Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

The Waitlist Dilemma: Are Waitlists Helping Or Hurting Your Clients And You?

Let’s talk about waitlists. With the volume of those in need of counseling increasing, it is more likely than not that you’ll run into this issue as you build your practice.

The surge in the demand for mental health services has seemingly collided with the problem of having too many people and not enough room.

However, there’s controversy about waitlists...

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

My Favorite Practice Management Software for Therapists

As a practice owner, it’s rewarding to see the results from all the hard work you put in throughout the year. That’s why I want to share my favorite management software with you. They have completely changed the way I run my practice.

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

Should You Broaden Your Income Sources Outside of Seeing Clients?

Too often we, as humans, want more. We want more clients, a bigger business, and lots and lots of cash. Yes, I’m talking to you, therapists! Just because we help others with their mental perspectives doesn’t mean we shouldn’t shift our own from time to time.

There is a time and a place for everything. Many people are frustrated with growing their practice because they haven’t mastered the structure of what they already have.

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Amy Dover, LMFT Amy Dover, LMFT

10 Costly Mistakes When Starting A Group Practice

There are recurring mistakes that we see when therapists are trying to start a group practice. More often than not, these mistakes are costly, and people do not know how to avoid them.

Let’s take a look at some of these common mistakes:

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

Pastor Burnout & What We Can Do As Therapists

As a pastor’s wife, mental health counselor, and mother to two children (one with special needs), I find myself uniquely positioned to speak into the challenges ministry leaders face. While not a full-time official ministry leader myself, I find my work is related as I serve clients and am a source of help to those around me. While my path is different, I can deeply empathize with the unique demands of those in ministry.

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

What Does It Mean To Be A Christian Practice?

Oftentimes in our Christian practice, we wonder, “Am I honoring God?” In an industry where we encounter all types of people from all types of backgrounds associated with all types of religions, it’s easy to find ourselves reflecting on each aspect of our business with this question in mind.

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

How to Price Speaking Engagements as a Therapist or Professional

Public speaking can be an exciting way to share your expertise, but it also requires a thoughtful approach to pricing and leveraging your time effectively. As a therapist or professional, ensuring you’re compensated fairly while maximizing the opportunity to grow your network is key.

Here are some strategies for determining your fees, balancing pro bono opportunities, and involving others to elevate your speaking engagements.

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

Navigating Post-Election Tensions as a Christian Therapist and Practice Owner

My eyes were open this week talking to another practice owner. During our consultation call, he explains that he has seen the whole gamut of political views with his clients. He heard the fears of those on the far right, those on the left, and those in the middle. Yet, I had assumed only those who lost the election were feeling unheard and afraid, yet through an open conversation, I heard the opposite to be true...read more in today's blog

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

The Power of Listening: How Embracing Diverse Ideas

Last week while sitting in the a staff meeting, an employee made a suggestion that I quite frankly thought was bad. But instead of rolling my eyes and having a Clueless "as if" moment, I listened. In the realm of leadership, one of the most crucial yet often overlooked skills is the ability to listen. This means not just hearing what others say, but truly considering their ideas—even when those ideas challenge your own. It can be uncomfortable to entertain thoughts that diverge from your vision, but the rewards of doing so can be substantial…

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

Growing Caseloads by Networking with Schools in 2024

Every year my practice networks with local schools. Networking with school counselors as a private practice is great for several reasons. For one, it's a symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties. School counselors are pivotal in identifying students who may require specialized therapeutic support, thereby acting as a vital source of referrals for private practitioners. Secondly, collaborating with school counselors enhances your professional reputation within the educational community, establishing your practice as a reliable and credible resource for addressing students' emotional needs. 

