the future of their field.   Links mentioned in this episode: Clinical Career Collective Website Do This First Bootcamp Clinical Career Collective on Facebook Connect with Amity on LinkedIn Amelia by XRhealth  

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, we delve into the significant recent changes in the SEO landscape due to Google's latest core update.    If you've relied heavily on optimizing for specific keywords or building backlinks, sorry, but it's time to reevaluate your strategy. Google's new focus pivots towards content that is genuinely useful, relevant, and expertly crafted to serve users' needs.   Understanding these shifts is crucial for private practice owners aiming to maintain or improve their website rankings.    Daniel provides an in-depth look at how these updates could affect your SEO efforts and offers expert advice on adapting to these changes.    By emphasizing the importance of creating high-quality, relevant content and a seamless user experience, he guides listeners through what it takes to stay ahead in the evolving SEO game. Key Takeaways: Relevance Over Keywords: Google's algorithm now prioritizes understanding the user's intent and providing relevant answers over just matching keywords. Helpful Content: Your website content must come from a place of authority and offer genuine solutions to users' problems to be considered valuable. User Experience: How fast your site loads and how easily users can navigate it play a critical role in maintaining good SEO rankings. AI Content: While AI-generated content is acceptable, it must be thoroughly fact-checked and enhanced with your expertise to be effective. Adapting to Changes: Regularly reviewing and updating your content to ensure it remains relevant and valuable is crucial for dealing with fluctuations in SEO rankings. Links mentioned in this episode: 148. What Therapists Need to Know About AI w/ Rebekah Hudson How Does Google’s Helpful Content Update Impact SEO? - Neil Patel article  

In this episode of The Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Daniel breaks down an important but often overlooked topic: why you should register your domain separately from your website builder. First, he explains the difference between a domain and web hosting in easy-to-understand terms.  Think of your domain like the address of your practice online, while your web hosting is like the actual building where everything is stored.  Keeping your domain registration separate from your website builder (like Squarespace or Wix) is a smart move, giving you more control over your online presence. Daniel shares why using a dedicated domain registrar, like GoDaddy or Namecheap, is better than bundling everything with your website platform.  The biggest reasons? You’ll have more flexibility to switch platforms when your practice grows or changes, and you’ll get better security and support along the way. He also shares a real-life story about a client who ran into big problems when they needed to move their domain. Their website and email went offline for days because they had everything tied to their website builder. This could have been avoided with a simple change. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clear plan for how to set up your domain and website the right way, helping your private practice run smoothly from the start. Key Takeaways: Register your domain separately from your website builder to stay in control. It’s easier to switch platforms, like moving from Squarespace to WordPress, when you use an independent domain registrar. Don’t use your business email to set up your domain accounts. It’s better to use a personal email so you can always access it. Companies like GoDaddy and Namecheap offer better security and support than bundling with website platforms. Real-life examples show the problems that can happen if you don't separate your domain and website accounts. Links mentioned in this episode: My Best Practice (EHR platform): privatepracticeelevation.com/mbpractice  (with free 3 months offer) Private Practice Elevation Kickoff Call (Clarity Call for website or SEO help): privatepracticeelevation.com/kickoff

In today’s fast-paced world, therapists often find themselves juggling various systems for billing, progress notes, treatment planning, and administrative tasks.    This inefficiency can lead to burnout and suboptimal care.    In this episode, Ryan Fuller, co-founder of My Best Practice, discusses these challenges and how their electronic health record (EHR) system addresses them.  Ryan shares his journey from juggling multiple systems for clinical work, research, and administrative tasks to creating a seamless, integrated solution for mental health professionals.  We discuss the challenges faced by therapists and the significant improvements My Best Practice brings to clinical practice, administration, and research. Ryan explains the early stages of developing My Best Practice, outlining the key functionalities they aimed to address—clinical documentation, research integration, and business administration.  The discussion moves to the onboarding process, emphasizing the platform's user-friendly migration services, which make it easy for practices to switch from other popular EHR systems like Simple Practice.  As the conversation progresses, Ryan touches on future advancements, including AI-driven progress notes, and why user feedback is crucial in shaping these features. If you’re curious about what thought, planning, and ideas go into creating an EHR platform, and how it can help you streamline your private practice, listen up! Key Takeaways: Unified EHR System: My Best Practice integrates clinical, research, and administrative functionalities into one seamless platform. White Glove Migration Service: The platform offers an extensive and supportive migration process to help practices switch EHR systems smoothly. Evidence-Based Focus: Developed with a strong emphasis on evidence-based care, the system supports therapists in delivering high-quality treatment. AI-Driven Progress Notes: Upcoming features include AI-generated progress notes designed to save therapists significant time while maintaining data security. User-Centered Development: My Best Practice continually evolves based on user feedback to enhance functionality and ease of use. Links mentioned in this episode: Get 3 months free of My Best Practice Survey About Using AI in Therapy Practice

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Daniel Fava welcomes Nate Hendrikse, founder of Navigator Bookkeeping, to discuss the journey of scaling a private practice from a financial perspective.  Nate shares his background as a former teacher and how his passion for personal finance led him to start his own bookkeeping business.  With an empathetic understanding of the struggles private practice owners face, Nate breaks down key strategies for understanding and improving their financial stories. Nate delves into the importance of having a clear financial story and how it can alleviate stress and confusion for practice owners.  He emphasizes the need for tracking essential metrics and creating a dashboard to maintain a comprehensive view of the business's financial health.  As therapy practices grow, Nate highlights the challenges of optimizing clinician pay structures and provides practical tools and tips to ensure that practices remain profitable and sustainable.  Knowing some of the blind spots and things to avoid can help therapists step confidently into scaling their business and growing their team. If you own or manage a private practice and are looking to scale effectively, this episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice from Nate Hendrikse. Key Takeaways: Understanding Your Financial Story: Learn how to identify and interpret the trends in your practice's financial data to make informed decisions. The Importance of Data: Utilizing financial reports and dashboards can help track essential metrics and uncover financial blind spots. Optimizing Clinician Pay Structures: Discover strategies for creating fair and profitable pay structures for clinicians to ensure sustainability as your practice grows. Creating a Financial Dashboard: Simple yet effective ways to track financial health metrics to keep your business on course. Navigating Growth Challenges: Practical advice on managing the nuances and complexities that come with scaling a private practice. Links mentioned in this episode: Navigator Bookkeeping Website Clinician Profitability Tool  Nate’s LinkedIn Navigator Bookkeeping YouTube Channel

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, Daniel Fava sits down with Michael J. Silva to discuss strategies for building a successful private practice without heavily relying on low-paying insurance contracts.    Silva shares his journey from experiencing early career burnout in corporate healthcare to establishing a flourishing cash-based sports medicine practice.    Alongside offering practical advice for navigating the transition to a cash-based model, Silva highlights the importance of finding your niche and over-delivering value to clients.   Michael details his process of identifying and eliminating unprofitable insurance contracts, emphasizing the importance of knowing your numbers.    By focusing on a motivated and health-conscious clientele, Silva and his team were able to build a thriving practice with a low cancellation rate and highly satisfied clients.    Silva’s insights provide valuable lessons for mental health therapists, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers aiming to enhance their business models and client relationships.    For those interested in scaling their practices successfully, this episode serves as an excellent resource. Key Takeaways: Identify and Focus on Your Niche: Michael emphasizes the importance of targeting a specific, motivated clientele to reduce cancellations and increase job satisfaction. Know Your Numbers: Understanding the costs of running your practice versus what you get reimbursed by insurance companies is crucial for financial health. Build a Superior Client Experience: Over-deliver on value and create an exceptional customer experience to retain clients and build a strong reputation. Gradually Transition Away from Low-Paying Contracts: Start by weeding out the least profitable insurance plans while ensuring you provide referrals for clients you can no longer serve. Leverage Community Roots and Network: Utilize your local connections and provide content that positions you as an expert in your specific niche to attract cash-paying clients. Links mentioned in this episode: https://michaeljsilva.com   

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, host Daniel Fava sits down with Dr. Elisabeth Morray to delve into the critical topic of niching in therapy.  As they discuss the journey from being a generalist to identifying and embracing a niche, Elisabeth provides actionable insights for private practice owners looking to grow their businesses authentically.  They explore the balance between general practice and specialization, how continuing education plays a critical role, and the fear of potentially losing clients by narrowing one’s focus. Throughout the conversation, Elisabeth shares her career journey, from her early focus on eating disorders and women's health to her current roles at Alma and her private practice.  This episode is packed with website ideas and insights related to niching down in therapy, the importance of finding a niche that resonates deeply with one's values, and how to market authentically.  By highlighting real-world applications and personal experiences, Daniel and Elisabeth offer valuable guidance for therapists looking to elevate their practice. Key Takeaways: The Power of Continuing Education: Investing time in ongoing learning, both in familiar areas and new fields, can bridge the gap between interest and expertise. Importance of Community: Building a network of professionals with shared interests can expand perspectives and provide support. Balance Between Personal and Professional: Utilizing one's lived experiences and personal journey can deeply enhance professional practice and authenticity. Flexibility in Niching: Adopting a niche doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach—therapists can pivot and evolve based on their experiences and seasons of their life. Authentic Marketing: Sharing relatable, educational content on your website can resonate more with potential clients and help normalize their experiences. Links mentioned in this episode: Alma Website Elisabeth’s LinkedIn Profile  