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

Finding Refuge in Community After Hurricane Helene: A Collective Resilience

The winds of Hurricane Helene have passed, leaving behind a landscape marked by both devastation and a newfound sense of community. As we navigate the aftermath of the storm, one thing becomes clear: in the wake of destruction, the power of community shines brighter than ever. The collective resilience that emerges in times of crisis not only helps us recover but also strengthens the bonds that unite us. Here’s how communities can come together in the wake of Hurricane Helene to rebuild, support, and heal.

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

Does Faith Belong in Business Consulting?

Nowadays, it’s hard enough to talk about our faith without also bringing it into the world of business consulting. However, in the realm of business consulting, various approaches and philosophies shape how consultants interact with private practices. Two notable approaches are faith-based business consulting and traditional business consulting. Each offers distinct perspectives and methods, and understanding their differences can help private practice owners choose the right path for their needs. Here’s a comparative look at faith-based business consulting versus traditional business consulting.

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

Choosing Between Insurance and Private Pay for Your Private Practice: What You Need to Know

When starting a private practice, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether to accept insurance or operate on a private pay basis. This is a crucial decision with many factors to consider, and it’s perfectly okay to make adjustments as you go along. Remember, you don’t have to get everything perfect from the start. Sometimes, you might need to change your approach as the needs of your practice and clients evolve. Here are some key considerations to help guide your decision.

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

Overcoming Challenges: Faith-Based Counseling in a Secular World

I don't know about you, but there are times when it can feel uncomfortable to talk about my faith. This is also true for applying my faith to therapy. It seems like more and more clients have preconceived negative notions about faith-based counseling. These beliefs often stem from past trauma inflicted upon them by a religious person or group. It can be hard to navigate these situations, and today I would like to discuss how I do so in my own practice.

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

Navigating Severe Weather: Why Every Business Needs a Storm Policy

Serious weather is never fun, especially for business owners. It creates problems such as rescheduling clients, changing how we do sessions, loss of revenue, and managing a team on the process and how to stay safe. The larger you grow, either with your caseload or team members, storms become more complex situations.Living in Savannah, I have become used to this process. In fact, we are getting close to a wash, rinse, and repeat situation at the group practice. We have a severe weather policy in place so that everyone knows how we handle severe storms.You maybe wondering what is in our policy.

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

Finding and Hiring the Right Therapists for Your Practice

Hiring is tough. This week in our membership community, several therapists have mentioned their struggles with hiring and found the support (and advice) of the virtual group helpful. Therefore, today I want to discuss ways to find the right therapist for your practice.

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

Launching Your Private Practice: Tools For Success

Are you a skilled therapist eager to break free from the constraints of taxing agency life and venture into the world of private practice? Starting your own practice can be an exhilarating journey, but it requires careful planning and execution. Contrary to popular belief, it's entirely feasible to kickstart your private practice in just a week with the right strategy and dedication. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to launch your private practice.

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

Private Practice Owner’s Guide to Getting Over the Summer Slump

This summer, I've noticed a heightened sense of concern among practice owners regarding reduced caseloads compared to previous years. Can you relate? Are you feeling apprehensive about the future due to the summer slump?

As a therapist, navigating through periods of lower caseloads, especially during the summer, can be challenging. The shift in seasons often brings about fluctuations in client attendance and engagement, which can impact both your practice's financial stability and your own professional morale. However, with the right strategies and mindset, you can not only survive but also thrive during these quieter months.

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

When to Start My Own Practice

Knowing when to start your own private practice is no easy decision. Working at a school, group practice or other agency while also starting and growing your own practice brings a multitude of challenges and questions as you decide the best time to take the leap into full time private practice.

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Whitney Owens Whitney Owens

When is a good time to get more office space

As a therapist, establishing a thriving group practice is often a significant milestone in your career. It signifies growth, success, and the ability to reach and help more individuals in need. However, with growth comes the need for expansion, and one crucial aspect of expansion is acquiring more office space. Knowing when it's the right time to make this move is essential for maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of your practice. Here are several key indicators that suggest it might be time to consider getting more office space for your group practice:

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