In this episode of The Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Daniel Fava chats with David Frank, founder of Turning Point Financial Planning, about the intricate relationship between money and psychology.    Both professionals share their journeys, showing how their careers transitioned towards serving the mental health community.   David provides insights into his role in assisting therapists with their financial planning, covering both personal finance and business structures.   Throughout the episode, David Frank delves into the psychology of money and common mindsets that arise for business owners, particularly therapists.    He explains how deep-seated beliefs and patterns from childhood influence financial behaviors and decisions. David also discusses the crucial role of conversation and speaking with trusted individuals in overcoming financial shame and anxiety. The importance of community, having professionals like financial planners on your team, and maintaining a stance of curiosity and non-judgment about financial matters are emphasized.    The episode wraps up with actionable advice for therapists and business owners on managing their financial lives more effectively and with greater insight.   Key Takeaways: Influence of Childhood on Money Mindset: Childhood experiences significantly shape financial behaviors and attitudes. Awareness and exploration of these can help in overcoming financial blocks. The Role of Community and Conversation: Sharing financial concerns with trusted individuals or professionals can alleviate shame and provide new perspectives, reducing anxiety. Curiosity and Non-Judgment: Adopting a curious, non-judgmental approach to financial issues can foster better understanding and more effective decision-making. Investing and Patience: Success in investing often requires patience and the ability to endure market fluctuations without reactive decision-making. Financial Planning for Therapists: Tailored financial planning services can bridge the gap between personal and professional finances, providing clarity and reducing stress for therapists.   Links mentioned in this episode: Turning Point Financial Life Planning  

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, host Daniel Fava dives deep into the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, helping private practice owners make informed decisions about their website platforms.    Daniel seeks to remove the confusion that many people face when choosing between these two WordPress platforms.   In fact, some don’t even know that WordPress has TWO options for building a website with their platform.   But there are, and many folks get confused or choose the wrong platform when building their first website for their private practice.   In this episode, Daniel demystifies WordPress by breaking down the four main differences between Wordpress.com and Wordpress.org: ownership and control, cost, customization and flexibility, and maintenance and security.    Each aspect is crucial for private practice owners to consider as they plan their online presence.    With insightful comparisons and real-world examples, he guides listeners through the complexities of WordPress choices, making the decision clearer and more strategic for long-term practice growth.   Key Takeaways: Ownership and Control: WordPress.org offers full control over customization, themes, and plugins, while WordPress.com provides a more managed but restrictive environment. Cost Considerations: WordPress.org requires paying for hosting and domain services, whereas WordPress.com uses a tiered pricing model with different levels of functionality. Customization and Flexibility: WordPress.org allows unlimited customization, making it ideal for growing practices, while WordPress.com is limited to predefined themes and plugins. Maintenance and Security: WordPress.org demands active management of updates and security, but offers complete control, while WordPress.com handles this for you in exchange for reduced flexibility. Future Proofing Your Practice: Starting with WordPress.org provides room for growth and prevents the need for future platform shifts, making it a robust option for long-term private practice elevation.   Links mentioned in this episode: Article: What’s the Difference Between WordPress.com & WordPress.org? Episode 131. Secure, Reliable, and Fast: The Benefits of Managed WordPress Hosting for Your Private Practice Website Our WordPress Care Plans & Hosting Get started with our services by scheduling a call  

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, your host, Daniel Fava, dives deep into the simple essence of content marketing plans tailored for private practice growth.    In the ever-evolving landscape of private practice, engaging with and attracting clients goes beyond face-to-face therapy sessions.    An integral part of this modern approach to building a successful practice lies in a solid content marketing strategy. This means that you’re consistently publishing and sharing new content on your website.   But content marketing is not just about producing content; it's about creating a strategic roadmap to reach and engage with your target audience effectively.    Daniel breaks down the concept into an easily digestible 3-step plan, showcasing the importance of having a structured approach to increase website traffic and highlight your services.   Daniel underscores the key reasons for adopting a content marketing plan, emphasizing trust-building, client education, attracting the right clientele, maintaining connection with current clients, and distinguishing oneself from competitors.    Later, he provides a simplified, yet potent three-step strategy Key Takeaways: Content is Key: A substantial content marketing plan cultivates trust, educates potential clients, attracts the right fit, keeps you connected with clients, and sets you apart from the competition. Three-Step Approach: Daniel lays out an approach starting with creating detailed service pages, supporting them with targeted blog posts, and then sharing the content across social media and Google Business profiles. Simple Execution: Daniel simplifies the concept of content marketing and suggests using a Google Sheet for blog post ideas, ensuring consistency in execution. SEO Focused: Emphasizing the importance of SEO, the content should be geared towards showcasing expertise in specific service areas. Commitment to Clients: A content marketing plan should resonate with your dedication to your clients by clearly communicating services and providing valuable information.   Links mentioned in this episode: Schedule a Free Clarity Call today